I can say as a newbie that they really aren't meaning to bash you, a general question was asked and answered without predjudice to anyone... Now there are some options here. I owned a credit repair biz in Vega$ so heres my opinion as I can't legally advise you. 1.) Have a family member apply to them or upgrade and ask for an additional card in your name, try the Lakes office in Vega$, they can tell them they don't know your SSN off hand, you will be "piggybacking" on someone elses credit, be aware of the new laws because you may now be a co-signer and liable in the future. 2.) There are 9 IRS offices in the U.S. that can issue you an EIN, a fed tax# for small biz which the numbers are similar to SSN (the first 3 signify state of issue) the numbers are dashed differently but you can legally file for an EIN using a hobby as a profession and use a seperate address so not to merge the 2 credit files and good luck in your new biz. 3.) This is my favorite, I hate banks and fees they are all bad, check out the new laws, used to be you had to wait 14 years from a BK, 7 on collections, suits and judgements, however if your FICO is that high and all accounts are up to date you can always file a complaint under the FCRA as they are denying you credit that is not available through the CB's, hmmmm that doesn't seem fair, hit up the FTC also and make sure they have disclosures issued to you. heres a good read http://www.badcreditcards.org/CITIcomplaints.htm good luck