In discussing a customer's loan application, which question cannot be asked?

The correct answer is based on regulations surrounding fair lending practices. The question about marital status can be considered intrusive and is not necessary for evaluating a customer's ability to repay a loan. Laws, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), prohibit lenders from discriminating against applicants based on marital status, among other factors. Asking this question may imply bias and could lead to discriminatory lending practices.

In contrast, the inquiries about income, social security number, and how long a customer has lived at their current address are relevant to assessing the applicant's financial stability and creditworthiness. Knowing a customer's income helps determine their ability to make loan payments, while the social security number is essential for verifying identity and credit history. Additionally, how long someone has resided at their current address contributes to evaluating their stability as a borrower. These questions are aligned with the information needed for making informed lending decisions.