the link posted is instructions for Quickbooks Desktop... is there an option like this in Quickbooks Online?

Hello pipolhausen,

It’s nice to have you in the Community. I’m here to help record the returned payment in QuickBooks Online.

The link to the article given by @lyndaartesan refers to handling bounced checks from customers in QuickBooks Desktop. To record the same transaction in your QBO account, you can either write a check, or use a Journal entry.

Here are articles to keep you going:

• Enter a returned or bounced check using write check
• Enter a bounced check using a Journal Entry

Meanwhile, if you’re referring to recording a check returned by your vendor due to non-sufficient funds, you’ll have to create a journal entry and a bill payment check. Let’s go through these steps one-at-a-time:

Step 1: Enter a reversing journal entry.

1. Go to the Plus icon (Create button), then Journal Entry.
2. Make sure the Date, Entry No, and Vendor name are correct.
3. Debit the checking account for the amount of the NSF check.
4. Credit the A/P account for the amount of the NSF check.
5. Click Save & Close.

Step 2: Un-link the bill from the payment check and link it to the journal entry.

1. In the left panel, click Expenses, then Vendors.
2. Locate the vendor you need, and open the original bill payment.
3. From the Bill Payment screen, put a check mark in Journal Entry you’ve created.
4. Uncheck the Bill originally paid by the bill payment check.
5. Enter a Memo to indicate the check was returned for NSF. Then, select Save & Close.

Step 3: Create a new bill payment check to record the new payment transaction.

1. Go to the Plus icon (Create button), select Pay Bills.
2. Choose the bill originally paid by the NSF bill payment check.
3. Complete all other required information.
4. Click Save and Close.

That should do it! You should now be able to record the returned payment regardless if it is for your customer or from your vendor.

If you have other questions, feel free to leave me a message below. I’ll be on standby for your response.

This doesn't work for the online version. How can you do it for the online version? 

And for a church, which doesn't have an invoice or bill - it is just a receipt of funds - the whole invoice thing isn't going to work. 

Hello there, @krucki and ccptreasurer.

Allow me to chime in the conversation and help properly record a returned payment in QuickBooks Online.

You'll need to record this payment via journal entry. Let me guide you through the detailed steps: 

1. Go to the Plus icon (+) at the top, and select Journal Entry.
2. Enter the date the check bounced.
3. From the Account drop-down, choose the account where it was posted.
4. Under the Debit column, enter the amount.
5. From the Name drop-down, select the customer name.
6. On the second line, click on the Account drop-down and choose the bank account.
7. Enter the notes in the Memo box.
8. Once done, click on Save.

If you need assistance in going through the steps, you can always contact our Online Care Support so they can help you out. Here's how you can reach them:

1. Go to: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
2. Choose your QuickBooks Product.
3. On the Contact Us page, click a topic.
4. Click on the Get Phone Number button to see the support number.

That should do it. If there's anything else that I can do to help you succeed, please don't hesitate to let me know. 

I can share some additional information on how to handle returned payment in QuickBooks Online, ADescartes.

If creating a Journal entry isn't your option. Then, you can write a check instead.

Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Enter the returned check with Write Check.
2. Change the payment entry.
3. Create Service items for bounced checks and fees.
4. Create an invoice for the bounced check fee.
5. Enter the bank service charge.
6. Print and send the statement to your customer.
7. Record the new payment from your customer.

For more detailed steps about this process, you can check this article: How to enter a returned or bounced check using Write Check.

Additionally, I'm attaching a great resource that you may find helpful in the future:

Handle a rejected or failed bank transfer payment.

If you have any additional questions on how to record returned payment, please get back to me by clicking the Reply button.