Which act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, and public assistance?

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) is designed to prevent discrimination in credit transactions. It explicitly prohibits lenders from discriminating against applicants based on various characteristics, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, and whether an applicant receives public assistance. This comprehensive scope ensures that all individuals have equal access to credit and financial services, fostering fair treatment in borrowing practices.

In contrast, the Fair Credit Reporting Act focuses on the accuracy and privacy of information in consumer credit reports. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regulates the actions of debt collectors to protect consumers from abusive practices, while the Fair Credit Billing Act addresses issues related to billing errors in credit accounts. Each of these acts serves a distinct purpose, but the ECOA specifically targets discrimination in lending, making it the appropriate answer to the question.