Can You Use Claude Code for Free? Installation, Subscription, and API Access

What is actually free

You can do the following for free:

• download and install the Claude Code client;
• check that the claude command is available;
• open the sign-in interface;
• update the client through a supported method.

An installed client cannot make model requests on its own. Claude Code must authenticate through one of the supported access methods and charge usage to the corresponding billing system.

The official Claude Code setup guide states explicitly that the free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code. Requests require a paid Claude plan, Console with API billing, or a supported third-party provider. Check the current terms, paid plans, and limits separately on the Claude pricing page.

A subscription and an API do not share one balance

• Paid Claude plan: sign in through OAuth with a Claude.ai account; usage counts toward the shared Claude and Claude Code allowance. In /usage, check the plan's usage bars, not the Session section's dollar estimate.
• Anthropic Console: sign in with a Console account or API access; usage is tracked through API tokens and workspace limits. Check actual costs on the Claude Console Usage page.
• BetterToken API: authenticate with your own BetterToken API key and Base URL; usage is billed according to actual consumption and can be checked in the BetterToken Dashboard.

A Claude subscription does not automatically create an API balance. Adding API funds does not activate Pro or Max either. Even if one person can use both, they remain separate authentication and billing methods.

Claude Code applies credential precedence rules. For example, ANTHROPIC_API_KEY may take precedence over a saved subscription login. If you see an unexpected charge or error, run this first:

/status

This command shows the active authentication method. To inspect usage within the current mode, use:

/usage

The Session section in /usage has an important limitation: Claude Code calculates a local dollar estimate from tokens in the current session, so it is not an invoice and may differ from the actual charge. For Pro or Max subscribers, that figure does not determine subscription billing—check the plan usage bars on the same screen. With API access, check actual costs and workspace limits in Claude Console. After changing a key or sign-in method, run /status again, then /usage, and open the relevant dashboard. Anthropic explains this sequence in its official cost guide.

Do not publish key values, tokens, or credential-file contents. The authentication type, client version, error code, and request time are enough for troubleshooting.

When a Claude subscription makes sense

A paid plan is convenient when one person uses Claude Code interactively and wants the broader Claude product under one account. Terminal usage and other Claude surfaces draw from the plan's shared pool; exact windows and limits can change.

A subscription is not unlimited access. Consider:

• the plan's current limits;
• country and payment-method availability;
• combined Claude and Claude Code usage;
• whether you need team administration.

Do not base a calculation on old fixed numbers from reviews. Anthropic changes plans and usage mechanics, so verify the terms on the day you pay.

When API access makes sense

API mode is useful when costs should follow request volume or access must be separated from a personal subscription. This is common in automation, CI, team environments, and projects that need separate keys and budgets.

The direct Anthropic API uses Anthropic Console billing and limits. BetterToken uses a separate BetterToken account, your own API key, and an Anthropic-compatible Base URL. Check available payment methods, models, and current prices in the account on the day you connect.

The BetterToken Base URL for Claude Code is https://bettertoken.ai, without /v1. This article does not duplicate the full configuration or current key-delivery method; use the Claude Code setup page to avoid copying an outdated example.

How to choose without paying twice for the wrong product

Answer three questions:

1. Do you need the Claude user plan or a separate API workflow?
2. Where should keys, usage, and charge history live?
3. Does your chosen provider support your region and payment method?

If you need a paid Claude plan, go to the official pricing page. If you need a comparison of a subscription, the Anthropic API, and BetterToken, read “How to Pay for Claude Code in Russia: Subscription or API”. It covers payment scenarios; this article only establishes the boundary of free installation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Claude Code on the free Claude.ai plan?

No. According to the current official documentation, the free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code. You need a paid plan, Console/API access, or a supported third-party provider.

Do I pay separately to install the client?

No. Charges apply to model access and usage, not to downloading the command itself.

Does a Claude subscription include Anthropic API balance?

No. The subscription and API are separate billing systems. /status helps identify which one the current session is using.

Does BetterToken sell Claude subscriptions?

No. BetterToken provides independent API access with your own account and key; it is not Claude Pro or Max and does not provide a shared Claude.ai account.

Short conclusion

“Claude Code is free” is true only of installing the client. Real work requires paid model access. Choose a subscription or API first, verify the active authentication method with /status, and only then evaluate limits and costs.

Next step: API access for Claude Code

If you chose a separate API budget and your own Claude Code key, open the Claude Code API page. This connects the BetterToken API, not a Claude subscription; check the current fields and limitations in the guide before configuring it.