In QuickBooks Online, there isn’t a built-in feature to fully automate contractor payments on a recurring basis, but you can streamline the process. One option is to set up a recurring bill for the contractor under Expenses -> Recurring Transactions and then manually approve and pay it each week.

If you want a hands-off approach, you might need to use a third-party payroll or payment automation tool that integrates with QBO. Some options offer a free version, which might be enough for this task.

Currently, @JCrowe, there is no option to pay the contractor via direct deposit in QuickBooks Online automatically. However, we have a workaround so you can still pay your contractor automatically by creating a recurring bill and a scheduled payment. I'll walk you through the process.

You can create a recurring vendor bill for your contractor. You can choose the number of bills you want and a specific day weekly. Follow the steps below:

Here's how:

1. Tap the Gear icon (⚙) and choose Recurring Transactions below Lists.
   
   
    
2. Click on New, choose Bill, and then select OK. 
   
   
    
3. Create a Template name.
4. Set Scheduled as the Type. This will create a series of transactions according to the schedule you set. When you choose to send it via email, it'll be sent automatically.
5. Add all the necessary information. You can also add the number of occurrences you want.
6. Select Save template once you're done. 
7. From the Transactions page, go to the Recurring transactions tab.
8. Click the dropdown arrow beside Edit of the chosen vendor and choose Use.
9. From the Bill page, hit the dropdown arrow at the bottom and select Save and schedule payment.
   
   

You need a Bill Pay add-on feature to enable the Scheduled Payment feature.

Check out this article for more information about the process: Create recurring transactions in QuickBooks Online.

Additionally, here is an article that explains how to modify a scheduled transaction and verify if it ran successfully: Check your scheduled transactions.

We're here to assist with any additional questions you may have regarding handling contractor payments in QuickBooks Online.