Which of the following is NOT a characteristic that cannot be used for discrimination in lending?

The correct response highlights the specific characteristics that are protected under fair lending laws. Employment income is not a characteristic that is protected from discrimination in lending practices. Lenders are allowed to evaluate a borrower’s employment income as it relates to their ability to repay a loan. This evaluation is crucial for determining creditworthiness and ensuring that a borrower can meet their mortgage obligations.

On the other hand, characteristics such as marital status, race, and nationality are protected under laws like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). These laws specifically prohibit discrimination based on these criteria. Therefore, using any of those protected characteristics to make lending decisions would be illegal and subject to penalties. This distinction is important for understanding fair lending practices and ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws in the mortgage industry.