Payless Car Rental Miami: A Guide for Florida Locals

Payless Car Rental Photos

Payless Car Rental Introduce

For many Floridians, especially those in and around Miami, reliable and affordable transportation is key to navigating the bustling city or embarking on a relaxing getaway across the state. When your own car isn't an option, or you need an additional set of wheels, car rental services become essential. Payless Car Rental is one of the many options available at the Miami International Airport (MIA) Car Rental Center, and understanding what to expect can significantly impact your rental experience. This guide aims to provide a factual and engaging overview of Payless Car Rental in Miami, tailored for local users in Florida.

Whether you're heading to the beautiful beaches of the Florida Keys, venturing to the theme parks in Orlando, or simply need a temporary vehicle for daily errands, the choice of a car rental company matters. While price is often a primary consideration, factors like customer service, vehicle condition, and overall convenience play a crucial role in a positive rental experience. Payless Car Rental positions itself as a budget-friendly option, which can be particularly attractive for those looking to "not break the bank" while securing transportation.

However, as with any service, understanding both the advantages and potential challenges is important. This article will delve into the specifics of Payless Car Rental's operation in Miami, drawing insights from publicly available information and customer feedback to give you a comprehensive picture. Our goal is to equip you, the local Florida user, with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision and ensure your next car rental is as smooth as possible.

Location and Accessibility

Payless Car Rental's primary Miami location for airport travelers is at the Miami International Airport (MIA) Car Rental Center, specifically at 3900 NW 25th St Ste 412, Miami, FL 33142, USA. This centralized car rental facility is designed for convenience, though accessing it from the airport terminal requires taking the MIA Mover (people mover) to Level 4 of the Car Rental Facility, where the Payless counter is located.

This integrated approach means that once you've landed at MIA and claimed your baggage, you'll proceed to a dedicated transportation system that takes you directly to the rental car building. While this system aims for efficiency, as noted by some customers, there can be a "LONG walk" involved from the airport terminal to the MIA Mover, and then from the Mover to the specific rental counter. It's important to factor this transition time into your travel plans, especially if you have a tight schedule or are traveling with a lot of luggage.

Being located within the MIA Car Rental Center also means that Payless benefits from its proximity to major highways, making it relatively straightforward to get on the road and out of the airport area once you have your vehicle. This accessibility is a key advantage for both arriving travelers and local residents who might be picking up or dropping off a rental for various purposes.

Services Offered

Payless Car Rental, part of the Avis Budget Group, offers a range of services typically found in budget-focused car rental companies. Their emphasis is generally on providing essential car rental needs at competitive prices.

Economy to Standard Vehicles: Payless typically offers a fleet that includes economy, compact, intermediate, standard, and full-size cars, catering to everyday transportation needs. Examples include Kia Rio, Kia Soul, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Camry.
SUVs and Vans: For those needing more space, they also offer SUVs (like Toyota RAV4, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ford Edge) and various passenger vans (e.g., Ford Transit 12-Passenger Van, Chevrolet Express 15-Passenger Van), suitable for families or groups.
Limited Premium/Luxury Options: While primarily a budget brand, some locations may offer limited premium or luxury vehicles, such as a Tesla Model 3 or a Dodge Challenger, though availability varies.
Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals: They cater to both short-duration rentals for travelers and locals, as well as extended rentals for longer-term needs.
Optional Products and Protections: Customers can purchase additional products like GPS, child safety seats, and various protection plans including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), and Roadside SafetyNet (RSP) for emergency assistance.
e-Toll Services: Payless offers e-Toll services in Florida, which can provide a convenient way to manage tolls on the state's cashless toll roads. However, customers should inquire about the cost and mandatory nature of these devices at the counter, as there have been varying customer experiences.

Features / Highlights

Payless Car Rental, while positioning itself as a cost-effective option, presents a mixed bag of customer experiences, making certain features stand out.

Budget-Friendly Pricing: One of the primary attractions of Payless is its often lower price point compared to some other major rental companies. As one customer noted, "If you're not trying to break the bank, I recommend Payless." This makes it an appealing choice for travelers and locals focused on minimizing rental costs.
Location at MIA Car Rental Center: Being situated directly at the MIA Car Rental Center means relative convenience for airport arrivals, eliminating the need for separate off-airport shuttles to other locations. This can speed up the process of getting on the road after landing, especially if the counter is adequately staffed and efficient.
Vehicle Variety: Despite being a budget brand, Payless offers a decent range of vehicle types, from economy cars for solo travelers to larger SUVs and passenger vans for groups, as well as some electric and hybrid options, providing flexibility for different needs.
Potential for Quicker Service at Counter (Sometimes): One customer mentioned a positive aspect of not having to "wait in a long line like some of the other companies" once a representative was present. This suggests that when adequately staffed, the process at the counter can be efficient.
Important Note on Customer Service and Vehicle Condition: Customer reviews indicate significant inconsistencies in service and vehicle quality. Issues cited include un-manned counters, irritated staff, attempts to upsell or change reservations and prices, and concerns about vehicle maintenance (e.g., "60,000 miles on it and bad tires," "unsafe to drive with damaged piece hanging"). Customers are strongly advised to inspect vehicles thoroughly before leaving the lot and to confirm all charges, especially for toll devices, as experiences can vary from "best car rental experience" to "total scam operation" and "very poor scammy service." The company's online information states that they "already know everything wrong with the car," which some customers found concerning when trying to annotate pre-existing damages.

Contact Information

For general inquiries, reservations, or to address specific concerns, you can contact Payless Car Rental in Miami using the following details:

Address: 3900 NW 25th St Ste 412, Miami, FL 33142, USA

Phone: (305) 870-0397

Mobile Phone: +1 305-870-0397

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Floridians seeking a car rental solution, Payless Car Rental in Miami can be a viable option, particularly if your primary concern is finding a budget-friendly rate. As a local, you're likely familiar with the ins and outs of travel within Florida, including the need for a car for various scenarios – be it a temporary replacement for your personal vehicle, a ride for visiting family or friends, or a cost-effective choice for a weekend road trip.

The lower price point often associated with Payless can be a significant advantage, helping locals save money on their transportation needs. Being located at the MIA Car Rental Center offers the convenience of a centralized pick-up and drop-off point, which can be efficient if you're frequently traveling through the airport or live in the surrounding areas of Miami. The availability of various vehicle types, including economy cars, SUVs, and vans, means you can likely find a car that suits your specific requirements, whether it's for city driving or a longer journey across the state.

However, it is crucial for local users to approach Payless with an awareness of the experiences shared by other customers. The advice to "inspect it and if it doesn't pass your inspection, go ask for another car" is particularly pertinent. Given feedback about vehicle condition (e.g., bad tires, high mileage) and inconsistent counter service (e.g., un-manned counters, disputes over reservations or pricing, aggressive upselling of toll devices), Floridians should exercise due diligence. Confirming all charges upfront, especially regarding "non-optional" toll devices, and thoroughly inspecting the vehicle for safety and damages before leaving the lot can mitigate potential frustrations. While some customers have had positive experiences with quick service, others have reported significant issues that could lead to delays or unexpected costs. By being prepared and assertive, local users can potentially leverage Payless for its affordability and convenient location, while minimizing the risk of a less-than-ideal rental experience. For those who prioritize cost savings and are willing to be proactive in managing their rental, Payless can serve as a functional option in the Miami car rental landscape.

Payless Car Rental Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Payless Car Rental Location

Payless Car Rental

Florida Miami-Dade County Miami Northwest 25th Street

3900 NW 25th St Ste 412, Miami, FL 33142, USA

Payless Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★3.3 from 281 user reviews.

counterpickupattentionmiami international airportdeskcheckcallcartsmelldebit card

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

When I arrived to the Car Rental Center at Miami International Airport (MIA) after the LONG walk from the airport, of all the car rental companies there, Payless was the ONLY one that had NO ONE manning their counter. I low key began to freak out.I had to get down to my resort in the Keys, a 2-hour drive, in approximately two hours! The resort closed at 11 PM and I arrived at the Car Rental Center at 9 PM. The resort was willing to wait for me beyond 11, but I was nervous all the same.When I walked up to the counter, I notice there was a walkie-talkie. I tried using it - maybe I could make contact with someone downstairs. After I fumble around with it for what appeared like eternity, Barbara, a Latina shows up. It's the Friday before Christmas. I'm just grateful someone is working. She asks me if I tried using the walkie-talkie. I confessed. She seemed so irritated. Girl, bye! You should be glad I didn't call corporate.She processed my rental request, but asked about my reservation. I had the foresight to call corporate to extend my reservation by an hour, while I waited on the tarmac for my flight to arrive at its gate. For two seconds, Barbara acted like she wanted to give me a problem about that.Click, click, click on the keyboard and she hands me some papers and tells me the location where to find the car downstairs. The keys are inside. I go down and I can't even sit behind the steering wheel. I assumed someone of Napoleon's stature was last behind the wheel, so I try to adjust the seat backwards, because I am tall. No go.I go all the way back upstairs, hoping Barbara didn't do another Houdini act to inform her of the issue. She seemed annoyed again - like, I was the one inconveniencing her! Girl, stop.It's now 9:30. For another 2 seconds, she acts like she doesn't have another car to give me. Then, she finds something. An upgrade, she tells me. HA! It has 60,000 miles on it and bad tires. I didn't find out about the latter until an hour or so before I returned the car during rainfall. Every time I would try to break, the tires would skip traction on the pavement - very scary and dangerous. I should have inspected the tires. I did inspect the car, though. When I went back a second time, I asked Barbara why there wasn't a diagram of the car for me to annotate problems with the vehicle that I found during my self inspection. Her response? We already know everything wrong with the car. HA! Barbara is a whole piece of work - if you know what I mean. I hadn't rented a car in years, so I just chalked it up to things had changed.If you're not trying to break the bank, I recommend Payless. While Barbara was MIA when I arrived, when she did show up, I didn't have to wait in a long line like some of the other companies, so that's a positive. I can't stand Miami International Airport, so anything that helps you get out of there faster is a plus (in my opinion) - just don't settle on whatever they give you first. Inspect it and if it doesn't pass your inspection, go ask for another car. You'd rather be safe than sorry. I bought the "don't ask me any questions" insurance, so I wasn't too worry, but if you don't have that type of insurance money to spend, you want to do your due diligence. Insurance or no insurance, you want a safe car and the one I was given was not the safest.Management, tell Barbara to keep her butt in her seat, please.
Jan 06, 2024 · I Am Sharon
The Payless counter is closed and directs you to Avis. The person at the counter changed the car I reserved saying none were in stock when they were plenty in the garage as I later found out… but I was too exhausted to come back and dispute this. She also tried to change the price I reserved on Expedia by over 200$ if I hadn’t paid attention. Very poor scammy service. Avoid.
Apr 04, 2025 · Malek Racho
Gave me a car that had electrical issues 2hrs into trip. Switched in Key West for a replacement based on road side assistance. Got charged an extra week+ for original being returned, as well as charging my card twice. And refusing to issue any refund.
Jul 07, 2025 · Marc Middleton
It doesn’t make sense how Payless car rental are booking people and basically stealing their money. The location at Miami International Airport is permanently closed and yet they’re still booking people at the location that don’t exist. Getting a refund is a unnecessary hassle. I wouldn’t recommend Payless car rental to my worst enemy.
Jan 15, 2025 · Kid Capo
I rented Payless via Expedia on my visit to Miami. They appeared to be the most economical option, but I am regretting it big time.I'll start off on the positive. The AVIS person who helped me at the counter was extremely well mannered, and professional. I even asked their name for the review, but I can't remember it now.Since dropping off the car I've been sent two different bills. One was a charge of $30ish which I didn't recognize. I called and asked them and was told that it was a highway toll. Throughout my visit I avoided tolls and didn't hit any express or toll lanes. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and I paid for it without much complaints.Today I got an email from "Sedgwick" saying they are asking me for over $1600 for accident damage. This is insane. While I was driving on the highway, the passenger side door mirror housing upper cover literally flew off. This can only mean that the cover was either glued or poorly installed. When I dropped off the car I let the person who was inspecting know and they said it didn't look like I had an accident because there was no damage/scratches or any other accident indication on the mirror or sides of car.It's insane that they just had the mirror cover placed there waiting for a customer to drive off so they can bill us. BTW, the letter has no details of the "accident" so I'm just assuming this was it. I'll call them later to find out.I have the accident waiver through my credit card so the payment is not the end of the world, but this whole ordeal has left such a bad taste, especially after receiving excellent customer service at the front desk.Really disappointed and I'm urging folks to stay away from this company.Update: I spent most of my morning with Payless on the phone. They kept bouncing me around from Claims, Customer Service to Booking departments. One lady who spent some time looking into it told me she didn't see any issues in the pictures and will email me pictures to file for my insurance or Credit Card claims. After 4 hours of nothing I called back and they transferred me to Claims, and it kept going to voicemail (during business hours on a Tuesday).Eventually the other company responded and sent me pictures of what Payless had sent them. A damage to the front fender. I had absolutely no accidents, but unfortunately I never took "before" pictures of the car. My CC company asked me to pay and file a reimbursement claim which I'll be doing. Really crappy feeling that they are charging for something I didn't do. Would never rent from Avis/Budget/Payless again.
Nov 19, 2024 · W Malik