A phone call I want to speak to a real person my number is [Removed]

Thanks for posting this here in the Community space, @dwane.

The Automatically Apply credits option may be active inside your company file. It can be a possible reason why the program is telling to let you let your customers pay their purchases or invoice. You'll want to double-check the option in your Account and settings. I'll gladly input the steps below to get you going. To begin, here's how:

1. Access your QuickBooks Online company.
2. Go to the Gear icon.
3. Select Account and Settings.
4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. Look for the Automation section, then press Automatically apply credits.
6. Toggle it to turn off the feature.
7. Hit Save, then Done.

Additionally, I've got you this article to help you manage invoice payments inside QBO: Record invoice payments in QuickBooks Online.

@dwane, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below if you need further assistance with this. I'll make sure to get back to you right away. Stay safe!