why don't you just call the dealers finance mgr and ask and is this $500 finance rebate from KIA as i checked there web site and didn't see it for the San Marcos , CA area.
you ALWAYS have the option to receive the rebate in the form of a check made out to you or to put it towards the car. 99% of the time people put it towards the car cause it is the easiest, less paper work and makes the most sense.. in most situations. By signing the rebate form you are stating that you are either taking it in the form of cash (check) or it is going towards the car.