Student loan payments are back for 43 million borrowers. Here are 3 ways to make sure you're paying the lowest interest possible

Worried woman looking at her online bank account on mobile phone (Credit: Getty Images)

After a three-and-a half-year reprieve, interest begins accruing on federal student loans again Friday, marking the official end to COVID-19 relief for around 43 million borrowers. The first payment will be due next month.

Before then, borrowers will need to doublecheck their loan info. A lot of things have changed over the COVID-19 pandemic, including, in some cases, loan servicers and balances. There is also a new income-driven repayment plan that struggling borrowers may want to sign up for ahead of their first payment due date.