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?
Use two powerful AI products, in one simple subscription.
Use Claude for writing, research, analysis, and more — at work and at home
Use Claude Code for your terminal-based coding workflows
How to Connect Claude Code with Your Max Plan
To start using Claude Code with your Max plan:
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)
Install Claude Code
Visit the Claude Code documentation page to download and install Claude Code
Follow the installation instructions for your operating system
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
If you're already logged in to Claude Code via Anthropic Console PAYG, run /login from within Claude Code to switch to Max
How Rate Limits Work
With the Max plan, your usage limits are shared 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 on Claude varies based on message length, conversation length, and file attachments.
Coding usage variations: Expected usage for Claude Code will vary based on project complexity, codebase size, and auto-accept settings.
On the Max plan (5x Pro/$100), average users:
Send approximately 225 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR
Send approximately 50-200 prompts with Claude Code every 5 hours
On the Max plan (20x Pro/$200), average users:
Send approximately 900 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR
Send approximately 200-800 prompts with Claude Code every 5 hours
These estimates are based on how Claude works today. In the future, we'll add new capabilities (some might use more of your usage, others less) but we're always working to give you the best value on your current plan.
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.
Claude Code Usage Limits and Billing
Understanding Two Distinct Systems
It's important to recognize these are separate systems:
Claude Code: Presents options for continuing usage through API credits
API Console account: Contains optional auto-reload settings for API credit management where your terminal is located
Choosing to Use API Credits
If you want to use API credits through Claude Code:
Usage will be billed at standard API rates (distinct from Max Plan pricing)
If auto-reload is enabled in your Console account, additional credits will be automatically added when your balance runs low
Staying Within Your Max Plan
To maintain usage strictly within your Max Plan allocation:
Decline the API credit option when presented
Allow your 5-hour usage period to reset naturally
Monitor your remaining allocation using the /status command
Opting Out of API Credits for Claude Code
If you prefer to prevent the API credit option from appearing entirely:
Run claude logout in your terminal
Run claude login and authenticate using only your Max plan credentials
Avoid adding any API/Console credentials during the login process
This ensures Claude Code will only use your Max plan allocation and you won't be prompted to use API credits when you reach your limits.
Managing Auto-Reload Settings
Auto-reload functionality is managed within your Console/API account, not through Claude Code:
Review your Console account settings to check auto-reload status
Adjust these settings in the Console if you prefer to avoid automatic credit purchases
Remember: auto-reload only applies when you've chosen to use API credits
Summary
Claude Code maintains strict user control over billing decisions
All transitions to API credit usage require explicit user consent
Auto-reload is an independent Console feature
To maintain your Max plan budget, simply decline API credit options when offered