What happens in a free 30-minute first chat (and what to have handy)

The first chat is 30 minutes, free, and has no forms, no credit check and no pitch. We talk about where you are and where you want to be in the next few years, and you leave knowing what's realistic. You don't need documents. Rough numbers for income, debts, card limits and savings make it far more useful.

A lot of people put off talking to a broker because they don't know what happens in the first conversation. They worry it's a sales meeting, or that they need a folder of paperwork, or that it'll show up on their credit file.

None of those is true here. This is what actually happens, start to finish.

Booking it

You can book a time online, and it goes straight into the calendar. Times show in your own time zone, which helps if you're outside Victoria. If you'd rather not pick a slot, the request-a-call option gets you a call back within one business day.

The chat can happen however suits you:

• by phone or Teams, from anywhere in Australia;
• by video, if you'd like to share a screen or a listing;
• at the office at 56 Maple Street, Blackburn, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm;
• at your place, across Melbourne's east, south-east and west;
• in the evening on most weeknights, or on a weekend, by appointment.

You'll talk to me or one of the Cinch team.

The 30 minutes

There's no script, but most first chats cover the same ground.

First, what you're trying to do over the next few years: a first home, a bigger home, an investment, a business loan, a refinance, or a mix. A loan that works for the next purchase and blocks the one after isn't a good loan.

Then a rough picture of your finances. This is where most of the value comes from, because it's what lenders will look at. You'll get a straight answer on what lenders are likely to say, where the policy differences between lenders matter for someone like you, and what would change the answer.

Finally, what happens next, if anything. Sometimes the answer is "wait six months and do these three things first." That's a good outcome too.

What to have handy

You don't need documents for the first chat. You'll get more out of it with rough numbers for:

• your income, and anyone else's who'd be on the loan, including overtime, bonuses or rental income;
• debts: car loans, personal loans, HELP, buy now pay later;
• credit card limits as well as balances, because lenders count the limit;
• savings and where they sit;
• a price range or a property you've seen, if you have one.

If someone else will be on the loan, it helps if they're on the call too.

What happens after

If you'd like to go ahead, the process from there is set out on how it works. In short: a written lending plan within a few days, covering borrowing power, structure and your deposit path; then your scenario run against our panel of more than 90 lenders through AFG, with a person choosing the real options; then the application, which typically takes one to two weeks to formal approval once your documents are in; then settlement and an annual review after that.

Before we recommend anything, you'll get our Credit Guide. Brokers are paid a commission by the lender you choose. The Credit Guide explains how we're paid, and the exact commission is disclosed before you apply. We're required to act in your best interests, and the written plan shows why each option is recommended.

Questions people ask

Is the first chat really free?

Yes. There's no fee for the chat, and no obligation to go further.

Will it affect my credit score?

No. There's no credit check at the first chat. A credit check only happens later, if you decide to apply, and only with your consent.

Do I need to bring payslips?

Not for the first chat. Rough numbers are enough. Documents come later, if you go ahead.

Can I ask cinchi first?

Yes. The cinchi button at the bottom right of every page answers general questions, and can hand you over to the team on WhatsApp. I explained how it works in meet cinchi.

Where to start

If you'd like to try the numbers yourself first, the borrowing power calculator doesn't ask for any details. When you're ready, book a free 30-minute chat.

Last reviewed 26 October 2026. Cinch Loans is a trading name of Additude Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 87 629 633 423), a credit representative authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389087 held by Australian Finance Group Ltd. This is general information only. It doesn't take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account.