Cannot get free Books without Payment Method

Free apps from the App Store work no problem. When I try to get free books from the Books app it says "Verification Required". When I go to verify it brings me to the add payment screen. There is no None option, only credit card and paypal.

There is no outstanding fees or subscriptions

Family sharing is not enabled

The Apple ID is setup for "None" payment method already

I have tried multiple accounts and devices; all are doing the same

Adding a credit card is not a viable solution in this scenario