Azure users may enable the SFTP feature on Storage Accounts during migration tests, integration scenarios, or experimentation. However, if left enabled after initial use, the feature continues to generate flat hourly charges — even when no SFTP traffic occurs.

Because this fee is incurred silently and independently of storage usage, it often goes unnoticed in cost reviews. When SFTP is not actively used for data ingestion or export, disabling it can eliminate unnecessary charges without impacting other access methods.