Hello there, @bookkeeping23.
I can help you record a refund transaction successfully in QuickBooks Online.
To make sure it's not applied automatically to a credit on the next sales transaction, you'll have to turn off this feature. Then, create an Expense transaction and use an Accounts Receivable Account, and assign it to the customer you want to give a refund.
This is how it looks like:

You may consider checking out this article to know more details about giving your customer a refund: Record a customer refund in QuickBooks Online.
I've added a reference you may check in case you want to assess specific aspects of your business: Run reports in QuickBooks Online.
I'll be here if you need further assistance or questions. I'd be to lend a helping hand. Take care and have a wonderful day.