Pay-as-You-Go Claude API Without Monthly Fees
Claude Pro and Max are monthly chat subscriptions, while Anthropic's API uses prepaid usage credits. Claude API Tech offers a separate usage-based balance with no monthly plan, no automatic renewal, and no credit card required.
| Product | Price | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Pro / Max | Monthly plan | Claude chat subscription; not a prepaid API balance. |
| Anthropic API credits | Usage-based | Prepaid credits through Anthropic billing; payment and regional requirements apply. |
| Claude API Tech balance | Usage-based | Pay only for tokens used. Balance does not expire. No monthly plan. |
- ✓Pay once, use when you need it — no monthly charges
- ✓Tokens never expire — unused balance stays in your account
- ✓All Claude models on one balance (Fable 5, Opus 5, Opus 4.8, Opus 4.7, Opus 4.6, Opus 4.5, Sonnet 5, Sonnet 4.6, Sonnet 4.5)
- ✓Minimum top-up $5 — suitable for personal and low-volume projects
- ✓Free $0.25 test bonus on registration — no payment needed to start