Good morning, @SawyerFennell. 

Thanks for chiming in on this thread about automatically applying credits. Let me share some insight into your question. 

Although, you can uncheck the auto-apply credits setting, QB will still auto-check off the credit box when you go to record a payment. 

You can send over your feedback to our Product Developers so they can consider changing this in the near future for you and others. Also, keep up with what's new in the system through our Blog site. 

I'm only a post away if you have any other concerns. Have a wonderful day!