When may a creditor ask about an applicant's marital status?

The correct answer indicates that a creditor may ask about an applicant's marital status when the applicant is applying for secured credit or resides in a community property state. This is aligned with regulatory guidelines which state that creditors can inquire about marital status in situations where it is relevant to the creditworthiness of the applicant.

When an individual applies for secured credit, such as a mortgage or a car loan, the creditor wants to fully assess the financial responsibilities and obligations of the applicant. In this context, knowing the marital status is crucial, as it may affect the assessment of income, debts, and the overall financial picture. For instance, if a loan is secured by property, the creditor needs to understand who else may have legal claims or responsibilities regarding that property.

In community property states, all debts and assets acquired during the marriage are typically considered jointly owned. Therefore, knowing an applicant's marital status would help the creditor evaluate how marital property laws might influence the credit risk involved in lending to the applicant, ensuring they get a complete financial picture.

This rationale is rooted in understanding both the legal framework surrounding credit and the practicalities of assessing risk when lending money.