Introducing claudeapi.cheap — The Cheapest Way to Access Claude API
We launched the most affordable way to use Claude Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku. Up to 80% off official pricing, crypto payments, and full API compatibility.
Why We Built claudeapi.cheap
Claude is one of the most powerful AI models available today. Whether you are building a startup, automating workflows, or running AI-powered research, Claude Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku deliver results that rival or exceed other leading models.
But there is a catch. The official Anthropic API pricing can be a real barrier, especially for indie developers, small teams, researchers, and anyone experimenting with AI on a budget. Running Claude Opus for a production app can easily cost hundreds of dollars per month, and that adds up fast.
That is exactly why we created claudeapi.cheap — a fully compatible proxy service that gives you access to every Claude model at up to 80% off official Anthropic pricing.
What Is claudeapi.cheap?
In simple terms, claudeapi.cheap is an API proxy that sits between your application and the Anthropic API. You send requests to our endpoint instead of directly to Anthropic, and we handle the rest. Your code stays exactly the same. The only difference is the base URL and API key.
We are fully compatible with:
anthropic package)@anthropic-ai/sdk)If your app works with the official Anthropic API, it works with claudeapi.cheap. Zero code changes beyond swapping the base URL.
Key Benefits
Save 70–80% on Every Request
Two plans. Pick the one that fits:
Check the full pricing breakdown for detailed per-model costs.
Crypto Payments Accepted
We accept USDT, BTC, ETH, and 100+ cryptocurrencies for topping up your balance. No credit card required. No lengthy KYC process. Just deposit and start making API calls within minutes.
Same API, Same Models, Same Quality
You get the exact same Claude models — Opus 4.7, Opus 4.6, Sonnet 4.6, Haiku 4.5 — with the same capabilities, context windows, and output quality. We do not modify, filter, or cache responses. Every request hits the real Claude API.
Works with Claude Code
One of the most popular use cases is pairing claudeapi.cheap with Claude Code. Two environment variables and you are saving money on every coding session. Read our full Claude Code setup guide to get started in under 2 minutes.
How to Get Started
Getting up and running takes less than 5 minutes:
1. Sign up for a free account at claudeapi.cheap
2. Top up your balance using crypto (USDT, BTC, or ETH)
3. Create an API key from your dashboard
4. Set your environment variables or update your code:
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-cc-your-api-key"
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://claudeapi.cheap/api/proxy"5. Start making requests — your existing code works immediately
For a deeper walkthrough, check out our Python SDK guide or the Claude Code setup tutorial.
Who Is This For?
claudeapi.cheap is built for anyone who wants to use Claude without paying full price:
Currently in Beta
We are launching in Beta. The core API proxy is solid and has been tested under heavy load, but expect some rough edges around the dashboard and billing UI as we polish things. We are shipping improvements every week and would love your feedback.
Have questions or want to report an issue? Reach out through the dashboard or drop us a message on our support channel.
Start Saving Today
Stop overpaying for Claude API access. Whether you are building a quick prototype or running a production application, claudeapi.cheap gives you the same power at a fraction of the cost.