2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 363A.16 — Credit Discrimination

Plain-Language Summary

It is illegal in Minnesota to discriminate in the extension of personal or commercial credit based on race, color, creed, religion, disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, or receipt of public assistance. Credit card issuers cannot refuse to issue a card to a woman under her current or former surname.

Practical Notes
When this applies: When applying for any form of personal or commercial credit in Minnesota, including credit cards, personal loans, business loans, and lines of credit. Who this affects: Banks, credit unions, credit card companies, and any other entity that extends credit. Key points: A lender cannot deny credit, or impose different requirements for obtaining credit, because of a protected characteristic or because the applicant receives federal, state, or local public assistance, including medical assistance. A tenant receiving federal, state, or local housing subsidies, rental assistance, or rent supplements cannot be denied credit because they receive that assistance. A credit card issuer cannot refuse to issue a card to a woman under her current or former surname unless there is an intent to defraud or mislead, though it may require her to open a separate account in a former surname and may ask about other names under which she has a credit history.