Which of the following is a requirement for lenders under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act?

The requirement for lenders under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) is that they may not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This law is designed to ensure that all individuals have equal access to credit without being subject to bias or discriminatory practices. It prohibits lenders from making lending decisions based on any of these protected characteristics, fostering a fair and equitable lending environment.

The other options, while related to lending and credit practices, do not align with the specific requirements set forth by the ECOA. For instance, minimum income requirements and credit score criteria can vary by lender and are part of lending practices but do not fall under the non-discrimination mandate of the ECOA. The requirement to provide a loan estimate within 48 hours pertains more to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and Truth in Lending Act (TILA), rather than the ECOA. Thus, the focus of the ECOA is primarily on preventing discrimination, making the choice related to discrimination the correct response.