Apple watch keypad not working during calls... Also, where is the Star * key? and how do I mute calls?

I leave my iPhone at the office and do everything at home on my Watch 4 + Airpods. And sometimes companies that use automated menu ("Press 1 for billing") don't recognize my selections on my Watch keypad.

Just yesterday, I called Regions Bank to setup Apple Pay and interestingly, it recognized my first 2 menu selections, but when they asked me to enter my pin for verification, it didn't recognize that I typed anything and kept asking my to verify my pin.

Same thing with T-Mobile. I selected all my menu options, until they said I could either hold for 30 minutes or have them call me back and when I put in my phone number the robot just kept saying "please enter your 10-digit phone number" and it wouldn't work.

I just updated my watch to the latest system so I don't know what the problem is, or if it's something with my carrier.

Also, why is there no star (*) button on my watch keypad?