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Using Claude Code with your Max Plan

Updated this week

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:

  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

    • 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

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