I don't think PayPal ever allowed checks. When they were allowed on eBay, they were sent directly to the seller. PayPal allows echecks, which undergo the same clearance process as a written check, i.e., the seller isn't credited with the money until it clears the buyer's checking account. I've never seen the advantage of doing an echeck rather than a direct debit but perhaps some people are into using the "float" time on their checking account.