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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

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If I am married, can a lender or broker turn down my application for a mortgage or home equity loan in my own name?

Answer:

If you are applying for individual credit in your own name, a creditor such as a lender or broker may not deny you credit because of your marital status.

If you are creditworthy, you may get your own mortgage or home equity loan, and a lender or broker generally may not require that your spouse co-sign.

If you apply for a mortgage or home equity loan, a lender or broker may require your spouse’s (or other person’s) signature on any instrument necessary to make the property being offered as security available to satisfy the debt if you were to fail to repay. For example, a lender or broker may require your spouse (or other person) to sign an instrument to create a valid lien or pass clear title.

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The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.