I appreciate you for adding extra detail to your concern, dlm0502.

I've got options for you on how to offset a bounced check in QuickBooks Online. Let's start by creating a Journal entry(JE) to reverse the bounced check payment and unlink the bill.

Next, link the original bill to your newly created JE and create a new bill so you'll only have a single expense transaction. Allow me to guide you through the steps below, ensuring a smoother process:

1. Go to the + New button.
2. Select Journal Entry.
3. Enter the date the check bounced in the Journal Date field.
4. On the first line, select the bank account from the dropdown menu in the Account column.
5. Type the check amount in the Debits column.
6. On the second line, select Accounts Payable from the dropdown menu in the Account column. The check amount populates.
7. From the Name column, select the vendor.
8. In the Memo field, enter a note of why you created the journal entry.
9. Hit Save.

Next, re-open the bill and link the bounced check to the journal entry.

1. Navigate to Expenses.
2. Click Vendors and select the name of the vendor.
3. In the Transaction List, find the bounced check.
4. Uncheck the checkbox for the bill, then choose the one for the journal entry.
5. Confirm you want to make the changes.
6. Hit Save.

Once done, refer to this article and navigate to the If your bank records every bounce and reversal option for the complete guide to these steps: Handling Bounced Check in QuickBooks Online. 

The Community is always open if you need further help managing your checks. Feel free to reach us back again. Have a good one.