Update: So I had two different experiences with customer service. Initially, I used the Chat Support option and that was simply not my ideal customer service experience. Granted, chatting, just like in FFXIV game play, is easy to misunderstand and/or not feel like you got your point across and vice-versa. But during my chat with customer service, I felt really rushed with prescript-ed text copied in the text box. My hangup was this...I wanted to understand why I got the error-code and the solution to my problem that I (the customer) was comfortable with. Which was, to renew my subscription (at $12.99) via the Account Services webpage. Not through a third-party. Which is what I was told was the solution, at $14.99. I was told that the error-code resulted from me using Chrome or Safari browser, as their payment services doesn't work well with the two browsers. Use Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. I called her BS. I used all three browsers (minus Safari) and got the same error code. It didn't help either that she would refer to error-code 401, which I typed was only error-code 406. This is where I think I was lost in translation because as I read "Third-party services" at $14.99, in the chat as my solution, I see some back-alley, smoked-filled, low-rate shop taking my money and me not knowing if it actually is going to Square Enix for game-play. Of course, I was perturbed when I asked the rep why I couldn't use the Account Services option and pay $12.99 because I didn't want to pay $14.99 to this third-party service. Quickly, the rep copied the instructions to the third party services repeating that this is my only option and wanted to know if there was anything else. So I ended the chat expressing my frustration.

I then used the call option which lasted an hour of being on hold waiting for a rep, but when I did get a rep, I was pleasantly surprised that it was a well-spoken person on the other end. Sounded state-side if had I to guess. What's the odds of that? My hangup was quickly cured as I was given a plausible explanation for why I got the error-code. Which had to deal with suspicious activity alert reported from either my bank or Square Enix. Explanation went a little further than than, but it was such that I felt relieved that all was not lost. I was explained the option of using the Crysta Services, which is through a "third-party" company, which is Ultimate Pay. That if I used that, which is ran by another bank outside of what Square Enix uses, my credit card should go through there since any alerts received would not be carried over to the third-party company. In addition, once my account was renewed this way, that I should try to renew my subscription via the account service webpage as opposed to Crysta if I so choose to. And most-likely, I would be successful in that process. We shall see. So, I was convinced to use Crysta, where I purchased 1,299 which translated to $12.99. Payment accepted and (15) minutes later, 1,299 crysta showed in my account. Used that to pay for subscription and was back in the game. And BTW, remember those $1.00 charges I have showing up in my account, still pending (I think like a total of $6 or $7 bucks)? I was told that should be reimbursed to me soon since payment for subscription was not received. We shall see. As of today, it is still a withdrawal from my account along with my recent $12.99 for crysta through Ultimate Pay.

I will say this, the Error-Code 401 and 601 must be such or large enough issue that now Square Enix has extended their support to the weekend, where as I found, was not available before. Probably by chat alone. Good luck with that!!!