AppleID refuses valid phone number

I have the problem. It doesn't matter which way I get to the Apple ID site they all come back with the same error - 'please enter a valid phone number'. The phone number is the same that I use in the other sections and is my iPhone number. The phone number works for getting verification codes etc.

There was an earlier hiccup when an automatic renewal on the credit card was blocked, briefly, at the bank as they use an old, expiring card detail. I have edited the credit card details and they see to be accepted by the AppleID system. I couldn't fit that up quickly on my iPhone 6 as it stopped talking to wifi and bluetooth. I have now changed to a new iPhone8 which is working properly. AppleID stops me deleting the credit card details to re-enter them from scratch.

Would apple put a block on accounts if there is a hiccup that they needs to be manually fixed?