I have tried all of this. I still cannot apply the credit as there is no open invoice for this job.  This is a common occurrence so you would think Qbooks could handle this.  Looks like my only option is to  not create credit memos, receive the payment at an increased value (without the credit), and then just make an entry in the check register for the credit memo value. The credit will not be applied against the job but I do not see any other option.