Which of the following statements is true regarding a callable municipal bond?

A callable municipal bond is a type of bond that gives the issuer the right to redeem the bond before its scheduled maturity date. The correct statement is that it has a call feature at a premium. This means that if the bond is called, the issuer typically pays back the bondholders more than the bond's face value, often referred to as a premium. This feature benefits issuers if interest rates decline, allowing them to refinance at lower rates.

The other options provide incorrect aspects of callable bonds. For instance, a callable municipal bond can indeed be redeemed before maturity, which directly contradicts the first option. The third option implies automatic refunding at maturity, but callable bonds do not automatically refund; they can be called or left to mature depending on the issuer's decision. Finally, callable municipal bonds are generally issued at par, not necessarily at a discount, meaning they might be issued at their face value rather than below it.

Understanding the call feature at a premium is crucial for investors because it affects the yield and overall return on investment, particularly in changing interest rate environments.