What is an example of a question prohibited under ECOA for a lender or mortgage loan originator?

Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), lenders and mortgage loan originators are prohibited from asking questions that could lead to discrimination based on protected characteristics. The correct example of a prohibited question involves inquiring about an individual's religious beliefs, as this falls under the category of religion, which is a protected class.

Asking whether someone's religious beliefs allow them to work on weekends targets an aspect of their identity that is not relevant to their creditworthiness or ability to repay a loan. Such questions can create a bias in lending decisions and are therefore not permissible under ECOA guidelines.

The other questions may involve inquiries about personal circumstances, like income or obligations, but they do not directly ask about a protected class characteristic, such as religion. Instead, they focus on financial situations or responsibilities—areas that are relevant to the lending process.