Manage usage credits for paid Claude plans (original) (raw)

This article explains how usage credits work on your paid Claude plan (Pro, Max 5x, or Max 20x), allowing you to continue working with Claude after reaching your plan's usage limits by switching to pay-as-you-go pricing.

What are usage credits?

Usage credits allow individuals subscribed to paid Claude plans (Pro, Max 5x, and Max 20x) to continue using Claude seamlessly after reaching their included usage limits. Instead of being blocked when you hit your session limits, you can switch to consumption-based pricing at standard API rates and continue your work without interruption.

How usage credits work

When you reach your plan’s usage limit with usage credits enabled:

Enabling usage credits

To enable usage credits on your paid Claude plan:

Set spend limits

Control your usage credit spending with:

Usage credit pricing

Usage credits are billed at standard API rates; see our pricing page for details.

Price and plans are subject to change at Anthropic's discretion.

Managing your usage credits

Monitoring usage and costs

Track your usage credits through:

Tips for cost-effective usage

To manage usage credit costs while maintaining productivity:

How usage credits work with other features

Claude Code

Usage credits apply to both Claude conversations and Claude Code terminal usage. Your combined usage across both interfaces counts toward your limits.

Research mode

When using Research mode, usage credits apply once you exceed your plan's included limits. Research sessions may consume tokens more quickly due to multiple searches and comprehensive analysis.

Projects and files

Documents stored in project files count toward your context when used in conversations. Usage credits apply to all tokens processed, including project content.

Frequently asked questions

Can I disable usage credits after enabling them?

Yes, you can disable usage credits at any time through Settings > Usage. Once disabled, you'll only have access to your plan's included usage.

How quickly do my regular usage limits reset?

Your plan’s included usage limit will reset every five hours once you reach it. Usage credits don’t affect this reset timing.

I subscribed to a paid Claude plan on the App or Play store; how can I access usage credits?

If you purchased your paid plan through one of the Claude mobile apps, usage credits are only available if you enable and purchase them on the Claude web app. You will not be able to set up usage credits on the mobile app.

Can I track usage credits separately from my included usage?

Yes, the usage dashboard clearly distinguishes between your included plan usage limits and any usage credit consumption.

Will I get a warning before switching to usage credits?

Yes, you’ll see a clear notification when approaching and reaching your included usage limits, with a confirmation that you’ll continue with usage credits.

Related Articles

How am I billed for my Enterprise plan?Use Claude Code with your Team or Enterprise planManage usage credits for Team and seat-based Enterprise plansBuy usage bundlesClaude Design subscription usage and pricing