Is there a way to request a credit card payment from a customer for a deposit without creating an invoice as it is a liability? We invoice when starting the job.

Yes, there is a way, Shine.

You can set up an internal agreement with your customer about depositing the payment first before you invoice them for the job.

Once they accept it, you'll want to send them a payment link. This way, you can record their payment without invoicing them.

When you invoice them, manually record the payment and match it to their credit card deposit. I'll show you how.

1. Go to the Banking or Transactions menu in your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account. 
2. Click the Banking tab and select the tile for the account you want to review.
3. Go to the For review tab to start your review.
4. Locate and select the credit card deposit of your customer (It'll have a Match option in the ACTION column if it matches your record). 
5. Review the details of the deposit to ensure it matches your record.
6. If this is the correct match, close the transaction, then select Match.

​You can also check this link for more details and other ways in matching your transactions: Categorize and match online bank transactions in QuickBooks Online.

In case you'll need to manually record the deposit, utilize this article for guidance: Record a retainer or deposit.

Let me also add this resource that helps you ensure your accounts are well accounted for: Reconcile an account in QuickBooks Online.

I'm always here to help you manage your receivables. If ever you need further assistance with it, feel free to tag me in your reply. Have a good one!

That will seem like it will work.  However, I do not have the "payment link" in the dropdown in my sales tab.  I'm on the phone with QB now for 40 minutes.  She doesn't have it either and no one seems to know why we can't get it.  

Very frustrating...

Good evening, @c_shine. 

Thanks for reaching back out and letting us know you don't have a "Payment Link" option in your QuickBooks Online account. 

Once your conversation with support has ended, if the issue still hasn't been resolved, loop back around to us, and we'll dive further into this. 

I'll be right around the corner when you're ready. Hit the Reply button to post information if need be. Have a splendid day!

Thanks for reaching out.

It sounds as if payment link has not been released to companies with the Advanced subscription?

It took 45 minutes on the phone to figure that out.  If that is actually the case, there seems to be a disconnect with releasing this information to your help desk.

Clare