Is this something new?

Not having applied for a credit card in some time now but still eager to get something for free when it is offered (accommodations at a Holiday Inn Express in this case), it was a bit surprising to see that VISA has expedited the application process for those whose credit has turned sour (see red underlines).

It's as if they're saying, "Look, before you waste your time or ours, if you've been a casualty of the recent credit meltdown after buying seven houses in Las Vegas at the peak last year, don't even bother."