Claude subscription policy change: additional fees for third-party tool use
Significant change: Claude Pro no longer covers third-party tools
Recently, Anthropic updated Claude's subscription to service, specifyingClaude Pro/ Max subscription no longer covers the cost of using Claude API through third-party tools (e. g. OpenClaw, Cursor, etc.)I don't know. This means that even if you have already subscribed to Claude Pro, you will have to pay extra for API calls when using third-party tools.
• Detailed policy changes
1. Clear distinction in the scope of subscriptions
| Use scene | Whether to include in the subscription | Cost justification |
|---|---|---|
| Claude.ai Web version | Includes | Pro $20/month, Max $100/month |
| Claude Code. | Including (Pro/Max) | Using anthropic official tool |
| Claude Cowork | Including (Pro/Max) | Official Desktop Extension |
| OpenClaw and other third party tools | It doesn't contain | API level to be purchased separately |
| Cursor/Windsurf etc. IDE | It doesn't contain | API level to be purchased separately |
2. API pricing is calculated separately
When using Claude through a third-party tool, pay the API call:
- Opus 4.6.:Input $5/MTok, output $25/MTok
- Sonnet 4.6: Input 3/MTok, Output $15/MTok
- Haiku 4.5: Enter $ 1/ MTok, output $5/ MTok
Why did Anthropic make that decision?
- Business strategy adjustmentsOther Organiser
- Cost control• HF calls for third-party tools increase platform costs
- Compliance management: Better track and control API scenarios
- Income optimizationAPI Call is the main source of income for Anthropic
Impact on users
OpenClaw Users
- Claude API level needs to be purchased separately
- OpenClaw itself is not affected
- To bind your API Key in OpenClaw configuration
Cursor/Windsurf Users
- The IDE Claude function is charged separately
- Consider using IDE own AI functions or other models
- Assess whether API call costs are worth it
3. Developers
- Application based on Claude API needs to be reassessed
- Consider whether to charge an API to the end user
- Explore alternative models
Response strategy
1. Cost optimization programmes
- Use Haiku modelMinimum cost ($1/MTok input)
- Enable Prompt Caching: cache reading only $ 0.10/MTok
- Batch processing50% cost savings
- Limit Context Length: Reduce token consumption
Alternatives
- OpenAI GPT-4o MiniHigher value for money
- Google Gemini: Part of the scene is free of charge at a sufficient level
- Open source modelLocal deployment of Llama 3, Qwen, Mistral
- Azure OpenAI:: More flexible enterprise-level pricing
3. Mixed strategies
- Simple task using Haiku or open source model
- Claude Sonnet/Opus
- Maintain manual clearance for critical tasks
Examples of cost comparisons
Assuming 10M tokens (input + output) per month:
| Programme | Monthly cost | Annotations |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Pro | $20 | Web version only |
| Claude API (Sonnet) | ~$90 | 10M tokens, paid at volume |
| Claude API (Haiku) | ~$30 | Minimum Cost Claude Model |
| GT-4o Mini | ~$15 | OpenAI value selection |
| Open source model (local) | $0 | Own hardware resources required |
Important Reminder
Note:This post is based on Anthropic public pricing information. Specific subscriptions and API policies should be based on the Anthropic official update. It is recommended to view official documents regularly for updates.
References:Claude Official Pricing Page Noodles.