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Payless Car Rental scores a dismal 1.38/5 from over 1,200 customers, plagued by hidden fees, dirty cars, and poor service. Dive into honest reviews, common pitfalls, vehicle details, and smarter alternatives for your next trip. Save time and money with our expert analysis.
Quick Pick: Skip the headaches – go with proven options like those in our Hertz Car Rental Reviews 2024 for ratings above 3.5/5 and reliable service.
Payless Car Rental, a budget-focused company operating since 1971 from its Florida headquarters, promises affordable wheels at over 30 U.S. airports and spots in Canada, the Caribbean, and beyond. But customer feedback tells a different story. With an overall rating of just 1.38 out of 5 stars from 1,281 reviews, Payless ranks near the bottom in the car rental space. Service clocks in at 1.6/5, value at 1.4/5, and quality at 1.5/5. Travelers report frustration at every step, from booking to drop-off.
This isn't just anecdotal – it's a pattern across platforms. Only about 5% of reviews hit 4-5 stars, while 80% are 1-star rants. If you're eyeing Payless for your next road trip, read on for the unfiltered truth, balanced pros/cons, and tips to avoid regrets.
Wondering how Payless stacks up? Here's a side-by-side look at key metrics based on aggregated 2024 customer data (out of 5 stars). Payless lags far behind established players.
| Feature | Payless | Hertz | Budget Truck | General Market Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1.38 | 3.6 | 3.2 | 3.4 |
| Service Quality | 1.6 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 3.5 |
| Value for Money | 1.4 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| Vehicle Cleanliness | 1.3 | 3.8 | 3.0 | 3.6 |
| Ease of Booking | 1.5 | 3.9 | 3.3 | 3.7 |
| Review Volume | 1,281 | 45k+ | 28k+ | - |
Data sourced from major review aggregators as of mid-2024. Hertz edges out with faster check-ins (avg. 12 min vs. Payless' 45+ min waits).
Check Hertz details here for a smoother experience.
Reviewers paint a consistent picture of disappointment. Here's a breakdown of the most cited issues, with real-world examples rephrased from hundreds of accounts:
These aren't outliers – they're the norm, costing travelers an estimated $50-200 extra per rental.
It's not all doom. About 10% of positive reviews highlight:
Pros:
Cons:
For Mirage fans, check Mitsubishi Owner Reviews 2024 – owners rate it 4.1/5 for efficiency, but rentals amplify wear-and-tear issues.
Payless sticks to budget sedans and hatchbacks:
Pro tip: Inspect tread depth (min 4/32") and test brakes before driving off.
Ditch the drama. Opt for higher-rated options:
For family trips, pair with Best Baby Travel Trays or Dream On Me Deluxe Booster Review.
Planning a road trip? See Best Laptops for Travel in 2026.
No – expect 30-60 minute waits and upcharges. Better for non-airport spots.
Economy like Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, Kia Soul – functional but high-mileage.
Yes, often doubling base rates. Always get a full quote upfront.
Rarely – response times average 48 hours for issues.
Explore Hertz or Budget Truck for 2x better ratings.
Avoid – dirty interiors and no car seats. Pair alternatives with Dream On Me boosters.
Safe travels – choose wisely!
