The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating on the basis of martial status -- or race, national origin, religion, sex, age, or because a portion or all of a persons income is derived from public assistance. Creditors may ask about most of this information in specific situations, but they may not use it when deciding whether to issue credit, or for determining the terms of credit. Legally, ability to pay and demonstrated responsibility in pay should be the only criteria that matters. By law, creditors cannot: Inquire about martial status of applicants for individual unsecured credit unless the applicant lives in or is using property as collateral that exists in a community property state Require the use of a married name; they must allow credit to be issued in a person's given name or a combined surname. Terminate your account or require reapplication if you change your name or martial status unless there is evidence that you're unwilling or...