Analyze student loan refinance terms for federal benefit loss, variable rate traps, and cosigner release conditions.
Refinancing federal loans means losing critical protections. Know exactly what you're giving up.
Refinancing federal loans means permanently losing income-driven repayment, PSLF eligibility, and federal forbearance options.
Variable rates can increase with market rates. A 4% rate could become 9%+ over a 10-year term, adding thousands in interest.
Cosigner release requires 24-48 on-time payments AND a new credit check. Many borrowers never qualify for release.
Federal loans discharge on death or disability. Private loans may pass to estate, cosigner, or have restrictive discharge requirements.
0.25% autopay discount lost if you ever switch payment methods. One failed autopay can remove the discount permanently.
Private lenders offer limited or no forbearance. Job loss or medical emergency? You may still owe full payments.
Paste refinance offer terms to identify what protections you'll lose.