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Using Claude Code with your Max Plan

Updated today

Max plan users have access to use Claude Code directly in their terminal.

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is a command line tool that gives you access to Claude models directly in your terminal, allowing you to delegate complex coding tasks while maintaining transparency and control. With the Max plan, you now have access to both Claude in the web, desktop, and mobile apps and Claude Code in your terminal with one unified subscription.

Why use Claude and Claude Code?

Both tools complement each other in your development workflows.

  • Use Claude for research, planning, and high-level thinking.

  • Then use Claude Code for implementation and hands-on coding tasks.

  • Claude can also be used beyond your coding needs to help you with writing, learning, analysis, complex problem-solving, and general productivity.

How to Connect Claude Code with Your Max Plan

To start using Claude Code with your Max plan:

  1. Ensure you have an active Max plan subscription

    • If you're not already subscribed to the Max plan, upgrade at claude.ai/upgrade

    • Max plan offers two usage tiers: 5x Pro usage ($100/month) or 20x Pro usage ($200/month)

  2. Install Claude Code

  3. Authenticate with your Claude credentials (for your Max plan)

    • When prompted during setup or first use, log in with the same credentials you use for Claude

    • This will connect your Max plan subscription to Claude Code

How Rate Limits Work

With the Max plan, your usage limits apply across both Claude and Claude Code:

  • Shared rate limits: All activity in both Claude and Claude Code counts against the same usage limits

  • Message variations: The number of messages you can send varies based on message length, conversation length, and file attachments. Similarly, for Claude Code, the number of requests you can send varies based on the scope of each request and the tokens required to complete them.

  • Usage expectations:

    • Max plan (5x Pro/$100): Approximately 225 messages with Claude every 5 hours

    • Max plan (20x Pro/$200): Approximately 900 messages with Claude every 5 hours

What Happens When You Hit Rate Limits

To help you monitor your usage, you will see warning messages about remaining capacity. When you reach your rate limits, you can select from a few options based on your needs:

  • If you're on the $100 Max plan (5x Pro usage), consider upgrading to the $200 Max plan (20x Pro usage) if you consistently hit limits.

  • You will have the flexibility to switch to pay-as-you-go usage with an Anthropic Console account. This will provide flexibility for intensive coding sprints.

  • Wait till your rate limits reset.

For more details on efficient usage, refer to our Usage Limit Best Practices.

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