just seen this article ...

from Cnet

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-10344451-58.html

What's better than a brand spankin' new Sony PlayStation 3 Slim for $299.99? A brand spankin' new Sony PlayStation 3 Slim for $199.99, of course.

I suspect I'll get an earful for this, but the deal comes courtesy of our old friend, the Sony VISA card. When you make a purchase of $299 or more, you get a $100 credit in 8-12 weeks. Final price: $199.99.

All you do is sign up for the card, then head over to SonyStyle and drop a sweet, sweet 120GB PlayStation 3 in your cart. (I know it doesn't say "Slim" anywhere, but this is definitely the new model.) Watch CNET's video review if you want to learn more about it.

When your VISA card arrives, stick it in a drawer until the $100 credit appears on your statement. Then spend the money like you would cash. Then cut the card into pieces and burn the pieces.

Not interested in this kind of hoop-jumping just to save $100? That's cool. But think about it: This isn't much different than filling out a rebate form and waiting on a check in the mail. In fact, it's quite a bit easier overall, and you're much less likely to get burned.

Still not convinced? Then try this: Sony just lowered the price on refurbished consoles! Now you can pick up a 40GB PlayStation 3 for just $219.99 shipped. If you can live with a 90-day warranty, that's one of the best PS3 deals to date.

Of course, a new PS3 for $199.99 is even better. What do you think? Did you already pull the trigger on last week's deal (long since expired), or did your Cheapskate senses tell you something better was just around the corner?

Bad Idea, getting credit cards in exchange for cheaper products are a quick way to get you in trouble financially

I've never carried a balence on a credit card, and have always been able to get free points (Airmiles, Sony Rewards, 1% Cashback) What the problem is?

Not everyone can control their purchases to an affordable level.  Plus every crecit card you get lowers your credit rating. 

Eh, if you're fiscally responsible it's not a bad idea. Set aside three hundred bucks, make the purchase, pay off the entire bill immediately. Then just wait for your credit, maybe buy some games cheap.

It relies on you already having the money necessary, though.

Exactly, but there arent alot of those people that are responsible.   Plus you still take a hit on the credit rating which in todays world is proving to be really important.  

I thought that using a credit card and paying it off promptly improved your credit score.

It can, but applying for a credit card is what gives you the initial hit.  Then it can take up to 6 months to get it back to where it was before you applied.  Anytime someone checks your credit rating you take a hit in your credit rating, it sucks but thats the way it goes.

there has to be some scam or trick to it!

....Eh, I might do it anyway. I don't even have a credit card and I need to build up my credit somehow.