Hello there, Michael.

I'm here to help you check the reason of getting a different balance when running a report by customer in QuickBooks Online.

You mentioned that the clearing account shows a zero balance, while the report by customer doesn't match.

I recommend comparing your balance sheet against Accounts Receivable summary report. Review if there are payments not applied or not linked to an invoice.

Also, you can read these articles about fixing a balance sheet that's out of balance and writing off customer and vendor balances.

• Fix a Balance Sheet that's out of balance
• Write off customer and vendor balances

For future reference, I'm adding this article to guide you in reconciling account in QuickBooks Online: Reconcile an account in QuickBooks Online.

Don't hesitate to comment below if you need further assistance in your bank accounts in QuickBooks Online. I'm always here to help. Have a great day.