Designed for the general public and possibly suitable also for high school economics students, this pamphlet describes the provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The act prevents age from being used as the basis to deny or decrease credit to those who otherwise qualify. The pamphlet presents general rules for rating an applicant: (1) a creditor may not refuse to consider retirement income when rating a credit application; (2) a creditor may not require the reapplication for or closing of an account upon reaching a certain age or retirement; (3) a creditor may not deny credit or close an account because credit-related insurance at certain ages is unavailable; and (4) a consumer 62 or older must be given at least as many points for age as any person under 62. Special considerations are noted, such as the law permitting creditors to consider information related to age that has a clear bearing on the person's ability and willingness to repay debt. The legal obligations of the creditor in the event that credit is denied are briefly described. The final section presents a list of names and locations of federal enforcement agencies which deal with questions concerning fair credit laws. (LH)