More and more companies are unwilling to promise a rate until they've checked your credit.
The factors cited by card issuers are very broad. It appears that anyone - not just people in financial difficulties - could be subjected to a much higher rate for very insignificant reasons.
To me, having a good card with a low rate that doesn't zap you with late fees is a better way to go than all of the gimmick cards.
You may not realize it, but paying your mortgage late could trigger a penalty rate on your credit card,
They may have a great price for Mexico, but a terrible rate for someplace else.