[paypal_woes]

It's never been a requirement AFAIK. I've had this PayPal account for 20 years and have never attached a bank account, only credit cards.

When I tried to attach a bank account, they wouldn't let me: they required a phone number to proceed, but refused to accept mine.

Also noteworthy for anyone else reading this, there are two ways to add a bank account: directly, by providing the routing and account numbers, and then confirming two small deposits, OR, the "easy way" where you log into your bank and allow API access.

If you choose the second option, read the fine print very carefully: they state that they will have access not only to transfer funds, but also e.g. see your full transaction history for the past 12 months.

Regardless, I tried both methods of adding the account, and they both failed with the same mobile phone number issue.

[warrenm]

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)

You had to have a bank account then to open it :)

[paypal_woes]

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.