A few yrs ago we (farm) bought some tires that included a rebate. The rebate was in the form of ppd credit card, actually 2 of them. A couple hundred dollars each. Had to fill out paperwork with name (mine) to get the ppd cards. 

Shortly thereafter I rec'd an email notice from my cc company that my credit score had changed. Went to their trusted cc website & checked. Sure enough it went down a few points. Reason given for lowering was application for additional credit cards. They specifically named the cards I rec'd for the rebate.

Sometimes you want win for losing.