How can I apply a vendor credit to a specific bill without creating a bill payment/check?

You'll need to create a bill payment to apply the vendor credit to a specific bill, Lilitt. This is the process QuickBooks Online (QBO) uses to link the vendor credit to the bill.

However, you also have the option to apply the vendor credit directly to a specific bill without having to create a bill payment. By doing so, the credited amount will reduce the balance of the particular bill. 

For more detailed instructions and assistance on vendor credits and refunds in QBO, refer to the following link: Enter vendor credits and refunds in QuickBooks Online.

Additionally, I've provided these articles for your future reference when dealing with bills using QBO:

• Email receipts and bills to QuickBooks Online.
• Enter and manage bills and bill payments in QuickBooks Online.

If you have further questions about handling and managing bills in QBO, feel free to reach out. We're always here to help. 

Thank you for your reply.

So there is no way to apply vendor credit without creating a bill payment then. The link you've provided says "to apply credit, click on 'Pay Bill'". I know how to do that but I don't want to pay the bill, I just want to apply the credit and reduce the bill balance.

When I apply the credit amount, I have to still save it as a payment with $0. QB creates a Bill Payment with $0 which makes no sense.

I appreciate you getting back to the thread, @Lilitt. Allow me to further share some information on how QuickBooks manages vendor credits in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

To begin with, please know that QuickBooks uses the Pay bills feature to streamline the bill payment process, allowing you to pay outstanding vendor balances with checks or electronic payments all at once or individually.

With that being said, you are correct that to apply for a Vendor credit, you'll need to utilize the Pay bills feature, as this is how QuickBooks links the vendor credit to the bill.

You can refer to this article to learn more about how QuickBooks Online handles vendor credits: Enter vendor credits and refunds in QuickBooks Online

I'll be adding this article that you can refer to any time to help you manage your bills in QBO: Enter and manage bills and bill payments in QuickBooks Online

Feel free to reach out to us anytime if you have further questions about managing bills and vendor credits in QBO. We, in the Community, are always here to help.