---
title: What 'Equal Housing Lender' means and how it affects you
description: Equal Housing Lender is a term that is used by financial institutions to indicate that they are in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
image: https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/Blog_fdic_eoc.jpg
---

FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

[![bibank-logo](https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/bibank-logo.svg "bibank-logo")](https://bibank.com/)

[![svgviewer-png-output (11)](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/svgviewer-png-output%20(11).png?width=47&height=31&name=svgviewer-png-output%20(11).png "svgviewer-png-output (11)")](https://bibank.com/)

- Personal
  
  
  
  
  
    - Deposit
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Compare Checking](https://bibankcom/personal/compare-checking)
          - [Independent](https://bibank.com/personal/independent-checking)
          - [Independent Plus](https://bibank.com/personal/independent-plus-checking)
          - [Independent Plus Student](https://bibank.com/personal/independent-plus-student-checking)
          - [Independent Plus Senior](https://bibank.com/personal/independent-plus-senior-checking)
          - [Independent Interest](https://bibank.com/personal/independent-interest-checking)
          - [Value](https://bibank.com/personal/value-checking)
          - [Debit Cards](https://bibank.com/personal/debit-cards)
    - Save
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Compare Savings](https://bibank.com/personal/compare-savings)
          - [Savings](https://bibank.com/personal/savings)
          - [Student Savings](https://bibank.com/personal/student-savings)
          - [Money Market](https://bibank.com/personal/money-market)
          - [Certificates](https://bibank.com/personal/certificates)
          - [IRAS](https://bibank.com/personal/iras)
    - Borrow
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Home Loans](https://bibank.com/personal/home-loans)
          - [Personal Loans](https://bibank.com/personal/loans)
          - [Credit Cards](https://bibank.com/personal/credit-cards)
    - Sync
      
      
      
      
      
          - [ATM Live](https://bibank.com/personal/atm-live)
          - [Mobile Banking](https://bibank.com/personal/mobile-banking)
          - [Mobile Deposit](https://bibank.com/personal/mobile-deposit)
          - [Online Banking](https://bibank.com/personal/online-banking)
- Business
  
  
  
  
  
    - Deposit
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Compare Checking](https://bibank.com/business/compare-checking)
          - [Premier Analysis](https://bibank.com/business/premier-analysis)
          - [Business Interest](https://bibank.com/business/interest)
          - [Small Business](https://bibank.com/business/small-business)
          - [Micro Business](https://bibank.com/business/micro-business)
          - [Non-Profit](https://bibank.com/business/non-profit)
    - Save
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Compare Savings](https://bibank.com/business/compare-savings)
          - [Savings](https://bibank.com/business/savings)
          - [Smart Money Market](https://bibank.com/business/smart-money-market)
          - [Certificates](https://bibank.com/business/certificates)
    - Borrow
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Real Estate](https://bibank.com/business/real-estate)
          - [Business Loans](https://bibank.com/business/loans)
          - [Credit Cards](https://bibank.com/business/credit-cards)
    - Solutions
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Mobile Banking](https://bibank.com/business/mobile-banking)
          - [Online Banking](https://bibank.com/business/online-banking)
          - [Cash Management](https://bibank.com/business/cash-management)
          - [Treasury Solutions](https://bibank.com/business/treasury-solutions)
          - [Merchant Services](https://bibank.com/business/merchant-services)
          - [Meet Our Team](https://bibank.com/business/meet-our-team)
- [Invest](https://bibank.com/invest)
- Resources
  
  
  
  
  
    - Financial Calculators
    - Open an Account
    - Mortgage Application
    - Loan Application
    - FAQ
    - Refer a Friend
- Connect
  
  
  
  
  
    - About Us
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Our Story](https://bibank.com/connect/our-story)
          - [Contact Us](https://bibank.com/contact)
          - [Locations & Hours](https://bibank.com/connect/locations)
    - Community
      
      
      
      
      
          - [Helping Hands Foundation](https://bibank.com/connect/helping-hands-foundation)
          - [Donations & Sponsorships](https://bibank.com/connect/donations-and-sponsorships)
          - [Donation Requests](https://bibank.kadince.com/external/forms/7276a36a9364fd3f4c8925185201fd12)
          - [Volunteer Request](https://bibank.kadince.com/external/forms/a6d4856c95b2f87268861e6224303fdc)

#### 4140 Parker Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116

#### [(207) 555-0119](tel:2075550119)

- ![svgviewer-png-output (10)](https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/svgviewer-png-output%20(10).png)

[Open an account](https://bibank.com/resources/open-an-account)

[Login](https://bibank.com/)

[Open an account](https://bibank.com/resources/open-an-account)

[Login](https://bibank.com/)

**What can we help you find?**

Search Bank Independent

Start Site Search

- Common Searches 
    - [Compare Personal Checking](https://bibank-2025.cms.banno-staging.com/personal/compare-checking)
    - [Contact Us](https://bibank-2025.cms.banno-staging.com/contact)
    - [Home Loans](https://bibank-2025.cms.banno-staging.com/personal/home-loans)
    - [Helping Hands Foundation](https://bibank-2025.cms.banno-staging.com/connect/helping-hands-foundation)
    - [Compare Business Checking](https://bibank-2025.cms.banno-staging.com/business/compare-checking)

Routing Number 06​220​5791

![What 'Equal Housing Lender' means and how it affects you](https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/Blog_fdic_eoc.jpg)

# What 'Equal Housing Lender' means and how it affects you

- Home
- [Bank Independent Blog](https://blog.bibank.com/blog)
- What 'Equal Housing Lender' means and how it affects you

[Ashley Balch](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/ashley-balch) 01/10/2023 [Financial Fitness](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/financial-fitness)

[0 Comments](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-does-equal-housing-lender-mean#postComment)

 1 Minutes

![ehl-home](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ehl-home.jpg?width=1200&height=630&name=ehl-home.jpg)

Equal Housing Lender is a term that is used by financial institutions to indicate that they are in compliance with the Federal Fair Lending Laws, under the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. 

The Federal Fair Housing Act makes it is illegal, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status to: Deny a loan for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling, or deny any loan secured by a dwelling; or discriminate in fixing the amount, interest rate, duration, application procedures or other terms or conditions of such a loan, or in appraising property.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes it illegal to discriminate in any credit transaction on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, or age; because income is from public assistance; or because a right has been exercised under the Consumer Protection Act. Bank Independent is proud to be an Equal Housing Lender and we are fully committed to practices that support a fair and equitable housing market. Here are five key points to understand about Equal Housing Lender:

 

1. **![Blog_fdic_eoc](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_fdic_eoc.jpg?width=450&height=300&name=Blog_fdic_eoc.jpg)Equal Housing Lender is a commitment to fairness and equality in lending.** By using this term, financial institutions are pledging to provide equal access to credit for all qualified borrowers, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. 
2. **Equal Housing Lender is a requirement for financial institutions.** All regulators are required to monitor for this, and it requires that financial institutions that are subject to its regulation use the Equal Housing Lender logo and make this commitment to fair lending.
3. **Equal Housing Lender is a way for borrowers to know that they are dealing with a lender that is committed to fair lending practices.** By looking for the Equal Housing Lender logo, borrowers can be confident that they will be treated fairly and that they will have the same access to credit as any other qualified borrower.
4. **Equal Housing Lender is an important part of the broader effort to promote equality and fairness in the financial system.** By requiring financial institutions to make this commitment to fair lending, the government is helping to ensure that all qualified borrowers have equal access to credit, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. This is an essential step towards building a more inclusive and equitable financial system.

---

#### Tag:

[Financial Fitness](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/financial-fitness)

#### Share:

- [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-does-equal-housing-lender-mean)
- [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-does-equal-housing-lender-mean&text=What%20'Equal%20Housing%20Lender'%20means%20and%20how%20it%20affects%20you)
- [Follow us on Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-does-equal-housing-lender-mean)
- [Follow us on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-does-equal-housing-lender-mean&text=What%20Equal%20Housing%20Lender%20means%20and%20how%20it%20affects%20youdescription=Equal%20Housing%20Lender%20is%20a%20term%20that%20is%20used%20by%20financial%20institutions%20to%20indicate%20that%20they%20are%20in%20compliance%20with%20the%20Federal%20Fair%20Lending%20Laws,%20under%20the[...]&media=https://377014.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/377014/Blog_fdic_eoc.jpg)

---

#### [Are You Falling for Imposter Scams? Learn How to Protect Yourself Now! Previous Post](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/are-you-falling-for-imposter-scams)

#### [How To Identify Counterfeit Money Next Post](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/how-to-identify-counterfeit-money)

### Leave a Reply

This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

### Category

- [Press Releases (153)](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/press-releases)
- [Financial Fitness (125)](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/financial-fitness)
- [Banking and Technology (101)](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/banking-and-technology)
- [Community Insights (59)](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/community-insights)
- [Leadership (6)](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/leadership)

### Popular Posts

<https://blog.bibank.com/blog/a-former-teller-answers-your-most-asked-question>

[Bailey Lovell](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/bailey-lovell) 08/09/2017 [Banking and Technology](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/banking-and-technology)

[A Former Bank Teller Reveals Answer To Your Number 1 Question](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/a-former-teller-answers-your-most-asked-question)

<https://blog.bibank.com/blog/bank-independent-promotes-new-assistant-vice-presidents-celebrating-a-culture-of-hard-work-and-strong-leadership>

[Ashley Balch](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/ashley-balch) 06/11/2026 [Press Releases](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/press-releases)

[Bank Independent Promotes New Assistant Vice Presidents, Celebrating a Culture of Hard Work and Strong Leadership](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/bank-independent-promotes-new-assistant-vice-presidents-celebrating-a-culture-of-hard-work-and-strong-leadership)

<https://blog.bibank.com/blog/the-complete-guide-of-how-to-use-a-contactless-debit-card>

[Ashley Balch](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/ashley-balch) 09/13/2022 [Banking and Technology](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/banking-and-technology)

[The Complete Guide of How to Use a Contactless Debit Card](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/the-complete-guide-of-how-to-use-a-contactless-debit-card)

<https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-is-a-contactless-debit-card>

[Ashley Balch](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/ashley-balch) 10/10/2023 [Banking and Technology](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/banking-and-technology)

[What is a Contactless Debit Card and Why Do I Need One?](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-is-a-contactless-debit-card)

---

## Related Posts

<https://blog.bibank.com/blog/set-it-and-forget-it-automating-your-finances>

[Financial Fitness](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/financial-fitness)

[Ashley Balch](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/ashley-balch) 28 April, 2026

#### [Set It and Forget It: Automating Your Finances](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/set-it-and-forget-it-automating-your-finances)

Life moves fast. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, keeping up with your...

[Read More](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/set-it-and-forget-it-automating-your-finances)

<https://blog.bibank.com/blog/how-ach-positive-pay-helps-business-owners-protect-their-accounts>

[Financial Fitness](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/financial-fitness)

[Stephanie Hipps](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/stephanie-hipps) 16 April, 2026

#### [How ACH Positive Pay Helps Business Owners Protect Their Accounts](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/how-ach-positive-pay-helps-business-owners-protect-their-accounts)

Running a business means keeping a close eye on your money. While you are focused on serving...

[Read More](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/how-ach-positive-pay-helps-business-owners-protect-their-accounts)

<https://blog.bibank.com/blog/five-small-steps-that-can-make-a-big-difference>

[Financial Fitness](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/topic/financial-fitness)

[Ashley Balch](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/ashley-balch) 09 April, 2026

#### [Five Small Steps That Can Make a Big Difference](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/five-small-steps-that-can-make-a-big-difference)

Financial confidence is not built overnight. It grows through simple habits, intentional choices,...

[Read More](https://blog.bibank.com/blog/five-small-steps-that-can-make-a-big-difference)

- Give Us A Call 
    - [(256) 386-5000 8am-8pm](tel:12563865000)
    - [(877) 865-5050 Mon-Sat](tel:18778655050)
    - [(866) 478-5010 Automated](tel:18664785010)

- Common Questions 
    - Routing #062205791
    - [Careers](https://bibank.com/careers)
    - [FAQs](https://bibank.com/resources/faq)

- Other Info 
    - [Terms & Conditions](https://bibank.com/terms)
    - [Privacy Policy](https://bibank.com/privacy)
    - [Identity Protection](https://bibank.com/identity-protection)
    - [Website Feedback](https://bibank.com/accessibility-feedback)

- Fraud Center 
    - [(800) 237-8990 Debit](tel:18002378990)
    - [(855) 401-4743 Credit](tel:18554014743)

- Send Us a Message 
    - [customerservice@bibank.com Email](mailto:customerservice@bibank.com)
    - [View our secure form Online](https://bibank.com/contact)

[![bibank-brandmark](https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/bibank-brandmark.svg "bibank-brandmark")](https://bibank-2025.cms.banno-staging.com/)

Bank Independent is a full-service community bank in North Alabama with branches throughout Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties.

© 2025 Bank Independent.

|

[Sitemap](https://bibank-2025.cms.banno-staging.com/sitemap)

|

[Equal Housing Lender](https://www.hud.gov)

[![svgviewer-png-output (6)](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/svgviewer-png-output%20(6).png?width=42&name=svgviewer-png-output%20(6).png "svgviewer-png-output (6)")](https://www.facebook.com/BankIndependent/)

[![svgviewer-png-output (7)](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/svgviewer-png-output%20(7).png?width=42&name=svgviewer-png-output%20(7).png "svgviewer-png-output (7)")](https://www.instagram.com/bank_independent/)

[![svgviewer-png-output (8)](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/svgviewer-png-output%20(8).png?width=42&name=svgviewer-png-output%20(8).png "svgviewer-png-output (8)")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/bank-independent/)

[![svgviewer-png-output (9)](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/svgviewer-png-output%20(9).png?width=42&name=svgviewer-png-output%20(9).png "svgviewer-png-output (9)")](https://x.com/bibankal)

[![biblog-logo](https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/biblog-logo.svg "biblog-logo")](https://blog.bibank.com/blog?__hstc=235776990.507236a8091338d1326ffb5d4cc37315.1760504391102.1760504391102.1760508234988.2&__hssc=235776990.2.1760508234988&__hsfp=2385172338&_ga=2.27596156.175062658.1760504389-156531646.1760504389)

![monitor-badge-dark](https://blog.bibank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BankIndependent_October2025/Images/monitor-badge-dark.png?width=88&name=monitor-badge-dark.png "monitor-badge-dark")

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Ashley Balch",
    "url" : "https://blog.bibank.com/blog/author/ashley-balch"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-01-10T14:45:00.430Z",
  "datePublished" : "2023-01-10T14:45:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "What 'Equal Housing Lender' means and how it affects you",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/Blog_fdic_eoc.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.bibank.com/blog/what-does-equal-housing-lender-mean",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.bibank.com/hubfs/BI-Logo-380_Green.png"
    },
    "name" : "Bank Independent"
  }
}
```