Top Alternative Payments Alternatives

The latest benchmark in digital payments is set by Stripe, which stands out as the premier platform for conducting online business. Across the globe, progressive enterprises rely on us to manage billions in transactions each year. Stripe develops highly adaptable and robust tools tailored for online commerce. Whether launching a subscription model, an on-demand marketplace, an e-commerce website, or a crowdfunding initiative, our well-crafted APIs and exceptional features empower you to deliver an outstanding experience for your customers. By enabling countless tech-driven companies to grow at unprecedented speeds and efficiency, Stripe is at the forefront of innovation. We view payment systems as a coding challenge rather than a financial issue, focusing on creating elegant, modular solutions that facilitate strong, scalable, and flexible integrations. Our user-friendly approach simplifies complex processes by eliminating unnecessary obstacles and distractions, ensuring that businesses can focus on their core mission without getting bogged down in technical difficulties. In a constantly evolving digital landscape, Stripe continues to adapt and enhance its offerings to meet the diverse needs of its users.

EBizCharge stands out as a premier provider of integrated payment solutions, enabling businesses to streamline electronic payment processing, bolster transaction security, and boost their profit margins. By equipping companies with the essential tools for faster, safer, and more cost-effective transactions, EBizCharge delivers a top-tier payment processing experience. Their applications adhere to PCI compliance and seamlessly integrate with leading ERP and accounting systems such as QuickBooks, various Sage ERP products, SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Epicor, and Acumatica, alongside major online shopping platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, and Volusion. This comprehensive integration ensures that businesses can operate efficiently while maintaining high standards of security and convenience.

EQUP serves as a comprehensive solution designed to optimize business operations across various sectors. By offering tailored solutions specifically for Service, SaaS, and E-commerce businesses, EQUP ensures that companies can avoid the pitfalls of using one-size-fits-all alternatives. A standout feature of EQUP is its capability for business owners to oversee multiple enterprises through a single account, eliminating the need for separate plans for each venture. Additionally, EQUP’s inventory pooling functionality facilitates the seamless integration of Emails, Users, Tags, Tasks, Appointments, and other essential features across different businesses. This integration empowers users to manage all dimensions of their operations efficiently, ensuring that no function is overlooked. Moreover, EQUP provides each user with a dedicated account manager who not only aids in the onboarding process but is also available to address any software-related inquiries, enhancing the overall user experience. With such robust support and features, EQUP stands out as a vital asset for businesses aiming to streamline their processes effectively.

Balance is the pioneering self-service checkout solution that effectively handles all B2B payment intricacies. This encompasses a variety of payment methods, including wires, checks, SaaS subscriptions, automatic vendor payouts, milestone payments, net terms, and more. Designed with an API-first approach, it provides seamless access to documentation for integration. You can accept a multitude of payment types, such as wires, ACH, credit cards, and checks. With instant and risk-free net terms, customers can enjoy payment terms of net 30 or 60 days, while you receive your funds immediately. Recurring payments are made effortless, allowing for simple management of ongoing invoice payments akin to standard credit card transactions. Balance is tailored to meet the diverse needs of B2B payments, making it an excellent choice for marketplaces, wholesalers, merchants, SaaS providers, and service-oriented businesses. With self-serve invoicing, customers can conveniently access and settle their invoices with just a click, enhancing user experience. Additionally, the system automates reconciliation and collections, leaving behind the outdated manual processes that many businesses still rely on today.

Synder serves as an effective accounting solution tailored for small enterprises. It boasts exceptional customer support, round-the-clock service, and sophisticated automation features. Once integrated with your various sales channels and payment systems, Synder takes care of your bookkeeping automatically. This results in precise and reliable synchronization, proper categorization, real-time data reconciliation, and seamless transaction data management. It meticulously maintains accurate records of all payment information, eliminating any duplicates. The comprehensive and fully accurate Profit and Loss Reports offer valuable insights that can assist you in evaluating your business's cash flow or planning your budget effectively. The software operates efficiently and requires no manual login, making it convenient to use. Synder also allows users to implement sales taxes based on different criteria such as location, shipping addresses, and product details. Additionally, clients receive reminders for regular payments through recurring invoices. For those interested, Synder provides a free trial, allowing potential users to explore its capabilities firsthand. Overall, Synder stands out as a robust tool for managing financial tasks effortlessly.

Spreedly, a payment orchestration solution, is accessible through the App Store. Companies experiencing rapid growth, expanding into new territories, or aiming to minimize compliance challenges and payment costs often struggle to adjust their systems to accept payments in line with their evolving business needs. Our platform for payment orchestration empowers clients to establish a unified integration that directs transactions through nearly any combination of payment services while ensuring that end-user card data remains untouched. With secure payment options supported by a portable PCI-compliant vault, businesses can leverage our extensive network of Spreedly payment services and third-party offerings to enhance and facilitate digital transactions. By connecting to a wide range of payment services via a single API, organizations can avoid the complexities of developing intricate interfaces. Drawing on our experience with billions of transactions, we are well-equipped to refine your payment strategy and elevate your overall processing efficiency. This adaptability allows businesses to focus on their core operations while we handle the intricacies of payment processing.

Don't let sales opportunities slip away! By adopting flexible payment options, you can easily handle installment payments for your offerings. This empowers your customers to choose payment plans that fit their financial needs. Check out our growing list of online retailers that utilize Partial.ly for payment plans; you're sure to find something that catches your eye. New merchants are added frequently, so make it a point to check back often. For businesses managing large invoices, Partial.ly allows you to set up customized, flexible payment options, enabling clients to start payments right away. You can seamlessly integrate it with your existing invoicing software for bulk payment solutions or use Partial.ly as a standalone payment processor. If you're in eCommerce, simply link your shopping cart to the intuitive Partial.ly checkout system. By giving your customers the freedom to select their preferred payment terms, you can significantly enhance your sales and conversion rates. Additionally, these convenient installment options may attract new customers who value financial flexibility, leading to increased business growth over time.

Streamlining accounts receivable processes is made effortless with the Invoiced A/R cloud, which accelerates payments, conserves time, and enhances the overall payment experience. This platform allows businesses to transition from invoicing to cash collection with significantly reduced effort and is proven to expedite this process by an average of 14 days. Automated communications via email, letters, and texts simplify collection efforts, while a contemporary, user-friendly portal enhances customer interactions regarding payments. Our award-winning A/R Cloud not only automates various financial procedures but also enables users to customize their entire accounts receivable workflow. With features like dashboards, integrated reporting, and specialized tools, it facilitates efficient and effective management of A/R. Although many modern businesses can now accept online payments more swiftly, some still depend on traditional mail, resulting in lost time and negatively impacting their cash flow. By adopting the Invoiced solution, companies can ensure they remain competitive and financially agile in today's fast-paced market.

Comprehensive payment processing solutions are available for banks, payment service providers, fintech companies, and online retailers, which include white label card options. This advanced payment infrastructure promotes rapid business development. It features in-house PCI Level 1 certified processing for VISA and Mastercard issuers and acquirers across Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The technical processing service boasts a premier E-commerce payment gateway solution known as DECTA Gateway API. Authorization switching can be integrated using either a REST API or an ISO 8583-based protocol. Additionally, DECTA Issuing facilitates real-time program management, along with clearing and switching capabilities. Utilizing an ActiveActive deployment strategy, DECTA ensures that all critical processing systems achieve an impressive uptime of up to 99.99%, even accommodating planned downtimes for system enhancements or ICO launches, thereby maintaining consistent service reliability. This commitment to uptime is essential for businesses that rely on uninterrupted payment processing.

The 2Checkout Monetization platform offers a versatile and extensive solution, enabling rapid market exploration while delivering outstanding user experiences. This all-inclusive monetization platform is designed to optimize revenue and simplify global digital sales. With 2Sell, merchants can effortlessly accept online and mobile payments from customers worldwide, ensuring seamless and dependable payment processing regardless of geographical location. Meanwhile, 2Monetize serves as a comprehensive monetization solution that empowers businesses across the globe to enhance their digital commerce revenue channels, fostering growth and innovation. Overall, this suite of tools positions businesses for success in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.

We developed PayHQ to simplify the management and growth of your business with ease. As an innovative payment solution, PayHQ by KORT Payments enhances the process of accepting a variety of payment methods while offering a centralized overview of your transaction data, which aids in making informed decisions. Presently, numerous enterprises across North America depend on our services for their payment processing solutions. PayHQ provides a comprehensive approach, overseeing everything from authorization to settlement and funding processes. It empowers businesses to accept payments both face-to-face and online, featuring tools like invoicing, recurring billing, and seamless integrations, all managed through a single merchant account. Our online gateway ensures customers enjoy a secure and user-friendly purchasing experience, suitable for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, connecting your card terminals to PayHQ’s omni-channel platform is a breeze, allowing for the acceptance of credit, debit, and other payment types, including contactless and mobile options for in-person sales. This adaptability is crucial as it enables businesses to stay in tune with the ever-changing dynamics of the payment processing landscape. Ultimately, our solution not only streamlines operations but also enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Qvalia is an all-encompassing platform specifically tailored for finance teams, empowering them to streamline their workflows while retaining complete visibility over transactions and financial data. Our solutions improve both accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, featuring tools like instant spend analytics and automated accounting that drills down to the line-item level. Users can seamlessly incorporate our services, which are offered with a transaction-based pricing structure and an easy one-month cancellation option. The Qvalia Autobilling feature transforms accounts receivable by offering a B2B checkout widget for e-commerce, alongside capabilities for automated invoicing, reconciliation, and reminders. Centralize all your transaction management processes in one location to enhance efficiency. Leverage the global e-invoice network PEPPOL or send e-invoices in PDF format at no additional charge. Furthermore, our platform simplifies the administration of subscriptions and recurring billing, facilitating a smoother order-to-cash cycle and boosting B2B e-commerce sales. Begin your digital transformation journey in finance operations, ensuring that every supplier invoice is processed electronically with our PDF Converter tool. By utilizing Qvalia, your team can revolutionize its approach to managing financial data and transactions, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness. This transformation not only benefits internal processes but also enhances the organization’s overall financial strategy.

DepositFix offers an all-encompassing B2B payment and billing solution that optimizes the entire lead-to-cash process by unifying payments, CRM, and QuickBooks into a single, seamless platform. It supports a wide array of B2B payment methods, such as ACH, eCheck, card-not-present transactions, virtual terminals, surcharging, and dual pricing through advanced multi-gateway routing and integrated checkout forms. The system also effectively oversees hosted payment pages, product catalogs, discount codes, and one-click upsells to enhance user experience. Its billing functionalities feature options for recurring and progressive billing, automatic sales tax computations, self-service client portals, and streamlined quote-to-cash workflows. Invoicing is made easy with customizable templates, bulk batch generation, pay-by-link capabilities, Excel-based invoicing, and automated invoice presentation and reconciliation. Furthermore, DepositFix integrates effortlessly with platforms like HubSpot, ServiceTitan, Jobber, Zapier, and PayPal, providing users with a unified view of their payment data and drastically minimizing the manual data entry and reconciliation burden. This comprehensive solution not only boosts operational efficiency but also significantly enhances financial management for businesses, allowing them to focus on growth and customer satisfaction. By leveraging such an integrated approach, companies can ensure they remain competitive in an evolving market landscape.

Paddle serves as a subscription and billing platform tailored for software and SaaS businesses, addressing the challenges customers face in navigating international growth and resource management. By utilizing Paddle, companies can concentrate on expanding their operations instead of getting bogged down by internal obstacles. The platform provides an extensive array of features, such as streamlined checkout processes for product sales, automated recurring billing, robust fraud prevention measures, and options for manual invoicing. Additionally, Paddle encompasses solutions for sales tax compliance, multi-currency transactions, customer support, comprehensive analytics, and much more, ensuring a well-rounded service for businesses. With its diverse offerings, Paddle empowers businesses to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

A sophisticated tool for real-time fraud detection and prevention is crafted to distinguish between legitimate transactions and fraudulent activities. This innovative utility ensures a smooth payment experience for customers, particularly those using subscription services, by automatically refreshing their card-on-file information; it requires the use of a customer vault and is compatible with various payment processors, including First Data North, First Data South, and Payment Tech Salem. Merchants can leverage Verified by Visa and Mastercard SecureCode to authenticate the payer's identity through the payment gateway, enhancing transaction security. The system adheres to PCI compliance standards by securely managing encrypted and tokenized customer credit card and ACH account information. By utilizing tokenization, merchants can execute transactions without exposing sensitive credit card or ACH data. Furthermore, this utility empowers merchants to send invoices directly to customers through email. Customers find it easy to make payments by simply clicking on an embedded link, with invoices generated that include detailed line items, automatically converted into PDFs and sent to the customers' email addresses for easy access. This efficient and user-friendly process not only bolsters security measures but also significantly enhances the overall experience for customers while streamlining the payment workflow for merchants. Ultimately, this tool fosters trust and convenience, making it an essential asset for modern businesses.

Our all-encompassing dashboard provides you with the ability to access real-time reporting and download detailed statistical analyses concerning payments, settlements, refunds, and other relevant metrics, which empowers you to make informed business decisions. Furthermore, our electronic invoicing capability has the potential to significantly boost your revenue streams. We take pride in serving more than 150 countries around the world, offering exceptional payment solutions tailored to meet various needs. As international sales continue to influence the evolution of e-commerce, PayCly’s global payment gateway enables you to broaden your market presence without the burden of additional integration expenses. In the expansive realm of online commerce, businesses can reach customers globally, many of whom prefer transactions in their own currency. To facilitate this, we provide access to over 100 different international currencies, ensuring a frictionless shopping experience for your customers. In addition, we enhance customer satisfaction through our seamless checkout API integration, which simplifies the payment processing flow on your website. This dedication to progress and ease of use not only positions your business for success but also helps you remain competitive in an ever-more connected marketplace. Ultimately, our solutions aim to support your growth and adaptability in the dynamic landscape of global commerce.

PayU is a versatile payment processing solution that provides a wide array of payment options and various checkout experiences designed to enhance approval and conversion rates. This ultimately results in heightened sales, improved customer trust, stronger brand attachment, and greater loyalty, all while alleviating concerns about the operational and technical intricacies of payment processing, making this the ideal choice for your business needs. Additionally, with its user-friendly interface and robust support, PayU ensures a seamless experience for both merchants and consumers alike.

Experience payment processing without any merchant fees and no hidden charges with EzPay America. Our exceptional customer service ensures transparency, as we guarantee that there will be no undisclosed fees for merchant services or ACH payments. We recognize the frustration of receiving inflated statements, which is why we promise that our charges will never exceed zero, regardless of whether your monthly card processing is $5,000 or an impressive $5,000,000 annually. With us, you can say goodbye to merchant fees for good, and our cash discount programs are readily accessible across all states in the US. Not only do we not impose monthly fees, but we also provide a detailed monthly statement that highlights your savings compared to traditional service costs. Additionally, we believe that there should be no charges for closing out at the end of the business day, allowing you to batch as many transactions as you wish without extra costs. This feature exemplifies the numerous advantages of choosing EzPay America's innovative payment system for your business.

Distinguished retail companies, leading financial organizations, and numerous retailers worldwide rely on Verifone for cutting-edge, user-friendly, and secure payment acceptance solutions designed for anyone, anywhere at any time. We are dedicated to providing you with the essential tools and insights to elevate your customer experience and accelerate your growth trajectory. Embark on your adventure in online payment acceptance today with a flexible and scalable commerce platform. Verifone’s eCommerce API presents a merchant-hosted solution constructed on a solid REST architecture, enabling vendors to effectively manage online and mobile transactions with safety. With our Hosted Checkout solutions, you can swiftly and securely initiate online payment processing without the burden of extensive website development, as these systems are easy to integrate and offer merchants a multitude of options. Moreover, the Virtual Terminal acts as an immediate payment interface, facilitating the processing of mail order and telephone order (MOTO) card transactions through Verifone’s Central Portal, which simplifies the payment experience for your customers. By adopting these solutions, businesses can not only enhance their operational efficiency but also significantly boost overall customer satisfaction, leading to more successful interactions. Furthermore, these tools allow businesses to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and meet the demands of their diverse clientele.

Professionals can now handle online payments effortlessly, without any coding skills. Simplify your billing processes by automating both recurring and one-time payment collections. Payfacile seamlessly connects with your preferred tools, allowing you to personalize your payment pages. Share the secure https link of your payment page with clients, enabling them to make payments effortlessly using their credit cards or IBANs. Start accepting your first online payment today, confident that your transactions are safeguarded by industry-leading security measures. We provide both a merchant account and an SSL certificate for added protection. Our subscription management system is designed to help you develop a steady stream of recurring revenue by creating tailored subscription offers. Subscribers will benefit from a secure portal where they can easily download and manage their invoices. This online payment solution is designed to eliminate the need for coding altogether. To expedite payment processing, consider sending an email containing a payment link, making it a quicker and more secure option for your customers. Enjoy the advantages of automatic billing and recurring payments with Payfacile, which is renowned for its flexibility, reliability, and user-friendliness. By automating your billing processes, you can save valuable time and simplify VAT management, all while benefiting from the convenience of a one-click refund option. In today's digital age, streamlining your payment operations has never been easier.

PaySimple, recognized as a leading payments management platform specifically designed for service-oriented businesses, manages the cash flow for over 20,000 companies nationwide. By fostering long-lasting partnerships, PaySimple promotes growth through its flexible billing and payment solutions, complemented by dedicated customer support. Its powerful API enhances its reputation as a reliable technology partner for payment integrations. Additionally, PaySimple seamlessly manages cash flow within Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, ensuring efficiency and reliability for its users. This comprehensive approach allows businesses to focus on their core services while maintaining financial health.

We implement advanced checkout solutions, intelligent routing, and localized acquiring through our Merchant of Record model to offer the most cost-effective method for connecting with international clientele. As a premier collaborator for dynamic retail brands looking to engage shoppers worldwide, Reach significantly boosts sales on a global level. Our cutting-edge Merchant of Record framework empowers retailers to manage payment transactions from any location where their customers may be present. Furthermore, Reach guarantees consistency in cross-border currency conversions with our Guaranteed FX solution, collaborates with banks worldwide for local credit card processing, provides familiar payment methods for consumers, and ensures comprehensive fraud detection and prevention services. By selecting Reach, retailers can seamlessly broaden their market presence while improving the shopping experience for their customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. This strategic partnership not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions businesses for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Butter is revolutionizing the payment recovery process for direct-to-consumer and SaaS subscription brands by swiftly and effectively addressing failed payments and subscriber retention, resulting in over 5% growth in annual recurring revenue. This innovative approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also strengthens brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

We are transforming how bills are presented and paid. Our clients include a wide array of entities, from local municipalities to major corporations, and we collaborate with businesses of all sizes across different industries to improve customer engagement, offer electronic billing solutions, and streamline payment collection. Our comprehensive platform is not only vast but also highly adaptable to meet diverse needs. Every day, we focus on innovation, introducing cutting-edge solutions like patented technologies for payments via call centers and chat, distinctive text-to-pay and mobile payment options, as well as advanced digital disbursements. We deliver state-of-the-art features aimed at accelerating revenue flow, optimizing payment workflows, and enhancing the overall customer experience. With IPN, users can easily manage and pay their bills using platforms such as Amazon Alexa, the PayPal app, at major retailers like Walmart, and through the online banking services provided by various financial institutions. By simplifying your billing and payment operations, you can unlock new efficiencies that will propel your success. As we pave the way for the future of bill payments, we are committed to leading this exciting transformation. Embrace this change today to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

SubscriptionFlow simplifies the billing and payment processes for companies through automation. It provides a range of SaaS billing solutions specifically designed for recurring payments, along with a thorough tax management system that is tailored to different regions. Additionally, SubscriptionFlow delivers insightful, AI-driven reporting in real time, which can significantly enhance revenue management for businesses. By implementing a customized, automated subscription management system, companies can alleviate the tedious and time-consuming tasks traditionally associated with subscription handling. This enhancement not only boosts productivity in a shorter timeframe but also elevates operational efficiency by automating the recurring billing process. Consequently, this leads to an improved brand reputation and customer satisfaction, ultimately driving higher revenue for the business while enabling better strategic decision-making.

Partnering with B2B service providers and SaaS companies allows for seamless, white-label payment solutions. Elevate the experience of your customers with a streamlined and user-friendly checkout process that offers a variety of payment methods. Our clients have reported an extraordinary 47% boost in revenue after introducing pay-over-time options! This strategy is crafted for easy sharing and monitoring, which strengthens ties with your current customer base. Bid farewell to the cumbersome billing and collections systems of the past. With Alternative, you can receive instant payments while we manage the collection process from your customers over a longer duration. Deliver unparalleled flexibility in payment choices through ACH, credit cards, or buy now, pay later solutions using our innovative technology. Enjoy the advantage of free ACH transactions and automatic reconciliation, potentially saving you over 10 hours of data entry weekly. Utilize sophisticated data reporting tools to evaluate business performance and customer satisfaction. Alternative is transforming the B2B payment ecosystem, allowing you to offer unmatched payment flexibility to your clientele while guaranteeing upfront payment for your services, thus reshaping the financial management landscape for businesses. Furthermore, this innovative approach not only improves cash flow but also enhances your overall operational efficiency.

An online platform designed for small businesses in Qatar and the Middle East offers services such as payment links, a point-of-sale (POS) system, and invoicing solutions, along with a comprehensive payment gateway. This platform aims to streamline financial transactions and enhance operational efficiency for local enterprises.

PaymentCollect™ is a versatile plugin designed for the complete suite of QuickBooks®, enabling business owners to seamlessly handle credit card transactions directly within the software, using their preferred bank or payment processor. This tool is compatible with QuickBooks Desktop® versions dating back to 2004 and Point of Sale® versions from 2010 onwards, as well as the latest QuickBooks Online®. By facilitating the reception, processing, and automatic posting of payments into QuickBooks, PaymentCollect™ helps minimize overhead expenses and eliminate variable costs. Customers are given the convenience of paying their invoices either online or over the phone via this system. Additionally, PaymentCollect™ integrates smoothly with QuickBooks®, ensuring that invoices are automatically updated to reflect their "paid" status. This streamlined process not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to improved cash flow management for businesses.

Stax Bill combines automated subscription management with tailored payment solutions to optimize your financial processes. By utilizing our service, you can eliminate mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on your key objectives. Improve your operational productivity, enhance revenue recovery, and increase the efficiency of your invoice collections. With our system, you can achieve up to an 80% decrease in the time dedicated to monthly billing tasks and reduce instances of late or unsuccessful payments by up to 700% thanks to our credit card retry features. Additionally, our automated collection tools enable companies to recapture an extra 2% to 4% of their monthly revenue. Envision the amount of time you could save if your billing system automatically created customer invoices. Numerous businesses report gaining back as much as 40 hours monthly by adopting automated accounts receivable methods, a significant boost for overall productivity. 🤯 Are you looking to quickly add a new product to your offerings? It’s simple. Do you want to run a quick pricing test? That’s entirely feasible. Should sales teams need to modify a subscription price for a particular customer, you can easily accommodate this request, keeping client satisfaction at the forefront. With Stax Bill, the synergy of flexibility and operational efficiency is unmatched. Moreover, our user-friendly platform ensures that you can adapt to market changes seamlessly while maintaining excellent customer service.

Whalestack offers a sophisticated cryptocurrency payment platform crafted specifically for businesses, featuring digital currency checkout systems that convert Bitcoin to your bank account almost instantly. This innovative solution facilitates the acceptance of cryptocurrencies and provides instant fiat conversion to alleviate the risks associated with currency fluctuations, completely eradicate chargebacks, and minimize credit risks. It includes a comprehensive array of tools such as in-depth financial reporting, invoicing, taxation assistance, and analytics, all designed for seamless integration through a REST API or an easy-to-use checkout button. Targeting online retailers and e-commerce platforms, Whalestack allows for the processing of payments in multiple digital currencies while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, thereby satisfying the needs of accountants and governing bodies. Furthermore, it empowers online businesses to set prices and finalize transactions in their preferred local currency (such as EUR or USD), irrespective of the digital currency (like Bitcoin, Lightning, USDC, EURC, or Stellar) selected by the customer for payment. This flexibility not only enhances user experience but also streamlines financial operations for businesses engaging in the digital economy.