The subscription prices for FFXI and FFXIV are slightly different. Whereas you pay for FFXI on a 30 day basis you can purchase subscriptions for FFXIV in 30/90/180 day increments. When I first set up my account in Sept 2010 I did so for 180 days. Total price for me would have have been $84.00 base service and 2 characters. Recently checked Acct Management and that appears to be still in place.
As for payment methods SE appeared to have capitulated when the FFXI player base revolted when they announced the implementaion of the new system. Nothing said about it since then.