Payless Car Rental at O'Hare: Value and Service for Illinois Travelers

Payless Car Rental Photos

Payless Car Rental Introduce

For residents and visitors traveling through Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), finding a car rental service that balances affordability with reliable service is key to a smooth journey across Illinois. Payless Car Rental, situated at 10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666, within the airport's Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), aims to provide just that. As part of the major car rental landscape at one of the world's busiest airports, Payless offers a variety of vehicles at competitive rates, catering to budget-conscious travelers and locals needing temporary transportation.

The experience of renting a car at a large airport can sometimes be daunting, with varying levels of service across different providers. Payless Car Rental at O'Hare, while striving for efficiency and customer satisfaction, presents a mixed picture based on customer feedback. This highlights the importance of understanding their specific operational model and customer service focus at this high-volume location. While some customers praise the friendly staff and reasonable rates, others have experienced significant wait times and issues with vehicle condition or initial service.

This article will delve into what makes Payless Car Rental at O'Hare a noteworthy option for those in Illinois. We will detail its convenient location within the modern MMF, outline the range of services and vehicle options typically available, and discuss key features that prospective renters should consider. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, factual, and engaging overview to help you make an informed decision for your car rental needs in the Illinois region, ensuring your travel plans remain as stress-free as possible.

Payless Car Rental at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located at 10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666. This address corresponds to the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), a centralized and modern complex that consolidates all major car rental agencies. This strategic placement within the MMF is a significant advantage, providing direct and easy access for travelers arriving at O'Hare.

To reach the Payless counter and vehicle pickup area from any of O'Hare's terminals (1, 2, 3, or 5), travelers can utilize the Airport Transit System (ATS), commonly known as the AirTrain. This free, automated train runs regularly and efficiently connects all terminals directly to the MMF, typically completing the journey in under 10 minutes. Upon arrival at the MMF via the AirTrain, customers proceed to the ground floor where the rental car counters are located. The Payless counter is on Floor 1, and agents will direct customers to their reserved vehicles, typically located on Floor 2 of the MMF's integrated parking structure. This seamless transition from airport to rental car helps to minimize post-flight stress and wasted time, a significant benefit compared to off-airport rental locations that require shuttle buses.

For Illinois locals who may be arriving by their own vehicle to pick up a rental, the MMF is also accessible by following airport signs for "Car Rental Return" or "Multi-Modal Facility" to Parking Lot F. While direct public transport to the MMF might be limited, the primary convenience for customers of Payless at this location stems from its integration with O'Hare's advanced ground transportation infrastructure, also serving as a hub for rideshare services for convenient drop-off or pick-up.

Services Offered:

Diverse Vehicle Inventory: Payless offers a range of vehicles to suit various needs, including economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio, Kia Soul), compact cars, mid-size, and full-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Toyota Crown), various SUVs (e.g., Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited), minivans, and sometimes specialty vehicles like pickup trucks (e.g., Toyota Tacoma) or electric vehicles (e.g., Tesla Model 3). Availability is based on the specific booking and current inventory.
Competitive Rates: Payless is known for offering reasonable rates and fees, often providing a more budget-friendly option compared to some larger rental brands. They frequently offer deals and discounts, including "Pay Now" options for pre-paid savings.
Online Booking: Customers can conveniently reserve their vehicle through the Payless website or various travel booking platforms.
Flexible Rental Periods: Daily, weekly, and potentially longer-term rentals are available to accommodate different travel durations.
24-Hour Operations (subject to change): The O'Hare MMF location is generally open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week, allowing for flexible pickup and drop-off times to align with flight schedules.
Customer Support: Staff are available by phone to assist with reservations and on-rent issues.
Optional Add-ons: Customers can typically opt for additional features like GPS navigation, child safety seats, and various protection plans (e.g., Loss Damage Waiver). Payless also offers an e-Toll service for convenient toll road usage in the Chicago area.

Features / Highlights:

Airport Multi-Modal Facility Location: Direct access via the AirTrain from all O'Hare terminals significantly streamlines the rental process, eliminating the need for shuttle buses to off-airport lots.
Reasonable Rates and Fees: Often a key draw for customers looking for cost-effective car rental solutions, with attractive pricing and potential discounts.
Good Inventory Selection: Despite being a value-oriented brand, customer reviews suggest a decent selection of vehicles, often clean and well-maintained.
Dedicated Staff (exemplified by Darryl): Positive reviews highlight instances of excellent customer service, with staff going above and beyond to assist customers, such as helping locate forgotten items.
Clean Vehicles: Many customers praise the cleanliness of the rental vehicles, contributing to a comfortable experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666, USA

Phone: (224) 220-0604

Mobile Phone: +1 224-220-0604

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Illinois who frequently travel through Chicago O'Hare International Airport or need a cost-effective car rental solution, Payless Car Rental at 10255 W Zemke Blvd offers a suitable option, particularly for those prioritizing value. The prime location within the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) is a significant advantage, providing direct and free AirTrain access from all airport terminals. This means less time wasted on shuttle buses and a quicker transition from plane to car, a convenience highly valued by busy locals.

While customer experiences can sometimes be mixed, the positive feedback often highlights the "super friendly staff," "very reasonable rates and fees," and "super clean vehicles." The dedication of individual employees, such as Darryl, who go the extra mile to assist customers, showcases a commitment to service that can greatly enhance the rental experience. For Illinois locals seeking a budget-friendly car rental with convenient airport access and a chance for excellent customer service, Payless Car Rental at O'Hare remains a strong contender for their ground transportation needs.

Payless Car Rental Details

Service options
On-site services

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Payless Car Rental Location

Payless Car Rental

Illinois Cook County Chicago O'Hare West Zemke Boulevard

10255 W Zemke Blvd, Chicago, IL 60666, USA

Payless Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★2.8 from 968 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Great customer service and super friendly staff. Very reasonable rates and fees. Great inventory selection and super clean vehicles. I accidentally forgot my work key on the key fob when I turned in the car. One of the employees (Darryl) came to the rescue helping to find the car in no time using quick thinking and reasoning to narrow down where it could be! Highly recommend renting from here if you need a car.If management reads this: Darryl deserves a promotion and a fat raise!
Jun 09, 2025 · David Neri
If I could give zero stars, I would. I waited over FOUR HOURS at the airport to get my rental car because of some license issue that could have been resolved much earlier. The person at the counter was completely unprofessional and rude—not just to me, but to multiple customers. I witnessed him arguing with other people who ended up canceling their bookings and demanding refunds.Unfortunately, I didn’t have any other option, so I had to stay and wait. After 4 hours of stress, frustration, and terrible service, only then did the manager finally step in and hand over the car. This entire ordeal could’ve been avoided if the staff were competent and respectful.I would never recommend this location to anyone. Completely ruined the start of my trip.
May 20, 2025 · adil ghouri
Denied Twice – Payless is a Complete Waste of Time (Booked via Expedia)I’ve attempted to rent from Payless twice now ( both times booked through Expedia) and both times were a complete failure due to their rigid and poorly communicated policies.I only showed up once, but that was enough to realize how misleading and frustrating their process is. First, they absolutely do not accept debit cards, no matter what kind of logo it has. You must have a traditional credit card, and that policy is buried in fine print instead of being front and center where it belongs.Second, the name on the credit card must match the reservation exactly. If you’re booking for someone else or using a shared card, you’re out of luck. I was denied the car on the spot — no help, no flexibility, just a cold “you don’t meet the requirements.”Expedia doesn’t clearly warn you about any of this, which makes the whole experience feel like a trap. Between the lack of transparency and Payless’s “not our problem” attitude, this was a complete waste of time.Avoid Payless and think twice before booking rentals through Expedia. There are better companies that actually want your business.
Jul 02, 2025 · Alejandra Nava
I had a stellar experience with this company. First off, the price was outstanding. I received an adequate vehicle for my needs. The pickup process was super easy and I just needed to check in and walk out to the garage to pick up the car.The thing that was most impressive to me was the customer service. After returning my vehicle, they gave me a receipt that said that I had accepted the gas refill service, which was an extra $50 charge. I don't remember agreeing to that and I returned the vehicle with a full tank of gas. When I emailed Gerald, the Ops Manager, and explained the situation. He refunded the extra charge to me with no questions asked. From start to finish, the people here were efficient, friendly, and professional!
Feb 05, 2025 · Alexander Yangas
The man at the front counter—older, around his 50s—was extremely rude and disrespectful. He was arguing with multiple customers, raising his voice, and completely refusing to help. I saw at least two other people walk away and cancel their reservations because of how badly he treated them.This person should have been fired on the spot. It’s unbelievable that someone like this is allowed to represent the company. I had no other option, so I was stuck waiting for hours. Instead of helping which takes only a minute, he chose to make me suffer. Sadist.
May 20, 2025 · Sumaiya Shaik