Which of the following does NOT influence lending decisions according to ECOA?

The aspect that does not influence lending decisions according to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) is repayment ability. ECOA is designed to ensure that lending practices do not discriminate against individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, or age.

Repayment ability, on the other hand, is a legitimate consideration for lenders when assessing a borrower’s creditworthiness. Lenders typically evaluate an applicant's financial history, income, debt-to-income ratio, and overall ability to repay a loan. This assessment is crucial for minimizing financial risk and ensuring that loans are granted based on objective criteria rather than discriminatory factors.

In contrast, the other elements listed—race, color, and sex—are all explicitly covered under ECOA as basis for non-discrimination. Lenders must make decisions based on the applicant's financial qualifications rather than their personal characteristics, in line with the principles of fair lending established by the ECOA.