Understand sFTP and SSH key login

sFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol for securely accessing, transferring and managing large files and sensitive data. Designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force as an extension of Secure Shell (SSH), SFTP enables access, transfer and management of files over a network.

When setting up SFTP, use your existing login credentials (username, password, and hostname), and ensure that port 22 is configured for SFTP connections. Check that neither your network nor firewall is blocking SFTP access. In situations involving automated scripts or manual interventions, consider automating SFTP to ensure efficient file transfers.

If all appears correct on the sending side but you're still having trouble connecting, open a support ticket to see if your outbound public IP is on Billtrust's banned IP list.

If you would like to stop using a username and password and use an SSH key to log in, open a case with Billtrust Customer Support.

sFTP FAQs

Q. Curling caftp.billtrust.com reveals the IP address 13.64.54.158. Is this address static or subject to change?

A. This address is static. You can confidently add it to your firewall rules.

Q. What are the SHA standards for ftp.billtrust.com?

A. As of March 2026, Billtrust uses the SHA-2 signature in production. Automated sFTP jobs created before March 2026 may fail with host key-verification errors until your bank accepts the new SHA-2 key.

Q. Can I manually add Billtrust's SHA-2 key?

A. No, we can't provide the key ahead of time.