VERIFIED REVIEWS
About renting a car with Payless in Cleveland
Traveler Tips & Price Insights
When is the best time to book a rental car in Cleveland?
You should book your rental car approximately 7 days before your trip to get a below-average price.
Price Trend (Last 90 Days)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Payless in Cleveland include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Payless counter in Cleveland when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Payless booking in Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland Hopkins Airport and how do I get there?
The Payless rental facility at Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) is located at 19601 Maplewood Ave, Cleveland, OH 44135, inside the airport's consolidated rental car center.
After landing, follow these steps to reach the Payless counter:
- Proceed to the lower level of the terminal after collecting your bags.
- Follow the ground transportation signs past baggage claim 1.
- Board the common rent-a-car shuttle bus operated by the airport. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes to the consolidated rental facility.
- If you are a local renter driving directly to the Cleveland facility, visitor parking is available in front of the building.
Plan for roughly 10 to 15 minutes of shuttle transit plus standard Payless counter processing time, which typically adds another 10 to 20 minutes depending on queue length and check-in complexity.
What are the Payless counter hours at Cleveland Hopkins Airport?
The Payless rental counter at Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) in Cleveland operates Sunday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
If your flight arrives after 10:00 PM, the Payless counter will be closed. In that case, consider the following:
- Check your booking confirmation for any after-hours instructions specific to your reservation.
- If no after-hours drop-off or pickup arrangement is noted, plan your arrival to fall within the 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM window.
- Rental companies will generally hold your booking for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time if a delay occurs, provided you arrive during service hours.
For flight delays of less than 24 hours, the Payless booking at Cleveland should still be honored. If your delay exceeds 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Are there toll roads near Cleveland I should know about when renting a Payless car?
Yes, there are toll roads near Cleveland that you will likely encounter when renting a Payless car in the area.
The main toll road is the Ohio Turnpike (I-76, I-80, I-90), a 241-mile east-west route that passes near Cleveland, connecting the Indiana border to the Pennsylvania border. Key details:
- The system accepts E-ZPass (electronic transponder) as well as cash or credit card at toll plazas.
- Typical passenger vehicle (Class 1) tolls for the full westbound trip run approximately US$19 with E-ZPass or US$27.75 by cash or credit card. Eastbound rates are approximately US$16 with E-ZPass or US$23.50 by cash or credit card.
- Per-mile rates are roughly US$0.073 with E-ZPass or US$0.106 by cash or credit card.
Your Payless rental vehicle at Cleveland will include an electronic toll device. At the counter you can choose an unlimited toll package (typically US$11 to US$25 per day) or pay per use, where actual toll amounts plus administrative fees are billed to your card after the rental. If you do not enroll in a program and drive through a cashless toll, the Payless partner will charge the toll plus processing fees to your card.
Can I get cashback on Ohio Turnpike tolls paid during my Payless rental in Cleveland?
Yes, you can get cashback on tolls paid during your Payless rental in Cleveland through the Hola Car Rentals Tolls Cashback benefit, which is included on all bookings.
Here is how it works for the Ohio Turnpike and any other tolls you pay near Cleveland:
- Hola Car Rentals reimburses the lesser of the total tolls you paid or up to 5% of your total booking value.
- Example: if your booking total is US$600, the cap is US$30. If you paid US$18 in Ohio Turnpike tolls, you receive US$18 back. If you paid US$50, you receive US$30 (the cap).
- Submit your claim within 30 days of returning the Payless vehicle in Cleveland by emailing [email protected].
Required documents for your claim:
- Your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation.
- A copy of the Payless rental agreement signed at pickup in Cleveland.
- A receipt or statement showing toll charges paid during the rental period (toll provider invoice, final rental invoice with itemized toll line, or transponder statement).
Refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What documents do I need to pick up a Payless rental car in Cleveland?
To pick up a Payless rental car in Cleveland, you must bring the following physical documents:
- Your original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name.
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the physical card, used for the security deposit hold. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted.
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID (required for international visitors).
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States).
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For licenses in English or using a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required at the Payless counter in Cleveland.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Payless counter.
How much is the security deposit for a Payless car rental in Cleveland?
When picking up a Payless rental car in Cleveland, the counter will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card as a security deposit. For standard vehicles rented in the United States, this hold is typically around US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by vehicle class, rental location, and season.
Important things to know about the deposit at the Payless counter in Cleveland:
- The hold is a temporary authorization, not a charge. It reduces your available credit until released after you return the vehicle.
- Your bank controls when the hold disappears from your statement, which can take up to 15 business days after the rental ends.
- Only a physical, major credit card in the main driver's name with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted.
- Premium or specialty vehicle classes may require a higher hold amount.
Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined, and notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid fraud blocks on the authorization.
What are the airport fees and taxes added to a Payless rental at Cleveland Hopkins Airport?
Yes, renting a Payless car at Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) includes several local fees and taxes on top of the base rate. These are standard charges applied to all airport rentals in Cleveland and are not unique to Payless.
Typical fees you can expect at the Cleveland airport location include:
- Airport concession recovery fee: up to 12.75% of the base rate, charged because the Payless facility operates on airport property.
- Customer facility charge (CFC): approximately US$4.50 per rental day, covering the cost of the consolidated rental car center.
- Cuyahoga County rental tax: approximately 3%.
- City vehicle rental tax: approximately 2% to 3%.
Combined, these surcharges can add roughly 18% to 20% to your base rate at the Cleveland airport Payless location, which is higher than many non-airport rental locations. Your booking confirmation will show which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate versus which are due at the Payless counter in Cleveland at pickup.
Is there a young driver surcharge at Payless in Cleveland for renters under 25?
Yes, Payless in Cleveland applies a young-driver surcharge for renters between 21 and 24 years old. The minimum age to rent without an additional fee is 25.
Key details for younger renters at the Cleveland Payless location:
- Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent but will pay a daily young-renter surcharge at the counter in addition to the base rate.
- Payless charges approximately US$13 per rental day in young-driver fees, with a maximum cap of US$65 plus applicable taxes.
- Certain vehicle classes are restricted to renters aged 25 and older, including full-size sedans, SUVs, minivans, luxury, and premium categories. Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are generally available to younger renters.
- For Payless in Cleveland, additional drivers aged 21 to 24 may not be accepted or may also be subject to the surcharge. Additional drivers should generally be at least 25 years old.
Drivers under 21 cannot rent from Payless in Cleveland. If you are 21 to 24, Budget for the daily surcharge when planning your Cleveland rental.
What happens if I drive through a Cleveland area toll without paying in my Payless rental?
If you drive through a toll on the Ohio Turnpike or another toll road near Cleveland without paying in your Payless rental car, the toll agency will send an unpaid toll notice to the rental company. Payless will then charge the toll amount plus administrative and processing fees to the credit card on file.
These charges can appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the vehicle in Cleveland, because toll agencies process invoices in batches after the rental period ends.
To avoid unexpected post-rental charges on your Payless Cleveland rental:
- Enroll in the rental company's toll program at the counter (typically US$11 to US$25 per day) for unlimited use of the transponder.
- Alternatively, pay Ohio Turnpike tolls manually at cash or credit card plazas where available, or prepay online through the Ohio Turnpike website.
- Keep all toll receipts during your Cleveland rental as documentation.
If you receive a post-rental toll charge you believe is incorrect, gather your Payless rental agreement, booking confirmation, and any toll receipts, then contact support for assistance reviewing the charge.
Can I add an additional driver to my Payless rental in Cleveland?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Payless rental in Cleveland, but the additional driver must be present at the counter at pickup with a valid driver's license to sign the rental agreement.
Key rules for additional drivers on a Payless rental in Cleveland:
- Payless charges approximately US$13 per rental day for an additional driver, with a maximum cap of US$65 plus applicable taxes, unless your booking confirmation explicitly states the additional driver is included at no charge.
- Additional drivers at Payless in Cleveland must generally be at least 25 years old. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may not be accepted as additional drivers or may incur a young-driver surcharge.
- The additional driver must meet the same document requirements as the main driver, including a valid license and, if applicable, an International Driving Permit.
- Only drivers listed on the Payless rental agreement in Cleveland are covered by the vehicle's protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. Anyone not named on the contract who drives the car may void those protections.
Check your booking confirmation before arriving at the Cleveland Payless counter to confirm whether an additional driver is included in your rate or will be charged locally.
What is the fuel policy for Payless rentals in Cleveland?
Payless rentals in Cleveland follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for a smooth fuel return at the Cleveland Payless location:
- 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 Cleveland rental, use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle. Keep fuel receipts in case of any dispute.
- Before returning the car to the Cleveland facility, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive.
- Take a photo of the full gauge at the station and keep the final receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
If you return the Payless vehicle in Cleveland 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.
Does Payless in Cleveland have one-way rental options to other cities?
Yes, one-way rentals from the Payless location in Cleveland to other cities are possible in many cases, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, vehicle class, and season.
How one-way fees work for Payless Cleveland rentals:
- A drop-off fee is a one-time charge set by Payless to reposition the vehicle between locations. It is separate from mileage, fuel, and tolls.
- The fee varies by route. Short regional routes may carry a modest fee, while long-distance or cross-country one-ways typically carry higher fees. Some routes may not be permitted at all.
- During the booking process, any applicable drop-off fee for your Cleveland Payless rental will be shown on the rate details page under the section labeled as charges due at the destination. If no fee appears, none applies to that route.
- Cross-border one-ways, such as driving from Cleveland into Canada, may be restricted or require advance approval from Payless. Always confirm cross-border permissions on your rental agreement.
If you change your drop-off location after booking, the one-way fee may be recalculated. Review your confirmation carefully before arriving at the Cleveland Payless counter.
Does travel assistance cover a breakdown on the Ohio Turnpike during my Payless rental in Cleveland?
Yes, most bookings include travel assistance through Terrawind Global Protection, which can help in situations such as a breakdown on the Ohio Turnpike or another highway near Cleveland during your Payless rental.
The travel assistance benefit typically covers:
- Medical coverage for up to 5 passengers in the event of an accident or non-pre-existing illness.
- Legal assistance in case of an accident during your Cleveland rental.
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline connected to your trip.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
This benefit does not cover damage to the Payless rental vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability to others (covered by LIS/SLI). For roadside issues with the vehicle, contact the Payless roadside assistance number listed on your rental agreement.
To reach travel assistance in an emergency near Cleveland:
- Call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free, available 24/7).
- Or contact via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001.
- Provide your full name and Hola Car Rentals confirmation number when you call.
Important: this travel assistance benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify for this coverage.
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