They are surely trying hard to prevent us from giving money to them.

I had the very same problem, tried for days after days with my credit card, and got the 601 error.

I had to go online and put my credit card at risk, and purchased a game card code...for about 10% above the official price as commission. Since I don't live in a country with game cards available at the local game store.

I have played numerous MMO in the past, this is the most troublesome one of all.