Is it best to pay off loans right away?

It depends. Your priority should be to be putting money towards the investment that provides the highest return. If the interest rate on your student loan is 5%, are you able to find an investment opportunity (stocks, bonds, land, etc.) that is likely to return at least 5% or more? If so, then pay the minimum on your loan and place your money in those investments. If you do not have any savings on-hand to cover an unexpected expense (like a medical emergency)... that should be your first priority. I use auto withdrawal because the bank lowers the interest rate on my loan for doing so.

You would save more money by paying them off faster. I always use direct payments for my loan payment as I am sure it is going to get there and not get lost in the mail.

I never sign up for automatic withdrawals. I will pay electronically but only on a payment by payment basis. I actually prefer to write a check for bills like this.