I think Claude Code also already has the option to provide an API key directly for usage based pricing.

I'm a fan of having both a subscription and a usage based plan available. The subscription is effectively a built in spending limit. If I regularly hit it and need more value, I can switch to an API key for unlimited usage.

The downside is you are potentially paying for something you don't use, but that is the same for all subscription services.

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tqwhite 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

I use API but think about getting the $100/mo plan and using API for overflow if it occurs.

But I have slow months and think that might not actually be the winner. Basically I'm going to wait and see before I sign up for auto-pay.

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raincole 4 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Giving how expensive Claude Code is if you use API key, I think it's safe to assume the subscription model is bleeding money out.

	▲	Filligree 4 days ago \| parent [-]
		Claude is also really expensive compared to every other model. Maybe that reflects higher underlying costs. Maybe their API prices are just inflated.