Which of the following is NOT a basis for discrimination under the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act?

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibits discrimination in lending based on several specific characteristics to ensure that all individuals have equal access to credit. These characteristics include race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age, and the applicant's reliance on public assistance.

In this context, religion is not one of the prohibited bases for discrimination under the ECOA. Therefore, selecting the option related to religion as the correct answer highlights an important aspect of the law: it does not include religion among the protected categories.

On the other hand, race, marital status, and color are explicitly mentioned as protected characteristics, meaning lenders cannot discriminate based on these factors when making credit decisions. Understanding the specific protections outlined by the ECOA helps ensure compliance and promotes fair treatment in lending practices.