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Story summary
- The U.S. Department of Education extended the autopay enrollment deadline to Dec. 31, 2026.
- The extension preserves a 1-percentage-point interest-rate reduction through June 30, 2028.
- Nearly 2 million borrowers have enrolled in autopay since the program began in June.
- Autopay participants receive a total 1% discount: 0.25% base plus 0.75% extra.
- The reduction applies only to direct federal loans originated after July 1, 2012, and excludes defaulted borrowers.