Which two characteristics does ECOA protect that are not covered by the Fair Housing Act?

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) specifically addresses certain characteristics to protect individuals from discrimination in credit transactions. Among these, age and marital status are notable aspects that ECOA emphasizes but are not covered by the Fair Housing Act.

Age is significant because it ensures that individuals cannot be denied credit based solely on being perceived as too young or too old, which is critical in lending as age can directly impact a person's financial standing and loan eligibility. Marital status is also protected under ECOA, preventing lenders from using a person's marital situation as a basis to deny them credit, thereby championing equality regardless of whether an individual is single, married, divorced, or widowed.

While the Fair Housing Act covers discrimination based on race, national origin, and additional protected classes, it does not extend its protections to age or marital status with respect to credit transactions. This delineation is crucial for understanding the specific protections afforded under ECOA, making them applicable in lending contexts that the Fair Housing Act does not address directly.