[CodeBrad]

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.

[tqwhite]

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.

[raincole]

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]

Claude is also really expensive compared to every other model.

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