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About hiring a car with Payless in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Payless in New York include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in New York, 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 hire 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 car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in New York.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Payless counter in New York when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in New York 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 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 counter in New York 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 the hire partner 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)
How do I get to the Payless counter at JFK Airport in New York?
The Payless counter at New York JFK is located at Federal Circle (Station C), the consolidated hire centre shared by all brands at the airport.
From any terminal, the process is straightforward:
- After collecting your baggage, follow the signs inside your terminal to the AirTrain
- Board the AirTrain towards Federal Circle (Station C), the journey takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes and is free for on-airport travel
- At Federal Circle, follow the Hire Car signs to the Payless counter
The AirTrain operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with lifts and escalators at each station. The Payless New York JFK location is open Sunday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Plan your arrival accordingly if you have a late flight, as after-hours collection options are not confirmed. Bring your booking confirmation, a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name, and all required documents to the counter.
What documents do I need to pick up a Payless hire car in New York?
When collecting a Payless hire car in New York, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- A valid driver’s licence in the main driver’s name (original, not a digital copy)
- A physical major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, for the authorisation hold
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID (required for international visitors)
- Your booking confirmation
- Round-trip flight ticket, itinerary, or e-ticket (required if paying with a debit card at New York airport locations)
If your driver’s licence is not issued in the United States, you must also present your passport or a Canadian enhanced licence alongside your foreign licence. If your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required as a translation document. The IDP is not a standalone licence and must be carried together with your original licence.
Note that at Payless New York airport locations such as JFK, debit cards are accepted only if you arrive by air and present your round-trip ticket. The debit card authorisation hold will be the estimated hire charges plus GBP 350.00. At non-airport locations in the New York metropolitan area, debit cards are not accepted at all.
Is a credit card required to pick up a Payless car in New York?
Yes, a major credit card is required to collect a Payless hire car in New York.
The credit card must be a physical card with the main driver’s name printed on it and must have sufficient available credit to cover the authorisation hold. Typical holds in the United Kingdom range from approximately GBP 300 to GBP 400 for standard vehicles, though the exact amount is set by the Payless counter at the time of collection.
The following are not accepted for the security deposit at Payless New York locations:
- Prepaid or gift cards
- Virtual or single-use card numbers
- Someone else’s credit card (the card must belong to the main driver)
Debit cards have limited acceptance at Payless in New York. At airport locations such as JFK and LaGuardia, a debit card may be used only if you arrive by air and present your round-trip ticket or e-ticket. In that case, the hold will be the estimated hire charges plus GBP 350.00. At non-airport locations in the New York metropolitan tri-state area, debit cards are not accepted under any circumstances. Bringing a backup credit card is always recommended in case your primary card is declined.
How do tolls work for a Payless hire car in New York?
New York has one of the most toll-intensive road networks in the United States, and understanding how tolls work is essential before driving a Payless hire car in New York.
All major toll roads, bridges, and tunnels in New York are fully cashless. There are no cash lanes. Tolls are collected electronically via E-ZPass transponders or through licence plate recognition (Tolls by Mail). Your Payless hire vehicle comes equipped with an electronic toll device by default.
At the Payless counter in New York, you typically have two options:
- Unlimited toll package: a fixed daily rate of approximately US$11 to US$25 per day, covering all toll usage during the hire
- Pay per use: if you decline the package, Payless will charge you the actual toll amounts plus daily or administrative processing fees after the hire ends. These charges can appear on your card days or even weeks after you return the vehicle
Estimated toll costs in the New York area can be significant. Each bridge or tunnel crossing costs approximately US$15 to US$25 or more. If you plan to drive into Manhattan, a separate NYC Congestion Pricing charge of approximately US$8.99 plus taxes applies per day for entering most of Manhattan south of 60th Street. This congestion fee is charged once per calendar day regardless of how many times you enter or exit the zone, and it appears as a separate line item on your hire bill.
You may also bring your own personal E-ZPass transponder. If you do, inform the Payless counter agent so they can deactivate the vehicle’s default toll device and prevent duplicate charges.
What is NYC Congestion Pricing and does it apply to my Payless hire in New York?
Yes, NYC Congestion Pricing applies to Payless hire cars in New York and is an important cost to factor into your trip budget.
The congestion charge applies to any vehicle, including hire cars, that enters most of Manhattan south of 60th Street via local streets. The current rate is approximately US$8.99 plus taxes and fees per calendar day for standard passenger vehicles. Key details to know:
- You are charged once per calendar day, even if you enter and exit the congestion zone multiple times on the same day
- The charge is detected automatically by cameras at zone entry points, there are no traditional toll booths
- Driving on the FDR Drive or the West Side Highway (Route 9A) does not trigger the congestion fee, as long as you do not exit onto local streets within the zone
- The congestion fee appears as a separate charge on your Payless hire bill, distinct from bridge and tunnel tolls
- It is not covered by insurance, CDW/LDW, or any hire protection package
This charge is in addition to any bridge or tunnel tolls you may incur crossing into or out of New York City. If you are hiring a Payless vehicle in New York and plan to drive into Manhattan, budget for both the congestion fee and any applicable bridge or tunnel crossings.
Can I get toll cashback on my Payless hire in New York?
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 Payless hire in New York.
Given that New York has some of the highest toll costs in the United States, with bridge and tunnel crossings ranging from US$15 to US$25 or more each, plus the NYC Congestion Pricing fee, this benefit can provide meaningful savings.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after your Payless New York hire:
- 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 hire agreement from Payless, and a toll receipt or statement showing the charges paid during your hire
The refund is calculated as the lesser of the total tolls you paid or 5% of your booking total. For example, if your booking total was US$500, the maximum cashback is US$25. Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for your reservation and typically process within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
Is there a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25 at Payless in New York?
Yes, a young driver surcharge applies to renters under 25 years old at Payless in New York.
New York state law requires hire companies to rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older, which means Payless in New York can accept drivers as young as 18. However, an additional daily surcharge applies to all drivers under 25. The specific surcharge amount is set by Payless at the counter and is not included in your prepaid booking rate.
Additional points to be aware of when renting as a young driver at Payless in New York:
- The surcharge is charged per hire day and is paid at the Payless counter at collection
- Certain vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older, including full-size, premium, luxury, convertible, minivan, and SUV categories, younger drivers are generally limited to economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles
- For Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of collection
If you are between 21 and 24 and from Latin America or the Caribbean, check whether your Hola Car Rentals confirmation shows an underage fee waiver, which is available on select Avis and Budget rates but does not apply to Payless New York bookings.
How does adding an extra driver work at Payless in New York?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Payless hire in New York, but a daily fee typically applies unless your booking confirmation explicitly states that an additional driver is included at no charge.
For Payless in New York, the additional driver fee is GBP 10 per hire day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of GBP 65 plus taxes for the hire period. This fee is paid directly at the Payless counter at collection and is not part of your prepaid booking total.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at Payless in New York:
- The additional driver must be physically present at the Payless counter at the time of collection
- They must present a valid driver’s licence (and an IDP if their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet)
- For Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the hire agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. If someone drives the vehicle who is not named on the contract, those protections may be void. If your Hola Car Rentals confirmation shows additional driver as included, verify this with the Payless agent at the New York counter before signing.
What insurance coverage do I need for a Payless hire in New York?
When renting a Payless vehicle in New York, there are two main types of cover to consider: protection for the hire vehicle itself and liability cover for damage or injury you may cause to others.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) covers damage to the Payless hire vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation states zero excess. CDW/LDW does not cover third-party liability.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to other people or vehicles while driving. In New York, some minimum liability cover is required by law, but the statutory minimum may be lower than what is advisable for driving in a dense urban environment. Adding supplementary liability cover is strongly recommended for driving in New York.
Important exclusions to be aware of:
- CDW/LDW does not cover tyres, undercarriage, roof, or personal belongings
- Cover is void if an unlisted driver operates the vehicle
- Prohibited use such as off-road driving or driving under the influence voids all cover
Payless requires written proof of liability cover for injury to third parties and collision and comprehensive cover for the hire vehicle. Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation to see which protections are included in your New York rate.
Is my foreign driver’s licence valid for a Payless hire in New York?
Yes, a foreign driver’s licence is generally valid for renting a Payless vehicle in New York, but additional documents may be required depending on your licence.
If your driver’s licence is not issued in the United States, Payless in New York requires you to present your foreign licence together with either a passport or a Canadian enhanced licence in the driver’s name. Your foreign licence alone is not sufficient without one of these supporting documents.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended if your licence is not in English. It is mandatory if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic (Russian). Key points about the IDP:
- It is a translation document only and must be carried alongside your original licence at all times
- It is not a standalone licence and will not be accepted without the original
- You must obtain the IDP in your home country before travelling, as it cannot be issued abroad
All documents presented at the Payless counter in New York must be physical originals. Digital or photocopied documents are not accepted. If you are unsure whether your licence meets the requirements for your Payless New York hire, check your booking confirmation or contact support before your trip.
What local taxes and airport fees apply to a Payless hire at New York airports?
Renting a Payless vehicle at New York airport locations such as JFK or LaGuardia means your final bill will include several local taxes and fees on top of the base hire rate. These charges are standard for airport hires in New York and are not unique to Payless.
Common fees and taxes that typically apply at New York airport Payless locations include:
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF): charged by the hire company to recover the cost of operating at the airport, typically a percentage of the base rate
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC): a per-day fee that funds the hire centre at the airport, commonly ranging from US$4.50 to US$6.75 per day
- New York City vehicle use tax and state sales tax: combined local and state taxes in New York can add approximately 8.875% or more to the hire total
- NYC Congestion Pricing fee: approximately US$8.99 plus taxes per day if you drive into Manhattan south of 60th Street
These charges can add 20% to 30% or more above the base hire rate at New York airport locations. Your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation will indicate which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate and which are due at the Payless counter at collection. Review the confirmation carefully before arriving so there are no surprises.
What is the fuel policy for a Payless hire in New York?
The standard fuel policy for a Payless vehicle in New York is Full-to-Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it with a full tank to avoid fuel charges.
To avoid being charged for fuel at the end of your Payless New York hire:
- Check the fuel gauge with the Payless agent at collection and confirm the starting level is recorded on the hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the fuel gauge and odometer at collection
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 kilometres of the return location (JFK is at 305 Federal Circle, Jamaica, NY) so the gauge does not drop before you return the car
- Keep your fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
- Take a photo of the full gauge before returning the vehicle
If you return the Payless vehicle in New York with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the hire company’s refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the retail pump price, plus a refuelling service fee. If the tank was not full at collection, the starting level must be noted on the agreement and you only need to return it at that same level.
Does travel assistance cover me if something goes wrong during my Payless hire in New York?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings include travel assistance cover provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can help if an unexpected situation arises during your Payless hire in New York.
This benefit is particularly relevant in New York, where driving in a dense urban environment with complex motorway interchanges, cashless toll roads, and heavy traffic can increase the likelihood of incidents. Cover typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical cover for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To use the assistance service, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Phone: +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free)
- WhatsApp: +1 208 910 1001
- Email: [email protected]
When you call, provide your full name, your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number, your current location in New York, 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 hire vehicle (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or liability to third parties (covered by LIS/ALI/SLI). Check your Hola Car Rentals confirmation for the exact terms applicable to your New York booking.
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