What Is Cinch Auto Finance?
Cinch Auto Finance is a prime indirect auto finance company headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, that originates and services auto loans through a nationwide network of franchised and independent car dealerships. The company doesn’t lend directly to consumers walking in off the street — instead, financing is arranged through the dealership at the point of vehicle purchase.
Company History and Rebrand
Cinch traces its roots to 2004, when it was founded as Credit Union Loan Source (CULS), a credit union service organization owned by several Georgia-based credit unions. In 2022, the company rebranded to Cinch Auto Finance to better reflect its growing focus and reach, though it operates as ‘The Credit Union Loan Source, LLC dba Cinch Auto Finance.’ Since its founding, Cinch has originated over $10 billion in auto loans to hundreds of thousands of customers.
How Cinch Auto Finance Works
As an indirect lender, Cinch works with over 1,800 franchised and independent dealers across more than 30 states, meaning customers apply for and receive financing as part of the car-buying process at the dealership rather than through a separate application with Cinch directly. Once approved, customers manage their loan — making payments, requesting payoff quotes, and updating account details — through Cinch’s own customer portal and support channels.
Managing a Cinch Auto Finance Account
Customers can request a payoff quote 24 hours a day by phone or through their online account, make payments via mail, online autopay, or the Cinch mobile app, and reach customer support for questions about billing, title processing, or account issues. As with many auto lenders, some payment methods carry a service fee, so it’s worth reviewing the fee schedule before choosing a payment option.
What to Know If You’re Considering Cinch Financing
Since Cinch operates as an indirect, dealer-based lender, terms and rates are typically presented as part of the dealership’s financing options rather than through a separate pre-approval process consumers initiate themselves. As with any auto loan, it’s worth comparing the terms offered against other financing options before signing, since dealership financing isn’t always the most competitive rate available.
Final Thoughts
Cinch Auto Finance is an established, credit-union-backed indirect auto lender with a long operating history and a large dealer network. Customers with a Cinch-financed vehicle can manage most account needs online, but as with any financing decision, it’s worth comparing rates before committing to dealership-arranged credit.