Max plan users have access to use Claude Code directly in their terminal.
What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is a command line tool that gives you access to Claude models directly in your terminal, allowing you to delegate complex coding tasks while maintaining transparency and control. With the Max plan, you now have access to both Claude in the web, desktop, and mobile apps and Claude Code in your terminal with one unified subscription.
Why use Claude and Claude Code?
Use two powerful AI products, in one simple subscription.
Use Claude for writing, research, analysis, and more — at work and at home
Use Claude Code for your terminal-based coding workflows
How to Connect Claude Code with Your Max Plan
To start using Claude Code with your Max plan:
Ensure you have an active Max plan subscription
If you're not already subscribed to the Max plan, upgrade at claude.ai/upgrade
Max plan offers two usage tiers: 5x Pro usage ($100/month) or 20x Pro usage ($200/month)
Install Claude Code
Visit the Claude Code documentation page to download and install Claude Code
Follow the installation instructions for your operating system
Authenticate with your Claude credentials (for your Max plan)
When prompted during setup or first use, log in with the same credentials you use for Claude
This will connect your Max plan subscription to Claude Code
If you're already logged in to Claude Code via Anthropic Console PAYG, run /login from within Claude Code to switch to Max
How Rate Limits Work
With the Max plan, your usage limits are shared across both Claude and Claude Code:
Shared rate limits: All activity in both Claude and Claude Code counts against the same usage limits.
Message variations: The number of messages you can send on Claude varies based on message length, conversation length, and file attachments.
Coding usage variations: Expected usage for Claude Code will vary based on project complexity, codebase size, and auto-accept settings.
On the Max plan (5x Pro/$100), average users:
Send approximately 225 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR
Send approximately 50-200 prompts with Claude Code every 5 hours
On the Max plan (20x Pro/$200), average users:
Send approximately 900 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR
Send approximately 200-800 prompts with Claude Code every 5 hours
These estimates are based on how Claude works today. In the future, we'll add new capabilities (some might use more of your usage, others less) but we're always working to give you the best value on your current plan.
What Happens When You Hit Rate Limits
To help you monitor your usage, you will see warning messages about remaining capacity. When you reach your rate limits, you can select from a few options based on your needs:
If you're on the $100 Max plan (5x Pro usage), consider upgrading to the $200 Max plan (20x Pro usage) if you consistently hit limits.
You will have the flexibility to switch to pay-as-you-go usage with an Anthropic Console account. This will provide flexibility for intensive coding sprints.
Wait till your rate limits reset.
For more details on efficient usage, refer to our Usage Limit Best Practices.