Hi there, chris@optionalth.

Let me help and make sure you're able to manage expenses in QuickBooks Online.

I just replicated the steps my colleague @Rea_M provided above in my own QuickBooks Online Simple Start. By scrolling down, you should be able to update the expense transaction's category and select Accounts Payable (A/P). See the sample screenshot below:

You still have the same Chart of Accounts and can make journal entries using the Simple Start version of QuickBooks Online. But keep in mind that we can only create an expense or check transaction to track all vendor-related entries since paying vendor bills with the Pay Bills function and tracking accounts payable are only available in higher versions.

Alternatively, you can check out this link to learn how you can record your payments to credit cards in QuickBooks Online.

Visit this article to see which reports are available for your QuickBooks Online version: Reports included in your QuickBooks Online subscription.

Let me know if you still have other concerns regarding your expenses. I'll be here to answer them. Have a wonderful day!