Free Claude API Key — $0.25 Test Bonus
You can test Claude API before paying. A new Claude API Tech account receives $0.25 in test balance without a bank card or subscription. This is a limited test credit, not an unlimited free API.
What does “free Claude API” mean here?
Registration and the API key are free. The account includes $0.25 in one-time test credit; requests stop when that balance is spent unless you top up.
What's included in the test credit?
$0.25 is credited after registration. You can test Claude Fable 5, Claude Opus 5, Claude Opus 4.8, Claude Opus 4.7, Claude Opus 4.6, Claude Opus 4.5, Claude Sonnet 5, Claude Sonnet 4.6, and Claude Sonnet 4.5 through Anthropic- and OpenAI-compatible endpoints before topping up.
No monthly subscription
Claude API Tech uses usage-based pricing. You pay only for consumed tokens, and the $0.25 credit lets you verify your integration first.
Compatible with all tools
Your free API key works with Claude Code, Cursor, Cline, Continue, Blackbox, VS Code extensions, and any SDK that supports the Anthropic or OpenAI-compatible format.
What happens after the test credit?
Top up with a supported cryptocurrency and continue at per-token rates up to 50% below the corresponding official prices. There are no automatic charges or recurring fees. Product data checked August 15, 2026.