I do not understand how that meets the requirements of the The Patriot Act. A tax identification number is required to comply and that is usually an ssn for individuals:

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs31-CIP.htm#3

What identification number are they using then? Did the Patriot Act expire? I thought it was renewed? According to wikipedia it was on march 9, 2006...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_PATRIOT_Act



>Bank of America is reported to have piloted a program aimed at giving credit cards to illegal aliens.
>
>Their "logic" apparently goes along the line that these people need credit services, are currently shut out and represent a huge market.
>
>So, anyone who has maintained an account for at least 3 months without ever overdrafting will now be able to apply for a credit card that:
>a) has a higher than normal interest rate;
>b) requires a deposit upon approval.
>There is no need for a Social Security Number.
>
>I thought that credit card companies were just about ready to implode from bad debts (far too easy to get a card these days with big limits) but they've gone and found themselves a new frontier. That should hold off reality for them for a few more years yet.
>
>I wonder when credit card CUSTOMERS who handle their credit carefully will DEMAND that companies take FAR MORE CARE in issuing cards so that interest rates and penalties can be brought down to sensible levels??????