Do you have to have a checking account can you just pay upfront

Both, actually. You can pay for the year up front which saves money, or automatic withdraw each month

It's a mandatory to have an account. They don't take cash.

I'm pretty sure you need an account. I would call them though.

I paid for a year and a half up front with a credit card. I refuse to have auto debit from my checking account. You cannot pay monthly with a credit card. You have to have a checking account linked for monthly payments. Credit cards are only accepted when paying for a year in advance.