Reviews

This profile includes reviews for Payless Car Rental's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Payless Car Rental

  PO Box 699000 Tulsa, OK 74169-9000

• 

  Payless Car Rental

  8808 23rd Ave East Elmhurst, NY 11369-1012

• 

  Payless Car Rental

  1765 Goucher St Johnstown, PA 15905-1101

• 

  Payless Car Rental

  2939 Terminal Drive Hebron, KY 41048

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  Payless Car Rental

  5773 W Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46241

Review Details

• Review fromT. T.

  Date: 05/02/2025

  1 star

  T. T.

  Date: 05/02/2025

  Where do I start? Got a plane ticket to *** via Southwest, and also reserved a rental car via Payless through the Southwest Portal. Quoted price is $370 for a standard 'full size' car. 1. Got to desk and was offered a 2 person mini convertible. Ummm... No. 2. They "found" some other car, which they said was full size (did not mention model). 3. They then told me the price was $392. I said "No, you quoted $370" and that is what I am paying. After much back and forth with the **** the manager came along and said very irritated to the *** "Just give her the quoted price--do a manual adjustment." So I got the $370 price printed on my rental agreement. 4. walked upstairs to the car floor and floor manager up there said here is your car, pointing to a giant (to me) full size **** Bronco. Like a Jeep Wrangler, but 50% bigger in all directions--The hood itself was level with my neck. 5. I complained, saying I had ordered a 'full size" car, as that is what I am comfortable driving, and also I was concerned about mpg, considering CA's $5/gal gas price. I asked again for something approaching a "full size" car. 6. Floor manager found me a **** Trax, which was a good size, took my paperwork, printed out new rental agreement, on which was the price of $681. 7. Ummm... No, i said, I was quoted $370. Please provide a $370 car. 8. Manager printed it again, final rental agreement stated **** Trax, $370. Thought ordeal was over. Not so. Dropped off car with full tank, flew home 9. Get the **** bill from Payless for, you guessed it, $392. (See #3 above). Price was printed on my agreement as $370, and also emailed to me after I did checkout for the reservation, aslo as $370.11. Called Payless. Explained whole deal. They said "Well you got another car type". I said "That's not my problem, I have a receipt." They hung up.12. Called again, explained whole deal again, *** SAYS they will fix my bill. We'll see.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 05/04/2025

  BBB Review#: 37386
  Case: 72345425
  
  Dear ****** ****,
  
  In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
  

  Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.
  
  Reservation Number;

  Rental Agreement Number; 

  Renter's Name;

  
  Rental Location;
  
  
  Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************
  Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator
  

• Review fromWill P

  Date: 05/02/2025

  1 star

  Will P

  Date: 05/02/2025

  Now I understand why Payless Car Rental in *********, ** isnt accredited. Dont rent from them for many reasons. First, be prepared for an extremely long waitthey have terrible customer service. Second, if you book through AARP Travel or Expedia, be warned: they may not honor your car protection insurance and could charge you excessive fees. They made my trip far more expensive and showed no concern for the inconvenience. Its clear theyre more focused on making money than treating customers fairly. This is not the kind of company you want to trust with your hard-earned money.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 05/04/2025

  BBB Review#: 33155
  Case: 72345467

  
  Dear **** ******,
  
  In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

  Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.
  
  Reservation Number;

  Rental Agreement Number; 

  Renter's Name;

   

  Sincerely,

  *****************
  Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator

   

   

   

   

  
  

• Review fromAlex C

  Date: 04/15/2025

  1 star

  Alex C

  Date: 04/15/2025

  My experience was incredibly frustrating from the start. After a 25-hour flight, I arrived to pick up my reserved car, only to be greeted with, Let me see if your car is available. Not exactly the welcome you expect after such a long journey. The ***resentative then informed me that, because I had booked the car just 24 hours earlier, my reservation was not guaranteedsomething that was never mentioned in the contract.Despite having paid in advance, I was told my car wasnt available. Instead, the *** offered me an SUV that typically rents for $400, "discounted" to $200$120 more than my original reservation. I felt cornered and exhausted, and had no choice but to accept the offer.When I got to the parking lot to pick up the vehicle, the situation became even clearer: Id been forced into an unnecessary and unwanted upgrade. It felt like a bait-and-switch, as though I had voluntarily walked up asking for an SUV instead of the car I had reserved. This felt dishonest and manipulative.Fortunately, I found another ***resentative in the parking office who was able to help. They canceled the revised contract, removed the extra charges, and reverted my booking to the original $80. I ended up with an older, intermediate car (though I had reserved a full-size) that reeked of cigarette smokebut at least I wasnt driving away in a gas-guzzling SUV I never ************ thoughts:This company uses deceptive tactics to upsell customers and take advantage of them when theyre most vulnerable. I strongly urge others to avoid this business. Based on my experience, they should be investigated and barred from operating at *****************.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 04/17/2025

  BBB Review#: 37253
  Case: 71941254
   
  Dear ******* **** *******, 
   
  In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
   
  Avis values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
   
  Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.
   
  Reservation Number;
  Renter's Name;
  Rental Location;
  Exact Date/Year of Rental;
   
  Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance. 
   
  Sincerely,
  
  
  ABG Client Relations Team 
  *****************

• Review fromDavid B

  Date: 04/13/2025

  1 star

  David B

  Date: 04/13/2025

  I rented a dodge ram on 4/12/2025 and recognized the inspection sticker was 3/25 when the police pulled us over. We had to explain it was a rental and plead our case not to get a ticket. It happened 3times so we cut our trip short and returned a day earlier. **************** rep **** and ****** told me it was nothing they could do, I could return it back to where I picked it up at ***************** to get another vehicle but I'm in ****** now. I asked to check to see if there was one close to me with a pickup truck because I had it loaded and ****** said no. I return a day early and get home 30min away and realize I left my garage door opener. I go right back to find out the truck is gone with another customer with the expired inspection sticker that I just showed to the guy in return and he took pictures of it and said this truck should not be on the road and I'm going to report it. Once I left they washed it and sent it off with someone else. That's horrible customer service. I had other things I needed to do with the truck but couldn't because of the sticker. So I was robbed out of my money and time. The line here was so long and slow it was ridiculous. This particular budget/avis/payless has poor management. We were waiting on the truck to come out the wash so long I had to stop someone walking the lot to ask for help. She went and told them we have customers waiting on this truck. They were just sitting and talking. She made them move and she drove it thru the wash and brought to us. The cleaners were just looking at us and laughing. We were already frustrated with everything else is probably how we missed the sticker. The truck is out with another customer and still not inspected. I guess my garage door opener is with them. I'm just going to buy another on but if they had pulled that vehicle off rotation until it was inspected my opener would have been there.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 04/16/2025

  BBB Review#: 37240
  Case: 71826896
  
  Dear ******* *******, 
  
  In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  Payless values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
  
  We are incredibly sorry for the experience you had and the stated condition of the vehicle that you received. Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we have discounted $27.50 from your rental. Please allow up to ************************************************************************ 0648.  
  
  Thank you for allowing us to assist you.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************
  Client Relations Team

• Review fromRichard D

  Date: 03/29/2025

  1 star

  Richard D

  Date: 03/29/2025

  Wait lines are in excess of 2 hous. 3 persons working counter. One ar a time.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 03/31/2025

  BBB Review#:37093
  
  Dear ******* *****, 
  
  In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  Payless values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
  
  Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.
  
  Reservation Number;
  Renter's Name;
  Rental Location;
  Exact Date/Year of Rental;
  
  Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************
  Client Relations Team

• Review fromSteven G

  Date: 12/04/2024

  1 star

  Steven G

  Date: 12/04/2024

  I will not return to the Payless Car Rental of the *****************, or any Payless Car Rentals, and will tell friends to do the same. I booked the reservation through ****************** and was quoted a fair price. I have rented cars many times and the price I quoted is what I get. And to Payless's credit, I would have got that price. My issue is with the way the customer service representative presented me with an upgrade. He made it sound like I was getting a deal on the original contract, lowering to about $25 a day. Instead I ended up paying $140 more. I feel this was a bit deceptive the way it was presented .And the fact that they send your contract via Email on your Cell phone. Hard to read and I assumed everything was good to go. Listen carefully to what they are asking you. I enjoyed the car, but not at these prices. Buyer beware. I called Payless about my misunderstanding my contract, and she was rude. ****** learned. ***** *. BG, **********

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 12/08/2024

  BBB Review#:358686
  
  Dear ******* ****, 
  
  In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  Payless values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
  
  Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.
  
  Reservation Number;
  Renter's Name;
  Rental Location;
  Exact Date/Year of Rental;
  
  Thank you for allowing us to assist you, please note you can also contact our **************** Team directly at ************ for assistance. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************
  Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator 

• Review fromKatrina M

  Date: 11/19/2024

  1 star

  Katrina M

  Date: 11/19/2024

  Payless charged me for the additional insurance without asking me. They have said they will refund it to my account "in 3-5 business days", but it hasn't yet arrived to my card. I should also have been credited back the last day (at least) of the rental that I dropped off early. I had no place to charge it. They required it to be returned at 70% charge. They didn't give me any refund for any of the days. The car was not satisfactory. Something was wrong with it, so, it should have been refunded. I will explain.Charging stations were not compatible, or so slow, I'd have to charge it overnight and/or many miles out of my way. This was the fault of Payless, because they substituted a Mustang Mach E for the Tesla that I requested. I am always willing to have a substitution for a gas powered car, but electric cars are different. If they are going to substitute a model then they need to also provide an adapter for all their cars so that any car can go to any charging station nearby. People plan trips around charging station access when they rent cars and to switch the model is impossible to work with when it comes to electric car rentals, unlike gas powered ones. I only found two decent places to charge it and I had to drive very far out of my way to use those places. I spent around 3.5 hours during the rental time charging the car. The grand total of mileage I used was 103 miles, per the receipt! I spent around $100 in charging fees during that time for those 3.5 hours, with the last chunk being just to get it back to the airport above the 70% requirement. This was due to not being able to go to the Tesla charging stations, but it is obvious something was also wrong with the vehicle! Why was 103 miles running down the battery that fast? Something had to be wrong with the car because NO car gets that bad of range, especially not an electric one. I am not exaggerating to say that I spent more time charging it than driving it.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 11/20/2024

  BBB Review #*****
  Payless Case: 69267288 
   
  Dear ******* *****,
   
  Payless values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. 
  
  When you rent a car, you do not rent a specific model, but a category. For this reason, it cannot be guaranteed that the model you see in the images is the model you receive. An example is provided for logistical reasons and availability, but it will be a different model. Several models have similar characteristics in terms of size and quality and thus define the price of the designated category.
  
  Any difficulties or problems encountered by a customer are a concern to us, and we apologize most sincerely for any inconvenience you may have been caused. It sounds like your situation was unique and we are sorry your expectations were not met.
   
  A credit of $227.88 was refunded to your credit card on file on November 18th; please allow up to 5 calendar days from that date for this to reflect on your account.
  
  Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we do appreciate your contacting us.
  
  Sincerely,
   
  *****************
  Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator

• Review fromPhillip A

  Date: 11/07/2024

  1 star

  Phillip A

  Date: 11/07/2024

  NEVER NEVER use this rental car company.I reserved a car through ***************** for Payless Car Rental in ************. I exited the airport at 5:02 in ************ and after an hour and a half wait, the van showed up, filled up to standing room inside a passenger van and left some other customers with apologies. When we arrived at the rental center, the only offsite rental center, I was last in line with only one employee working. I was finally out of there by 8:20, over 3 hours later, just to rent a car.I returned the car to the after hours lot on Sunday and Payless finally sent me a receipt by email, so I called them about my $200 deposit that had not been put back in my account. They lady who answered the phone said it would be 3 to 5 business days to receive my deposit from the time I received my receipt, so up to a week and a half after returning the car. I asked why they did not pick up the car on Monday and was told they didn't have time. When I started to inquire further, she told me bye and put me on hold. Very Rude!NEVER NEVER use this rental car company.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 11/09/2024

  BBB Review #*****
  Payless Case: 69077684
   
  Dear ******* ********,
   
  Payless values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
   
  We forecast vehicle availability based on how vehicles are scheduled to return. Several circumstances could cause inventory issues such as vehicles being extended, not returned on time or as agreed, returned to a different location, or breakdowns. We do our best to accommodate every rental but sometimes if vehicles aren't returned when they are scheduled, it causes us to be short on vehicles.
  
  We are sorry for the time you had to spend waiting for your vehicle. We know your time is valuable. This is not typical of our rental locations and we will be filing a report to the PHL location advising them of this situation for improvements. We are glad we were ultimately able to get you in a vehicle and on your way.
  
  We hate to hear that you were treated rudely. That is not what we like to hear and surely don't want our customers to have bad experiences with our agents. We will be sure to get the details of your review to the appropriate team so this can be addressed.
  
  Finally, upon the end of the rental, typically within 72 hours of check-in, Payless will automatically release any unbilled hold amount back to your account. Depending upon the policies of your financial institution, they may take additional time to make the funds once again available for your use.  ************************* will return your funds within 15 days after the transaction date.  However, some holds may last as long as 30 days, depending on the issuing bank's policy for travel-related transactions. Unless a rental's charges meet or exceed the value of the hold, Payless doesn't actually receive the total amount of the funds in the hold. As a result, most banks and card providers do not show the return of the unused hold amount as a credit; it will simply be returned to your available balance. 
  
  Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we do appreciate your contacting us.
  
  Sincerely,
   
  *****************
  Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator

• Review fromTed W

  Date: 10/29/2024

  1 star

  Ted W

  Date: 10/29/2024

  This is the WORST car rental company I've ever used. I was charged for an upgrade that the representative said was no charge and then additionally charged me for $13/ gallon when I returned the car.. They charged me for 21 gallon of gas when the car i was rented would only be able to hold 15. Apparently the prepay charge gas was less than half the cost. I believe I signed up for this option but I guess the representative did click the option. I called them and they did not even want to work with me on the charges and they were rude. I will never rent from them again.

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 10/30/2024

  BBB Review #*****
  Payless Case: 68830950
   
  Dear ******* *******,
   
  Payless values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
   
  Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located. At your convenience, please reach out to us directly at ************************************************************** and provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.
   
  Reservation Number;
  Rental Agreement Number;
  Renter's Name;
  Renter's Profile Number;
  Renter's Driver's License Number;
  ********************** Location;
  Exact Date/Year of Rental;
   
  We await your reply and look forward to assisting you in the future. 
  
  Sincerely,
   
  *****************
  Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator

• Review fromKerri N

  Date: 10/21/2024

  1 star

  Kerri N

  Date: 10/21/2024

  ***************. They are the absolute WORSTall these reviews are the same. I have rented so many cars and never had as many problems as I have had with this company!!!First of all, they werent even open when I got to the airport. A paper sign redirected me to the **** rental company. So yes I stood in line for over 2 hours but that wasnt even close to the chaos that ensued after the rental. Once I finally got to the counter-they had no cars available even though I reserved it a week before! So, I wait even longer. When they finally have one available, the girl told me they hadnt even washed it yet-bird p*** was all over the windows. So, I wait for them to hose it off. So, what that means is there was no inspection of the car. Then, I have a flat the next day on the interstate! I had flown in for a business conference. I call customer service-said they were closed, call at normal business hours. I got an **** because it was late at night in a parking lot and Im by myself. Then, the next day, they tell me I have to be with the car in order for them to even have someone come look at it-if I was with the car, I would have missed the conference-the ONLY reason I was there in the first place. I told them to just tow the car-I was insured By the Wayso they did. Then, I still get chargedbut after MANY phone calls got a refund. Then a month later, got charged a towing fee they said was my fault because I abandoned the car! Laugh out loud!!!! They also said their records show I didnt have insurance. Of course their records are wrong- they cant get on the same page with anyone! They werent even staffed to open their company line- I never even talked to anyone at Payless this whole time except when I got charged a month later. I talked to ****, Budget, the towing company and Priceline. Everyone was helpful except Payless. They are so cheap, they have to make up for all the refunds by charging extra fees. Dont EVER give this company your card information!!!!!

  Payless Car Rental

  Date: 10/22/2024

  BBB Review #*****
  Payless Case: 67996269
   
  Dear ******* ******,
   
  Payless values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
   
  Any difficulties or problems encountered by a customer are a concern to us, and we apologize most sincerely for any inconvenience you may have been caused. Please be assured that your experience was not typical of Payless's usual high standards, and that the responsible manager has been contacted to prevent any recurrence.
   
  Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we do appreciate your contacting us. Only by being made aware of a problem can we correct it and offer the high quality of service that our customers expect and deserve.
  
  Sincerely,
   
  *****************
  Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator