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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Payless in Chicago include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Chicago, including Payless, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected Payless rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Chicago.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Payless counter in Chicago when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Payless booking in Chicago are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the Payless counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Payless counter in Chicago charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with Payless to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the Payless counter at Chicago O'Hare Airport?
The Payless counter at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) is located at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), 10255 West Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666. You do not walk directly from the terminal to the Payless desk.
To reach the Payless counter, follow these steps after landing at ORD:
- After collecting your baggage, follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS) inside the terminal.
- Board the ATS train (free of charge, runs 24/7) toward MMF / Rental Cars.
- The ride takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Trains stop at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 before reaching MMF.
- Once inside the MMF, follow the rental car wayfinding signs to the Payless counter. Brand counters are signed by name on the vehicle pickup levels.
The Payless location at Chicago O'Hare operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Bring your booking confirmation, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name, your driver's license, and your passport or government-issued ID.
What documents do I need to pick up a Payless rental car in Chicago?
To pick up your Payless rental car in Chicago, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name. If your license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license.
- A physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Chicago from abroad.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Payless counter in Chicago. If you are adding an additional driver, that person must also be present at pickup with their own valid license and ID.
Is there a young driver surcharge at Payless in Chicago?
Yes, a young driver surcharge applies at Payless in Chicago for renters under 25 years old.
In the United States, the standard minimum age to rent without a surcharge is 25. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will be charged a daily young-renter fee. For Payless, this fee is US$13 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes for the rental period.
Additional restrictions to keep in mind for young drivers at the Payless counter in Chicago:
- Certain vehicle classes are restricted to renters aged 25 and older, including full-size, SUV, minivan, luxury, and premium categories.
- For Payless in Chicago, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup.
- A valid driver's license and a physical major credit card in the main driver's name are still required regardless of age.
If you are between 21 and 24, plan for the surcharge in your Budget and choose an eligible vehicle class such as economy, compact, or intermediate when booking your Chicago rental.
How do toll roads work for a Payless rental car in Chicago?
Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have an extensive toll road network managed by the Illinois Tollway. As a Payless renter in Chicago, you will likely encounter tolls, especially on major routes.
The main toll roads near Chicago include:
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90, Chicago to Rockford): US$2.75 to US$5.50 per trip
- Illinois Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80): US$2.35 to US$4.70 per trip
- Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88, Chicago to Dixon): US$5.10 to US$10.20 per trip
- Chicago Skyway (I-90/I-94 toward Indiana): US$4.80 to US$47.60 depending on distance
Illinois toll roads use electronic gantries that read transponders or capture license plate images. There are virtually no cash booths. Your Payless vehicle in Chicago will come with an electronic toll device already installed.
At the Payless counter in Chicago you have two options:
- Purchase an unlimited daily toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per day) for convenience.
- Decline the package and let the pay-by-plate system bill tolls automatically at the standard plate rate. The rental company will then charge the toll amount plus an administrative processing fee to your card after the rental ends.
Toll rates vary slightly by time of day: daytime rates apply from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and overnight rates apply from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. There are no congestion charges or city-center driving fees in Chicago beyond these toll roads.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Payless rental in Chicago?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which lets you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Chicago rental with Payless.
Given that Chicago has several major toll roads, including the Illinois Tri-State Tollway, the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, and the Chicago Skyway, toll costs can add up quickly. This benefit helps offset those expenses.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Payless rental in Chicago:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - Reservation [Your Confirmation Number].
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed rental agreement from Payless, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid.
The refund is calculated as the lesser of the actual tolls paid or 5% of your total booking value. For example, if your booking total is US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25. Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What is the security deposit for a Payless rental in Chicago?
When you pick up your Payless rental car in Chicago, a temporary authorization hold will be placed on your credit card as a security deposit. This is not a charge but it reduces your available credit until the rental is closed and your bank releases the hold.
For standard vehicles in the United States, typical holds range from US$300 to US$400. The exact amount at the Payless counter in Chicago may vary depending on the vehicle class, rental duration, and location. Premium or larger vehicle categories may carry a higher hold.
Important requirements for the deposit at Payless in Chicago:
- You must present a physical major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges.
- Virtual or digital-only card numbers are not accepted at the counter.
After you return the vehicle, the Payless desk releases the hold. Your bank or card issuer controls when the credit becomes available again, which can take up to 15 business days. Bringing a backup credit card is recommended in case your primary card is declined.
Does Payless in Chicago charge extra for an additional driver?
Yes, Payless in Chicago charges a fee for additional drivers unless your booking confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge.
The standard additional driver fee for Payless in Chicago is US$13 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes for the full rental period. This fee is paid directly at the Payless counter in Chicago at the time of pickup.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at Payless in Chicago:
- The additional driver must be present at the counter at pickup with a valid driver's license and government-issued ID.
- For Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup.
- If the additional driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement.
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by the vehicle's protections. Anyone who drives the Chicago rental without being named on the contract may void coverage entirely.
What are the airport fees and taxes on a Payless rental at Chicago O'Hare?
Renting from Payless at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) involves several local fees and taxes on top of your base rental rate. Chicago is known for having some of the highest airport rental surcharges in the United States.
Common charges you may see on your Payless contract at Chicago O'Hare include:
- Airport concession recovery fee: typically 10% to 15% of the base rate, charged by the airport for operating on airport premises.
- Chicago vehicle tax: approximately 6% on the gross rental amount.
- City rental car use tax: up to 1%.
- State and local sales taxes on the rental.
In total, surcharges at Chicago O'Hare can add 25% to 35% on top of the base rate, which exceeds the National airport rental average of 15% to 25%.
Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Payless counter in Chicago. If your confirmation states that taxes and fees are included, you should not be billed again for those items at pickup. If you are charged for something not listed on your confirmation, Hola Car Rentals' No Extra Charges© Coverage may apply after verification.
What is the fuel policy for a Payless rental car in Chicago?
Payless rentals in Chicago follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy by default. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
To avoid fuel fees on your Chicago Payless rental:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the gauge and odometer.
- During your rental, use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle. Wrong-fuel incidents are not covered and may generate additional charges.
- Before returning the vehicle, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location at Chicago O'Hare (10255 West Zemke Blvd) so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
If you return the Payless vehicle in Chicago with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. Returning the car full is always the most cost-effective option.
Do speed cameras in Chicago affect Payless rental car drivers?
Yes, Chicago has one of the most aggressive speed camera enforcement systems in the United States, and it directly affects Payless rental car drivers in Chicago.
Key facts about Chicago speed cameras for rental drivers:
- Cameras are active in school zones and high-risk pedestrian areas throughout Chicago.
- Fines begin at just 6 mph over the posted speed limit, which is far stricter than the 10 to 15 mph threshold common in most other U.S. cities. A violation of 6 to 10 mph over the limit results in a US$35 fine; exceeding the limit by more triggers fines of US$100 or higher.
- Red light cameras are also active at dozens of intersections across Chicago.
If your Payless rental vehicle is photographed by a speed or red light camera in Chicago, the fine is linked to the vehicle's license plate and sent to Payless. Payless will then charge the fine amount plus an administrative processing fee to the credit card on file after the rental ends. These post-rental charges can appear weeks after you return the vehicle.
Using a GPS navigation app that alerts you to speed camera locations is strongly recommended when driving a rental car in Chicago.
How do Chicago's one-way streets affect driving a Payless rental car?
Chicago has an extensive network of one-way streets, particularly in the downtown Loop area and many residential neighborhoods, which can be confusing for first-time drivers in a Payless rental car in Chicago.
Key things to know before driving your Payless rental in Chicago:
- Many adjacent streets in downtown Chicago run in opposite directions as paired one-ways, for example Ohio Street and Ontario Street, or Superior Street and Huron Street. Turning onto the wrong street is easy without navigation assistance.
- Left turns are prohibited on many through streets in the city grid.
- Chicago's street grid is divided into quadrants at State Street (north-south) and Madison Street (east-west), with numbered streets extending outward in increments of 800 per mile. This system helps with orientation in the core city, but areas annexed later have irregular patterns that break the grid.
- Recent changes to one-way designations in neighborhoods like the West Loop have been implemented without widespread signage updates, adding to navigation challenges.
A GPS navigation app or the optional in-car GPS add-on available at the Payless counter in Chicago is strongly recommended to avoid wrong turns, missed streets, and potential traffic violations during your rental.
Can I pick up a Payless car in Chicago and return it to a different city?
Yes, you can pick up a Payless rental car in Chicago and return it to a different city, but a one-way drop-off fee will likely apply and must be confirmed at the time of booking.
How one-way rentals work with Payless in Chicago:
- During the booking process on the Hola Car Rentals website, select a different return location. The system will calculate whether a drop-off fee applies for your specific route and display it under the "To pay at destination" section before you confirm.
- The drop-off fee is paid directly at the Payless counter in Chicago at pickup. It cannot be prepaid online.
- Fee amounts vary by route, distance, vehicle class, and season. Long-distance or cross-state routes from Chicago typically carry higher fees.
- Cross-border one-ways, such as returning to Canada, may be restricted or require special authorization. Always confirm with the Payless counter in Chicago before driving across a border.
If your booking confirmation does not show a drop-off fee, no fee should be charged at the Payless counter in Chicago for that route. If the desk adds an undisclosed fee, keep all paperwork and contact Hola Car Rentals support, as No Extra Charges© Coverage may apply after verification.
Does travel assistance cover a breakdown on Chicago highways with a Payless rental?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can help in situations such as a breakdown on Chicago's expressways or a medical emergency during your Payless rental in Chicago.
This coverage is included automatically and provides:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers for accidents and non-pre-existing illnesses.
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident during your Chicago rental.
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
To get help 24 hours a day during your Payless rental in Chicago, contact Terrawind directly:
- Phone (toll-free or collect): +1 888 980 9992
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
Provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your current location in Chicago, and a brief description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions and keep all receipts and reports.
Important: this travel assistance benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the Payless rental vehicle itself, which is handled separately by CDW/LDW coverage.
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