Hi there, @user26676.
I'm glad you've found your way to the Community. I can share some information about mailing checks to independent contractors without being a payroll customer.
If you're referring to emailing regular checks to your independent contractors, you can do this without being a payroll customer. However, if you're using direct deposit, you'll need to have a payroll service.
I got here some helpful articles about paying contractors in QuickBooks Online for your future reference:
There you have it, @user26676. The Community has your back and is here should you have additional questions.