Hi thank you for posting here in the Community, @scenicbluffs.
Currently, there is no option to disable or remove the scheduled payment in QuickBooks Online (QBO). In the meantime, you can use the Mark as paid button from the drop-down arrow in line with the unpaid bills. This will work as the Make a payment option before issuing a check.
For more information about the payment schedule in QuickBooks Online, you can read through this article link: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/billing-solutions/understanding-payment-schedules-....
Also, you can read through the Income and Expenses article, in case you need some information in managing your vendors and transactions.
Reach out to me if you have any other questions. I'm here to help. Stay safe and take care always!