I've likewise had a PayPal account since before they IPOd (pretty sure I opened it in 99, but it might have been '00 - definitely pre-eBay acquisition)
I mean, I have a bank account, of course, I just never wanted to give it to PayPal. Finally, after decades, I decided to semi-cave and open a new account just for them. Then they don't let me add it, because my phone number isn't good enough. The check becomes the only option, and then this happens.