---
title: File transfer
slug: concepts/payments/xml-batch-payments/file-transfer
description: Cross River provides a unique SFTP for each customer to upload payment files and receive reports. Files are checked every 30 minutes; acknowledgments appear within minutes.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-08-09T11:43:53.396Z
---

## Transfer method

We use SFTP to enable partners to upload their payment instruction files and receive the reports. Each partner receives a **unique SFTP location **for upload and download.

### Access the SFTP

1. [Set up SFTP](docId\:vS2CkU9_W5BQQlbjsBq25). 
2. Access your SFTP folder using the credentials and information you receive from your Relationship Manager.

### SFTP folder structure

Your unique SFTP location includes a folder named Unicorn for XML file transfers. The Unicorn folder contains three folders: Outbound, Processed, and Inbound.

- **Outbound**: Upload your XML payment files to this folder.
- **Processed**: After we ingest and process the XML file, we save a copy to this folder.
- **Inbound**: We save output files (payment status reports) to this folder.
  - We save output files within minutes of processing.
  - As we process transactions and receive new statuses, we save additional output files.

## Upload your files to Cross River

Refer to [prepare your input XML file](docId\:MeXfr73i11kMnKc7pVFL1) for how to prepare your files.

## View files sent to you by Cross River

Refer to [output files](docId\:Dh2KWo029OFX91GzsvUsi) for an explanation of the files sent to you.

Reach out to [support](mailto\:unicorn.support@crossriver.com) for any questions.

## File processing

We check for a new input file every 30 minutes. Acknowledgment files containing initial processing information are normally available within minutes.