Pro and Max plan subscribers have access to use Claude Code directly in the 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 Pro and Max plans, 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 plan
To start using Claude Code with your Pro or Max plan:
Ensure you have an active Pro or Max plan subscription
If you're not already subscribed, upgrade at claude.ai/upgrade
Pro plan: $20/month for light coding work on small repositories
Max plan offers two usage tiers:
5x Pro usage ($100/month)
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
When prompted during setup or first use, log in with the same credentials you use for Claude
This will connect your Pro or 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 your subscription plan
Having trouble using your Pro or Max plan to access Claude Code?
If you're not seeing the option to authenticate with your preferred account, follow these steps to update Claude Code:
Log out of your active session completely using the
/logoutcommand.Run
claude update.Restart your terminal completely for the change to take effect.
Run
claudeand select the correct account to use Claude Code (Pro, Max, or Console).
How Rate Limits Work
Both Pro and Max plans offer rate limits that are shared across Claude and Claude Code, meaning all activity in both tools counts against the same usage limits. The number of messages you can send varies based on message length, conversation length, and file attachments, while Claude Code usage varies based on project complexity, codebase size, and auto-accept settings.
Pro Plan
To read more about Pro plan usage limits, see About Claude Pro usage.
Pro ($20/month): Average users can send approximately 45 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR send approximately 10-40 prompts with Claude Code every 5 hours.
Model access: Pro plan subscribers can access Sonnet 4, but won’t be able to use Opus 4 with Claude Code.
Best for: Light work on small repositories (typically under 1,000 lines of code)
Max Plan
For detailed information about Max plan usage limits, see About Claude's Max Plan Usage.
Max 5x Pro ($100/month): Average users can send approximately 225 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR send approximately 50-200 prompts with Claude Code every 5 hours.
Max 20x Pro ($200/month): Average users can send approximately 900 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR send approximately 200-800 prompts with Claude Code every 5 hours.
Model access: Max plan subscribers can use Sonnet or Opus 4 on Claude Code (switch between them using the
/modelcommand).Best for: Everyday use with larger codebases, or power users
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:
Pro Plan Users
Consider upgrading to the Max plan (5x Pro/$100) if you consistently hit limits and need more capacity for larger repositories.
You will have the flexibility to switch to pay-as-you-go usage with an Anthropic Console account for intensive coding sprints.
Wait until your rate limits reset
Max Plan Users
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 for intensive coding sprints.
Wait until your rate limits reset
For more details on efficient usage, refer to our Usage Limit Best Practices.
Automatic Model Switching for Max Plan Users
To help preserve a good experience and prevent accidentally hitting rate limits too quickly, Claude Code automatically switches from Opus 4 to Sonnet 4 when Max users reach certain usage thresholds:
Max 5x plan: Switches at 20% of your rate limit
Max 20x plan: Switches at 50% of your rate limit
Rate limits reset every 5 hours, and this switching happens based purely on usage regardless of time. You can override this by using /model at the beginning of your session, though keep in mind that Opus reaches usage limits approximately 5x faster than Sonnet.
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: 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 Pro/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 Plan
To maintain usage strictly within your Pro or Max Plan allocation:
Decline the API credit option when presented
Allow your 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 Pro or Max plan credentials
Avoid adding any API/Console credentials during the login process
This ensures Claude Code will only use your 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 plan budget, simply decline API credit options when offered