Avis has had various confusing incarnations of its website. In fact if you do a search for my handle and AVIS you will find these kind of issues I have raised long ago.

Basically, there was a time when it was unclear for Avis preferred members when going through the Avisba.com website whether you were going to pay up front or later for a rental. It didn't really say very clearly. So it looks like they have rectified it - and to our advantage. I'm not complaining...