VERIFIED REVIEWS
About renting a car with Payless in Phoenix
Traveler Tips & Price Insights
When is the best time to book a rental car in Phoenix?
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 Phoenix include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Payless counter in Phoenix when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Payless booking in Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
The Payless counter at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is located inside the Rental Car Center (RCC), a consolidated facility separate from the terminals. Payless does not have a downtown Phoenix location, so the Rental Car Center is the primary pickup point.
To reach the Payless counter from any terminal, follow the signs for the PHX Sky Train, which is free and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trains arrive every 3 to 5 minutes. The ride takes approximately 5 minutes from Terminal 3 and 8 to 10 minutes from Terminal 4. Exit at the Rental Car Center station, then look for the Payless logo inside the building.
Plan for 15 to 30 minutes total from baggage claim to the Payless counter, depending on crowds and your terminal. The Payless desk at Phoenix Sky Harbor operates 24 hours daily, so after-hours pickup is supported.
What documents do I need to pick up a Payless rental car in Phoenix?
To pick up a Payless rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, you must bring the following physical documents:
- A valid, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the physical card, for the security deposit hold
- A valid passport (required for visitors from outside the United States)
- Your booking confirmation
- Round-trip flight tickets or cruise tickets (required for foreign visitors)
If your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without your original license.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Payless counter in Phoenix. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold.
Are there toll roads in Phoenix that affect my Payless rental?
No, Arizona has no toll roads, so driving your Payless rental car around Phoenix and the greater metro area will not generate any toll charges. Systems such as E-ZPass or SunPass are not used in Arizona, and there are no congestion or emissions zone fees either.
Because there are no tolls in Phoenix, you do not need to enroll in any toll program at the Payless counter, and you will not receive unexpected toll bills after your rental ends.
If your trip takes you beyond Arizona into neighboring states such as California, toll roads may apply. In that case, the toll device already installed in your Payless vehicle will be used, and charges plus any administrative fees will be billed to your credit card. You can also opt for an unlimited toll package at the counter (typically US$11 to US$25 per day) if you plan to cross into a state with tolls.
Can I get Tolls Cashback on my Payless rental in Phoenix?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Payless rentals in Phoenix, include Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental period.
Since Arizona has no toll roads, you are unlikely to pay tolls while driving around Phoenix itself. However, if your Payless rental takes you into neighboring states with toll roads, such as California, any tolls you pay are eligible for the cashback benefit.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after returning your Payless vehicle in Phoenix or elsewhere, email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return and include:
- Your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation
- A copy of the rental agreement signed at the Payless counter
- A receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
Refunds are issued to the original payment method 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 Payless rentals in Phoenix?
Yes, Payless charges a young driver surcharge in Phoenix for renters between the ages of 21 and 24. The surcharge is US$25.00 per rental day and applies to standard, intermediate, compact, economy, and full-size cars, as well as minivans.
Drivers under 21 are not eligible to rent from Payless at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Renters aged 25 and older are not subject to any young driver surcharge.
Keep in mind that even with the surcharge, certain vehicle classes may still be restricted for drivers under 25. When booking your Payless rental in Phoenix, select economy, compact, or intermediate categories to maximize availability as a younger driver.
The young driver surcharge is paid at the Payless counter in Phoenix and is not included in your prepaid rate. Budget for this additional daily cost when planning your trip.
Does Payless in Phoenix require a credit card for the deposit?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required at the Payless counter in Phoenix to cover the security deposit hold. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual or digital wallet cards are not accepted for this purpose.
The credit card must have the driver's name printed on the physical card, and the name must match the rental agreement. Even if you prepaid your Payless booking online, you must still present a physical credit card at the Phoenix pickup counter for the hold.
Typical security deposit holds in the United States range from US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles, though the exact amount is set by Payless at the time of pickup and may vary by vehicle class. The hold reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the car, which can take up to 15 business days depending on your bank.
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.
How does the fuel policy work for Payless rentals in Phoenix?
Payless rentals in Phoenix follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
At pickup, verify the fuel gauge with the Payless agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge before leaving the Phoenix Rental Car Center.
Before returning your Payless vehicle to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Rental Car Center so the gauge does not drop below full during the drive back. Keep your fuel receipt as proof in case of any dispute.
If you return the car with less than a full tank, Payless may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refueling rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus an administrative service fee. Returning the car full is always the most cost-effective option for your Phoenix rental.
Can I add an additional driver to my Payless rental in Phoenix?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Payless rental in Phoenix, but the additional driver must be present at the Payless counter at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport with a valid driver's license to sign the rental agreement.
If your booking confirmation states that an additional driver is included at no charge, no fee applies for the first extra driver. If it is not included, Payless charges US$13.00 per rental day plus taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65.00 plus taxes.
For Payless rentals in Phoenix, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may be subject to the young driver surcharge or may not be accepted as additional drivers depending on location rules.
Any driver not listed on the Payless rental agreement in Phoenix is not covered by the rental protections, including CDW/LDW. Always add every person who will drive the vehicle before leaving the counter.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for a Payless rental in Phoenix?
It depends on your driver's license. For a Payless rental in Phoenix, visitors from other countries can generally drive with a valid foreign license. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script.
If your license is in a Latin-based script but not in English, an IDP is strongly recommended as a translation document, even if not strictly required in every case.
The IDP is a translation booklet only and must always be carried alongside your original license. It is not a standalone document and will not be accepted at the Payless counter in Phoenix without the original license.
Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to Phoenix, as it cannot be issued abroad. All documents presented at the Payless counter must be physical originals; digital versions are not accepted.
What insurance coverage should I consider for my Payless rental in Phoenix?
When picking up your Payless rental in Phoenix, two main types of coverage are worth understanding before you arrive at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the Payless vehicle itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly shows zero. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other people or their property.
Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving your Payless rental in Phoenix. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability coverage, but not all do. Hola Car Rentals strongly recommends adding Liability Insurance Supplementary (up to US$300,000) to your rental for full protection on Phoenix roads.
Neither coverage includes your personal injuries (that requires Personal Accident Insurance) or your belongings (that requires Personal Effects Coverage). Review your booking confirmation to see which protections are already included in your Payless rate before accepting or declining anything at the Phoenix counter.
Is travel assistance included with my Payless booking in Phoenix?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Payless rentals in Phoenix, include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit is particularly useful if you experience a medical emergency or other unexpected event while driving in the Phoenix area or on desert roads outside the city.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in case of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
If you need assistance during your Payless rental in Phoenix, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day at +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001, and provide your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number.
Important: this benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the Payless rental vehicle itself (that is CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (that is LIS/ALI/SLI). Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and coverage limits.
Can I pick up a Payless car in Phoenix and return it to a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals are possible with Payless, allowing you to pick up in Phoenix and return the vehicle to a different location. However, a drop-off fee may apply depending on the route, vehicle class, and distance involved.
When booking your Payless one-way rental from Phoenix, the drop-off fee will be shown on the rate details page under the section labeled as charges due at destination. This fee is not included in your prepaid rate and must be paid at the Payless counter in Phoenix or at the return location.
Routes between nearby cities in the same region may carry a moderate fee, while long-distance or cross-country one-ways typically carry higher fees. Some routes or vehicle classes may not be available for one-way rentals at all.
Cross-border one-ways, such as returning a Payless vehicle rented in Phoenix to a location in Mexico, are generally restricted or require prior authorization. Always confirm cross-border permissions on your rental agreement before driving across any state or National border.
What should I know about returning my Payless rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
When returning your Payless rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, drive to the Rental Car Center at 1805 E Sky Harbor Circle South and follow the posted signs for the Payless return area inside the facility. The Payless counter at Phoenix Sky Harbor operates 24 hours daily, so after-hours returns are supported.
Before arriving at the Rental Car Center, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the airport to comply with the Full-to-Full fuel policy. Keep your fuel receipt in case of any dispute about the tank level.
At return, allow the Payless agent to inspect the vehicle with you and confirm the fuel gauge. Take a photo of the dashboard and the car's exterior before handing over the keys. After the contract closes, the security deposit hold on your credit card will be released, though your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect this.
After returning your Payless vehicle in Phoenix, take the free PHX Sky Train from the Rental Car Center back to your terminal. Trains run every 3 to 5 minutes and operate around the clock.
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