According to the ECOA, which of the following factors should lenders not discriminate against?

Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), lenders are prohibited from discriminating against applicants based on certain protected characteristics. These characteristics include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, and age, among others.

Age, in this context, refers to an applicant's right to seek credit regardless of their age, provided they meet legal age requirements to enter a contract. ECOA specifically protects individuals from discrimination that could arise if lenders were to base lending decisions, terms, or conditions purely on an applicant’s age. This protection ensures that older adults and younger individuals are not unfairly judged or denied credit solely because of their age, thus promoting equitable access to credit for all.

In contrast, the other factors like employment history, occupation, and credit score can be legitimate considerations for lenders to assess creditworthiness. Employment history is crucial for evaluating an applicant's ability to repay a loan; occupation can indicate stability and earning potential; and a credit score is a critical factor in determining credit risk. Thus, these factors are not protected under ECOA in the same way that age is, allowing lenders to use them as part of their decision-making process without discrimination.