ABA Family Legal Guide

Consumer Credit

Applying for Credit

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act

If my marital status changes, may a credit grantor force me to reapply for credit?

No, a credit grantor may not require you to reapply for credit just because you marry or divorce, or because your spouse has died.

In addition, a credit grantor may not close your account or change its terms for these reasons alone. There must be a change in how worthy of credit you are, such as a decrease in your income. For example, if your spouse dies or you get a divorce, and you had used your spouse's income to get credit, a credit grantor may have you reapply. The credit grantor must allow you to use the account while considering your new application.