How do I create an invoice without setting up payments through QuickBooks?

Creating an invoice without setting up payments is possible as long as during the setup of your account it was never activated as an option for customer remittance, @steve387.
 
Additionally, keep in mind that if your account is new and created an invoice, you will be prompted to set up a payments account. Since you don't want to, you can click the X icon or Remind me later to skip it.


 
If this isn't the case, I'd like to know what prompt or error message showed that doesn't allow you to create an invoice. This way, we can determine how to resolve it as soon as possible. 
 

Speaking of invoice, you can visit this article if you want to modify it's template and make it look more professional: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online.

You can always return here for the additional details you want to share about creating an invoice without QuickBooks payments by clicking the Reply button.