Can I create a QuickBooks backup file if I'm using QBO?

You can only export data to XLS/CSV or use a third-party backup restore app

https://rewindio.grsm.io/quickbooks

I'm glad to hear from you today, @nfranklin12. I’m here to provide some information regarding backing up your file in QuickBooks Online.

QuickBooks Online automatically backs up your data every night with the same level of security used by financial institutions. I've got an article that provides more details about this: Do I need to back up my data with QuickBooks Online?

If you’re using QuickBooks Online (QBO) Advanced, you can save online backups of your data. To do so, switch it on so that your data is automatically backed up every 5 to 10 minutes.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Select Back up company.

Note: You might need to sign in with Intuit, then select Authorize to proceed.

For further information about this feature, see these articles:

• Back Up And Restore Your QuickBooks Online Advanced Company.
• Make a copy of your QuickBooks Online Advanced company (formerly ChronoBooks). 

If you're using Simple Start, Essentials or Plus, you can export reports and lists to Excel and store them on your local hard drive. You’ll want to consider upgrading your plan into Advanced if you’d like to use the Back up and Restore feature.

As Fiat mentioned in their response, you also have the option to look for a backup application with similar functionality by going to the App Center. From there, you can compare and select which one best suits your needs.

Feel free to read about Security so you’ll be at ease while working on your file. This explains how QuickBooks Online prioritizes data protection.

You might be interested in this article: Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online. From there, you’ll learn the types of supported formats you can use to restore your data, as well as the maximum number of rows you can import.

I'm happy to answer any other questions you might have regarding your data in QuickBooks Online. If you need help with the processes in the program, let me know. I'll be around to help. 

My QBO is simple start and I'm requesting the backup file for my accountant.  Any way to obtain the backup file without upgrading from "simple start"?

Ask your accountant to create a QBO Accountant account to access your QBO account.

I am using QBO Advanced. My company file (nonprofit org) has 15 years worth of data. I have just learned today that the Quickbooks Backup process does not save or restore reconciliation data. Basically, we're sailing without a lifeboat. Sure, Intuit backs up the current file internally, but heaven help you if you need to go back a month or two and start over (say because your bookkeeper was incompetent). Backup does not make a true copy of your company file such as you would have if you were using QB Desktop. 

This is really, really bad.

@OpaBrown 

There is no concept of a backup file when using a cloud based application. You can convert your data to a QB Desktop file periodically as a workaround.