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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.



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.


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.


Claude is also really expensive compared to every other model.

Maybe that reflects higher underlying costs. Maybe their API prices are just inflated.




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