How To Get a US Credit Card With Citi/Chase/BoA From Canada?

Again, I disagree. The patriot act only requires that you get sufficient identification when opening an account (i.e. a passport or driver's license) such that the bank is convinced you are who you say you are.

And the IRS does not require a holder of a US bank account to have either an ITIN or SSN. The bank will just withhold the appropriate taxes on any interest you accumulate.

I'm in the Seattle area and it's very common for Canadians to be working here. The two major banks I went to didn't even blink when I wanted to open an account without an SSN or ITIN. And they also didn't blink when I came in to add my SSN to the account once I got it.

So I highly doubt they are in the habit of regularly breaking the law.