# [full] apiToken.sale — Claude API access

> apiToken.sale is an independent Claude API gateway. It serves the standard Anthropic Messages API and the full supported Claude line (Opus, Sonnet, Haiku) from prepaid balance at a progressive discount of 60% up to 80% off official spend. No Anthropic account, waitlist, or billing-country requirement; pay by bank card or cryptocurrency.

---
---
title: How to Buy a Claude API Key
description: "Buy a Claude API key in minutes with apiToken.sale — one key for every Claude model, prepaid balance, card or crypto payment, no Anthropic account required."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/how-to-buy-claude-api-key
language: en
---

# How to buy a Claude API key

You do not need an Anthropic account, an invite, or a company card to buy a Claude API key. With apiToken.sale you top up prepaid balance, generate one key, and call the same Anthropic Messages API at a discount — instant Claude API access for Opus, Sonnet and Haiku.

## Get your key in three steps

1. Create a free account and open the dashboard — no approval or waitlist.
2. Generate one API key (it looks like sk-pool-…). The same key works across every supported Claude model.
3. Point any Anthropic-compatible tool at https://api.apitoken.sale and send requests to /v1/messages with the x-api-key header.

## How payment works

Top up any whole-dollar amount you like — there is no fixed product catalog. Your balance is prepaid, never expires, and is spent only when API requests run.

- Pay by bank card or with cryptocurrency through a secure checkout provider.
- Every request is converted to official Anthropic API spend, then your active discount is applied.
- B2C accounts start 60% below official spend and progress up to 80% off as you top up more.

## What you can do with the key

One key unlocks the full supported Claude line — Opus, Sonnet and Haiku — across Claude Code, Cursor, Cline, Continue, Zed and the official Anthropic SDKs. Nothing about the protocol changes; only the price does.

## Which Claude models and tools you get

One Claude API key unlocks the full supported line on a single balance, and works in every Anthropic-compatible tool.

- Models: Claude Opus 4.8 and 4.7, Sonnet 5 and 4.6, Haiku 4.5.
- Tools: Claude Code, Cursor, Cline, Continue, Zed and the Anthropic SDKs.
- Formats: the Anthropic Messages API with streaming and tool use.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need an Anthropic account to buy a Claude API key?

No. apiToken.sale issues its own key and balance, so you can start without an Anthropic account, invite, or approval.

### How fast is the key active?

Instantly. You generate the key in the dashboard and it works on the next request — there is no waitlist or manual review.

### How much does it cost to start?

You can top up any whole-dollar amount. New accounts created with Google or GitHub also get $10 of Claude usage at official API prices for free.

### Is this the official Claude API?

Yes — it serves the same Anthropic Messages API and the same Claude models. Only the price and the way you sign up and pay are different.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Cheapest Claude API — Up to 80% Discount
description: "The cheapest Claude API: buy discounted Claude API tokens at up to 80% off. apiToken.sale sells the identical Anthropic API from prepaid balance with a progressive Claude API discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/cheapest-claude-api
language: en
---

# The cheapest way to use the Claude API

The Claude API is priced per token, and those tokens add up fast on long coding sessions. apiToken.sale gives you the identical API for up to 80% less by pooling prepaid balance and applying a progressive discount.

## Why it is cheaper

You send the same request to the same Anthropic Messages API and get the same response. The only thing under the hood is billing: each call is metered at official rates, then your discount is subtracted before it touches your balance.

- B2C accounts begin at 60% off official spend.
- The discount grows to 80% off as your cumulative top-ups increase.
- B2B volume pricing is negotiated separately.

## Where the savings show up most

Agentic coding, long multi-turn sessions and prompt-cache-heavy workflows burn the most tokens — so they see the biggest absolute savings. Choosing the right model for each task compounds it further.

> Tip: route quick, cheap work to Haiku and reserve Opus for hard reasoning to stretch your balance further.

## No subscription, no lock-in

There is no monthly fee. You top up prepaid balance that never expires and spend it only when requests run, so idle days cost nothing.

## How the Claude API discount is applied

There is no markup and no separate cheaper model — you get discounted access to the exact same Claude API.

- Each request is metered at official Anthropic token rates.
- Your progressive discount (60% up to 80%) is subtracted.
- The net amount is drawn from your prepaid balance.

| Model | Official in / out ($ per 1M) | Here from (−60%) | Best (−80%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Claude Opus 4.8 | $5 / $25 | $2 / $10 | $1 / $5 |
| Claude Opus 4.7 | $5 / $25 | $2 / $10 | $1 / $5 |
| Claude Sonnet 5 | $3 / $15 | $1.20 / $6 | $0.60 / $3 |
| Claude Sonnet 4.6 | $3 / $15 | $1.20 / $6 | $0.60 / $3 |
| Claude Haiku 4.5 | $1 / $5 | $0.40 / $2 | $0.20 / $1 |

[Full per-model pricing, including cache rates](/models)

[Estimate your monthly cost in the free calculator](/tools/claude-api-cost-calculator)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is this really the same Claude API?

Yes — the same Anthropic Messages API, same model IDs, same request and response format. Only the price per call is lower.

### How much can I save?

B2C pricing starts at 60% below official API spend and progresses to as much as 80% off with higher cumulative top-ups.

### Are there hidden fees or subscriptions?

No. Balance is prepaid, never expires, and is consumed only by real API usage — there is no monthly charge.

### Is there a cheaper Claude API than buying from Anthropic directly?

Yes. apiToken.sale sells the identical Anthropic API at a progressive discount of up to 80% off official spend, with no subscription.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API from Russia and Restricted Regions
description: "Access the Claude API from Russia and other restricted regions with apiToken.sale — no Anthropic account, pay by card or crypto, one key for every Claude model."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-for-russia
language: en
---

# Using the Claude API from Russia

Anthropic does not sell directly in every country, which leaves developers in Russia and other regions without an obvious way to pay. apiToken.sale removes that barrier: you buy prepaid balance and get a working Claude API key regardless of where Anthropic bills — no Anthropic account and no VPN required.

## Why direct access is hard

Signing up with Anthropic often requires a supported billing country and payment method. If you cannot complete that, you cannot get a key — even though the models themselves are reachable over the network.

## How apiToken.sale solves it

- No Anthropic account needed — we issue the key and balance.
- Pay by bank card or cryptocurrency, whichever works for you.
- Instant activation, no waitlist, no company verification.

## Works with your existing tools

Point Claude Code, Cursor, Cline or the Anthropic SDK at https://api.apitoken.sale and keep working exactly as before. Support is available in Russian and English over Telegram.

## Claude API from Russia without a VPN

There is no Anthropic billing-country gate on issuing your key and balance, so you do not need a foreign card or company to get started. Network reachability depends on your own connection, but nothing about buying balance or generating a key is region-locked.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I pay from Russia?

Yes. You can pay by bank card or with cryptocurrency through a checkout provider, so a supported Anthropic billing country is not required.

### Do I need a VPN?

You do not need an Anthropic account or billing country. Network reachability depends on your own connection, but there is no geographic gate on issuing your key and balance.

### Is support available in Russian?

Yes — support is available in Russian and English through Telegram.

### Can I pay for the Claude API from Russia?

Yes — pay by bank card or with cryptocurrency, so a supported Anthropic billing country is not required.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Pay for the Claude API with Crypto
description: "Buy Claude API balance with cryptocurrency or bank card on apiToken.sale. No Anthropic account, instant activation, prepaid balance that never expires."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-crypto-payment
language: en
---

# Pay for the Claude API with cryptocurrency

If a bank card is not an option — or you simply prefer crypto — you can fund your Claude API balance with cryptocurrency such as USDT or BTC and start immediately, with no Anthropic account.

## Card or crypto, your choice

At checkout you can pay by bank card or with cryptocurrency through a secure payment provider. Either way the balance lands prepaid in your account and is spent only when requests run.

## Why crypto helps

- No supported Anthropic billing country required.
- Useful where cards are declined or unavailable.
- Balance never expires, so you fund once and draw down as you build.

## What to expect at checkout

Choose crypto at checkout, send the amount to the address shown, and your balance credits once the network confirms. Card remains available if you prefer it for a specific top-up.

- Balance credits after on-chain confirmation.
- Any whole-dollar amount; balance never expires.
- Switch between card and crypto per top-up.

## Which cryptocurrencies you can pay with

Crypto top-ups go through a secure payment provider, so common coins are supported.

- USDT and other stablecoins.
- BTC and major cryptocurrencies.
- Balance credits once the network confirms the transaction.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which payment methods are supported?

You can pay by bank card or with cryptocurrency through a checkout provider.

### Does the balance expire?

No. Prepaid balance never expires and is consumed only by real API usage.

### Can I buy Claude API access with USDT?

Yes — you can top up your Claude API balance with USDT or other supported cryptocurrencies at checkout.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API With No Waitlist or Approval
description: "Skip the Anthropic waitlist and approval. Create an account on apiToken.sale, generate a Claude API key, and make your first call in minutes."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-without-waitlist
language: en
---

# Claude API access with no waitlist

Waiting for approval kills momentum. apiToken.sale gives you instant, self-serve access to every supported Claude model — no queue, no sales call, no company verification.

## Instant, self-serve access

1. Create a free account and open the dashboard — no approval or waitlist.
2. Generate one API key (it looks like sk-pool-…). The same key works across every supported Claude model.
3. Point any Anthropic-compatible tool at https://api.apitoken.sale and send requests to /v1/messages with the x-api-key header.

## What 'instant' actually means

The moment you generate a key it is live. There is no manual review step between signing up and your first successful request, so you can wire up a tool and ship in the same sitting.

## From zero to first call

- Sign up and open the dashboard — no approval step.
- Generate a key and point your tool at api.apitoken.sale.
- Send a request and see it metered in your usage.

New accounts created with Google or GitHub also start with $10 of official-price Claude usage, so you can validate the whole flow before topping up.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there really no waitlist?

Correct. Access is self-serve and instant — you generate a key and it works on the next request.

### Do I need to talk to sales?

No. B2C access is fully self-serve. Only negotiated B2B volume pricing involves a conversation.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Setup in Two Minutes
description: "A two-minute Claude API quickstart: create a key, set your base URL to api.apitoken.sale, and send your first /v1/messages request with curl, Python or your IDE."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-quick-setup
language: en
---

# Set up the Claude API in two minutes

This is the fastest path from zero to a working Claude API call. Everything below uses the standard Anthropic Messages API, so it drops straight into your existing code.

## 1. Create a key

Sign up, open the dashboard, and generate a key. It looks like sk-pool-… and works across every supported model.

## 2. Set your endpoint

Point any Anthropic-compatible client at the gateway:

```
Base URL:  https://api.apitoken.sale
Endpoint:  POST /v1/messages
Headers:   x-api-key: sk-pool-•••
           anthropic-version: 2023-06-01
```

## 3. Send your first request

```
curl https://api.apitoken.sale/v1/messages \
  -H "x-api-key: sk-pool-•••" \
  -H "anthropic-version: 2023-06-01" \
  -H "content-type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "claude-opus-4-8",
    "max_tokens": 1024,
    "messages": [{"role":"user","content":"Hello"}]
  }'
```

## Common first-call errors

- 401 Unauthorized — missing or wrong x-api-key, or wrong base URL.
- 400 Bad Request — check the model ID and that max_tokens is set.
- 429 Too Many Requests — respect Retry-After and lower concurrency.
- 402 / insufficient balance — top up any whole-dollar amount.

## Frequently asked questions

### What base URL do I use?

Use https://api.apitoken.sale with any Anthropic-compatible tool and send requests to /v1/messages.

### Which auth header is required?

Send x-api-key with your key and anthropic-version, exactly like the official Anthropic API.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Free Claude API Key to Get Started
description: "Create a Claude API key with Google or GitHub and get $10 of Claude usage at official API prices — no card required, no Anthropic account, instant access."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/free-claude-api-key
language: en
---

# Get a free Claude API key to start

Create your account with Google or GitHub to receive $10 of Claude usage at official API prices and make real calls before spending anything. Email and password accounts do not receive the bonus.

## What 'free' includes

- A working API key across all supported Claude models.
- A one-time $10 welcome bonus for new Google/GitHub accounts, no card required.
- Enough headroom to wire up your tools and run genuine requests.

When you are ready for more, top up any whole-dollar amount and your discount kicks in automatically.

## How to claim it

Choose Google or GitHub when creating the account. Registering with email and password creates a usable account but does not grant the welcome bonus.

1. Create a free account and open the dashboard — no approval or waitlist.
2. Generate one API key (it looks like sk-pool-…). The same key works across every supported Claude model.
3. Point any Anthropic-compatible tool at https://api.apitoken.sale and send requests to /v1/messages with the x-api-key header.

## Is the Claude API free forever?

The included $10 is a free start, not an unlimited free tier. After it, you pay only for the tokens you use — there is no subscription and no monthly minimum, and your prepaid balance never expires.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the free usage real API access?

Yes. The $10 Google/GitHub welcome bonus runs against the same Claude models and endpoints as paid balance.

### Do I need a card to start?

No card is required. Create the account with Google or GitHub to receive the included $10 of usage.

### Do I need a credit card for a free Claude API key?

No. Create the account with Google or GitHub to receive the included $10 of official-price Claude usage without a card.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Free Trial — Start in Minutes
description: "Start coding with Claude in minutes. New accounts created with Google or GitHub get $10 of Claude usage at official prices, with no card required."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-free-trial
language: en
---

# Try the Claude API free

There is no separate trial to apply for — create the account with Google or GitHub to get $10 of usage at official API prices and run real calls against every supported model.

## Prove it before you pay

The included usage is designed to check the gateway end to end: create a key, connect your editor, and confirm streaming, tool use and your favorite model all behave as expected.

## Then scale on your terms

When the trial usage runs low, top up any amount. There is no subscription and balance never expires, so you only ever pay for what you actually call.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I start the trial?

Create a new account with Google or GitHub. The $10 of official-price usage is added automatically; email and password accounts are not eligible.

### What happens when the free usage runs out?

Top up any whole-dollar amount to keep going; your progressive discount applies immediately.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Use Claude Code Without a Subscription
description: "Run Claude Code on pay-as-you-go API balance instead of a monthly subscription. Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL to api.apitoken.sale and pay only for what you use."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-code-without-subscription
language: en
---

# Claude Code without the $200/month plan

Claude Code does not have to mean a fixed monthly plan. Point it at an API key with prepaid balance and you pay per token — ideal if your usage is spiky or you just want to try it.

## Two environment variables

```
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.apitoken.sale
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-pool-•••

# then just run
claude
```

That is the entire change. Claude Code keeps every feature — it simply bills against your prepaid balance at a discount instead of a subscription.

## When pay-as-you-go wins

- Occasional or bursty usage where a flat monthly fee is wasteful.
- Trying Claude Code before committing to a plan.
- Keeping several tools on one balance and one key.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Claude Code work with a custom API key?

Yes. Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and ANTHROPIC_API_KEY and Claude Code uses your key and balance directly.

### Do I lose any features?

No. Claude Code behaves identically; only billing changes from a subscription to prepaid per-token usage.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude Opus API Access
description: "Access Claude Opus 4.8 and 4.7 through one apiToken.sale key at up to 80% off official rates. Best for complex reasoning, refactors and long agent sessions."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-opus-api
language: en
---

# Claude Opus 4.8 through the API

Opus is Claude's most capable tier — the model to reach for on hard reasoning, architecture and long agentic runs. apiToken.sale gives you Opus 4.8 and 4.7 on the same key and balance as every other model.

## When to use Opus

- Complex refactors and multi-file changes.
- Architecture, planning and high-stakes reasoning.
- Long sessions where consistency and cache reuse matter.

## Opus on your balance

Opus 4.8 (model ID claude-opus-4-8) and Opus 4.7 are billed at official token rates minus your discount, so you get the top tier for a fraction of the list price.

| Model | Official in / out ($ per 1M) | Here from (−60%) | Best (−80%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Claude Opus 4.8 | $5 / $25 | $2 / $10 | $1 / $5 |
| Claude Opus 4.7 | $5 / $25 | $2 / $10 | $1 / $5 |

[Claude Opus 4.8 pricing in detail (cache rates, context, FAQ)](/models/claude-opus-4-8)

## Frequently asked questions

### Which Opus models are available?

Claude Opus 4.8 (claude-opus-4-8) and Claude Opus 4.7, on the same key and prepaid balance as Sonnet and Haiku.

### Is Opus worth the extra tokens?

For complex reasoning, refactors and long agent runs, yes. For fast, cheap tasks, Haiku or Sonnet is usually the better value.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude Sonnet API Access
description: "Use Claude Sonnet 5 and Sonnet 4.6 through apiToken.sale — the default model for daily coding and agents, at up to 80% off official API pricing."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-sonnet-api
language: en
---

# Claude Sonnet through the API

Sonnet is the workhorse: fast enough for interactive coding, smart enough for real agent workflows. apiToken.sale serves Sonnet 5 and Sonnet 4.6 on one discounted balance.

## The daily-driver model

For most coding and agent tasks, Sonnet is the right default — a strong balance of quality, speed and cost. Reserve Opus for the genuinely hard problems.

## Sonnet pricing note

Claude Sonnet 5 (claude-sonnet-5) ships with introductory official rates, and the engine always applies the current effective rate before your discount. Sonnet 4.6 remains available on the same key.

| Model | Official in / out ($ per 1M) | Here from (−60%) | Best (−80%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Claude Sonnet 5 | $3 / $15 | $1.20 / $6 | $0.60 / $3 |
| Claude Sonnet 4.6 | $3 / $15 | $1.20 / $6 | $0.60 / $3 |

[Claude Sonnet 5 pricing in detail (cache rates, context, FAQ)](/models/claude-sonnet-5)

## Frequently asked questions

### Which Sonnet models can I use?

Claude Sonnet 5 (claude-sonnet-5) and Claude Sonnet 4.6, on the same balance as Opus and Haiku.

### Is Sonnet good for coding?

Yes — Sonnet is the recommended default for everyday coding and agent workflows.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude Haiku API Access
description: "Access Claude Haiku 4.5 through apiToken.sale — the fastest, most economical Claude model, ideal for high-volume and low-latency tasks, at a prepaid discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-haiku-api
language: en
---

# Claude Haiku 4.5 through the API

Haiku is built for speed and volume: classification, extraction, routing and any task where latency and cost matter more than deep reasoning.

## When Haiku is the right call

- High-volume, low-latency requests.
- Cheap background tasks and pre-processing.
- Stretching your balance on work that does not need Opus.

## Mix models on one key

Because every model shares one key and balance, you can route cheap work to Haiku (claude-haiku-4-5) and escalate only the hard requests to Sonnet or Opus.

| Model | Official in / out ($ per 1M) | Here from (−60%) | Best (−80%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Claude Haiku 4.5 | $1 / $5 | $0.40 / $2 | $0.20 / $1 |

[Claude Haiku 4.5 pricing in detail (cache rates, context, FAQ)](/models/claude-haiku-4-5)

## Frequently asked questions

### How fast and cheap is Haiku?

Haiku 4.5 is the fastest and lowest-cost Claude model, ideal for high-volume, latency-sensitive work.

### Can I combine Haiku with other models?

Yes. One key and balance covers Haiku, Sonnet and Opus, so you can route each task to the best-value model.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Key for Cursor
description: "Connect Cursor to Claude with an apiToken.sale key: set the Anthropic base URL to api.apitoken.sale, paste your key, pick a model, and code at up to 80% off."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-key-for-cursor
language: en
---

# Use a Claude API key in Cursor

Cursor lets you bring your own Anthropic key, which means you can run Claude in Cursor on discounted prepaid balance instead of a bundled plan.

## Three-step setup

1. Open Cursor → Settings → Models → Anthropic API.
2. Set the base URL to https://api.apitoken.sale and paste your sk-pool-••• key.
3. Pick a model such as claude-opus-4-8 and start coding.

## Configuration

```
# Cursor → Settings → Models → Anthropic API
Base URL : https://api.apitoken.sale
API key  : sk-pool-•••
Model    : claude-opus-4-8
```

## Troubleshooting

- Cursor ignores the key: confirm you edited the Anthropic provider, not OpenAI.
- Model not found: set a current model ID like claude-opus-4-8.
- 401: re-check the base URL and that the key was pasted in full.

Once connected, every supported Claude model is available on the same key and balance.

## Your Claude API key in Cursor for any language

The key is language-agnostic — Cursor uses it for Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust or any project, on Windows, macOS and Linux. You are configuring the model provider, not the language.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I use my own Claude key in Cursor?

Yes. Cursor's Anthropic provider accepts a custom base URL and key, so you can point it at apiToken.sale.

### Do I still need Cursor Pro?

You can run Claude through your own API key and balance; features that require Cursor's own plan are separate from the model provider.

### Does the Claude API key work in Cursor on Windows and Mac?

Yes — the Anthropic provider setting is the same across Windows, macOS and Linux.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API in VS Code (Cline, Continue)
description: "Run Claude in VS Code with Cline or Continue using an apiToken.sale key. Set the Anthropic base URL to api.apitoken.sale and pay per token at a discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-for-vs-code
language: en
---

# Use the Claude API in VS Code

Free VS Code agents like Cline and Continue accept any Anthropic-compatible endpoint, so you can code with Claude inside VS Code on discounted balance.

## Cline

```
# Cline → Settings
API Provider : Anthropic
Base URL     : https://api.apitoken.sale
API Key      : sk-pool-•••
Model        : claude-opus-4-8
```

## Continue

```
// ~/.continue/config.json
{
  "models": [{
    "title": "Claude via apiToken.sale",
    "provider": "anthropic",
    "apiBase": "https://api.apitoken.sale",
    "apiKey": "sk-pool-•••",
    "model": "claude-opus-4-8"
  }]
}
```

## Which extension and troubleshooting

Cline is a strong default for autonomous edits; Continue is lighter and good for inline chat and completions. Both are free and use your prepaid balance.

- 401 Unauthorized: the API key or base URL is wrong.
- Model not found: use a current ID such as claude-sonnet-5 or claude-opus-4-8.
- Slow or 429: reduce concurrency and respect Retry-After.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which VS Code extensions work?

Any extension that supports an Anthropic-compatible endpoint, including Cline and Continue, works with an apiToken.sale key.

### Do I need a paid extension?

No. Cline and Continue are free; you only pay for the Claude API usage against your prepaid balance.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude in Cursor Without an Anthropic Account
description: "No Anthropic account? Use Claude in Cursor with an apiToken.sale key instead. Instant access, card or crypto payment, and up to 80% off official API rates."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/cursor-without-anthropic-account
language: en
---

# Run Claude in Cursor without an Anthropic account

If you cannot or would rather not create an Anthropic account, apiToken.sale issues its own key that Cursor accepts as an Anthropic provider.

## Why this works

Cursor talks to the Anthropic Messages API. apiToken.sale exposes exactly that API, so Cursor cannot tell the difference — it just uses your key and base URL.

## Set it up

```
# Cursor → Settings → Models → Anthropic API
Base URL : https://api.apitoken.sale
API key  : sk-pool-•••
Model    : claude-opus-4-8
```

## What you keep

- The full Claude line — Opus, Sonnet and Haiku — on one key.
- Standard Anthropic behaviour: streaming, tool use, system prompts.
- An optional lifetime spending limit and expiration date per key, plus token-level usage in the dashboard.

Nothing about how you use Cursor changes; you simply source the key from apiToken.sale instead of Anthropic.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need an Anthropic account for this?

No. apiToken.sale provides the key and balance, so no Anthropic account is required.

### Is the integration official Anthropic API?

Cursor uses the standard Anthropic Messages API; apiToken.sale serves that same API at a discount.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Use Anthropic SDKs with a Custom Base URL
description: "Use the official Anthropic Python and TypeScript SDKs with apiToken.sale by setting base_url to api.apitoken.sale. Same SDK, same code, lower cost per token."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/anthropic-sdk-base-url
language: en
---

# Point the Anthropic SDK at apiToken.sale

The official Anthropic SDKs let you override the base URL, so switching to apiToken.sale is a one-line change — your model IDs and message code stay exactly the same.

## Python

```
from anthropic import Anthropic

client = Anthropic(
    base_url="https://api.apitoken.sale",
    api_key="sk-pool-•••",
)
msg = client.messages.create(
    model="claude-opus-4-8",
    max_tokens=1024,
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}],
)
```

## TypeScript

```
import Anthropic from "@anthropic-ai/sdk";

const client = new Anthropic({
  baseURL: "https://api.apitoken.sale",
  apiKey: "sk-pool-•••",
});
const msg = await client.messages.create({
  model: "claude-opus-4-8",
  max_tokens: 1024,
  messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello" }],
});
```

## Verify the switch worked

After changing the base URL, make one request and confirm you get a normal Anthropic response. Streaming, tool use and system prompts all behave exactly as with api.anthropic.com — only the billing endpoint changed.

- A 401 means the key or base URL is wrong — re-check both.
- Keep the same model IDs; no code around messages needs to change.
- Read usage per request in the dashboard to confirm spend and your discount.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I keep using the official Anthropic SDK?

Yes. Set base_url (Python) or baseURL (TypeScript) to apiToken.sale and everything else stays the same.

### Do model IDs change?

No. Use the same model IDs such as claude-opus-4-8 and claude-sonnet-5.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Use the Claude API with LangChain
description: "Connect LangChain to Claude through apiToken.sale: point ChatAnthropic at api.apitoken.sale, keep the same model IDs, and pay 60–80% less per token."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-langchain
language: en
---

# Use the Claude API with LangChain

LangChain's Anthropic integration accepts a custom API URL, so your chains and agents can run on Claude through apiToken.sale with a two-line change — same models, lower token price.

## Point ChatAnthropic at the gateway

```
from langchain_anthropic import ChatAnthropic

llm = ChatAnthropic(
    model="claude-opus-4-8",
    anthropic_api_url="https://api.apitoken.sale",
    anthropic_api_key="sk-pool-•••",
)
print(llm.invoke("Hello").content)
```

That is the whole integration: the same langchain-anthropic package, the same model IDs, the same streaming and tool-calling — only the endpoint and the price change.

## Or configure via environment variables

```
export ANTHROPIC_API_URL=https://api.apitoken.sale
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-pool-•••
```

With the environment set, ChatAnthropic picks up both values automatically, so shared codebases need no code change at all.

## What works

- Chains, agents and LangGraph workflows — the protocol is unchanged.
- Streaming, tool calling and structured output through the standard integration.
- Every supported Claude model (Opus, Sonnet, Haiku) on one key and balance.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does LangChain work with a custom Claude API endpoint?

Yes. ChatAnthropic accepts anthropic_api_url (or the ANTHROPIC_API_URL environment variable), so you can point it at https://api.apitoken.sale and keep everything else unchanged.

### Do LangChain agents and tool calling still work?

Yes — the gateway serves the standard Anthropic Messages API, so tool calling, streaming and LangGraph agents behave exactly as with the official endpoint.

### Which models can I use from LangChain?

All supported Claude models — claude-opus-4-8, claude-sonnet-5, claude-haiku-4-5 and more — on the same key and prepaid balance.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Use the Claude API with LiteLLM
description: "Route LiteLLM to Claude through apiToken.sale: set api_base to api.apitoken.sale in litellm_params or the proxy config and pay 60–80% less per token."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-litellm
language: en
---

# Use the Claude API with LiteLLM

LiteLLM speaks to Anthropic natively and lets you override the endpoint per model, so one config line sends all your Claude traffic through the discounted gateway.

## Direct SDK call

```
import litellm

response = litellm.completion(
    model="anthropic/claude-opus-4-8",
    api_base="https://api.apitoken.sale",
    api_key="sk-pool-•••",
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}],
)
```

## LiteLLM proxy config

```
# config.yaml
model_list:
  - model_name: claude-opus-4-8
    litellm_params:
      model: anthropic/claude-opus-4-8
      api_base: https://api.apitoken.sale
      api_key: sk-pool-•••
```

Run the proxy with this config and every client of your LiteLLM gateway transparently uses the discounted Claude endpoint — useful when many services share one routing layer.

## Why route Claude through LiteLLM here

- One place to switch all services to the cheaper endpoint.
- Same anthropic/ model prefix and parameters you already use.
- Spend tracked per key in the apiToken.sale dashboard with token detail.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does LiteLLM support a custom Anthropic api_base?

Yes — pass api_base in litellm.completion() or in litellm_params in the proxy config, and LiteLLM sends Anthropic-format requests to https://api.apitoken.sale.

### Do I keep the anthropic/ model prefix?

Yes. Use anthropic/claude-opus-4-8 (or any supported model) so LiteLLM applies the Anthropic protocol; only the endpoint and key change.

### Does this work for tools built on LiteLLM?

Yes — anything that routes through LiteLLM (including many coding agents) inherits the discounted endpoint from the same configuration.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Use the Claude API with Aider
description: "Run Aider on Claude through apiToken.sale: export ANTHROPIC_API_BASE and your key, pick a Claude model, and pair-program in the terminal at 60–80% off."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-aider
language: en
---

# Use the Claude API with Aider

Aider is a terminal pair-programmer that burns tokens fast on long sessions. Point it at the discounted gateway with two environment variables and keep the exact same workflow.

## Two environment variables

```
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-pool-•••
export ANTHROPIC_API_BASE=https://api.apitoken.sale

aider --model anthropic/claude-opus-4-8
```

Aider routes Anthropic traffic through LiteLLM under the hood, which honours ANTHROPIC_API_BASE — so no config file is required.

## Picking a model for Aider

- anthropic/claude-opus-4-8 — hardest refactors and long agentic edits.
- anthropic/claude-sonnet-5 — the everyday default; near-Opus coding quality.
- anthropic/claude-haiku-4-5 — quick edits and cheap experimentation.

Long Aider sessions are exactly where the token discount compounds: repo maps, diffs and multi-file edits all bill as input and output tokens.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Aider work with a custom Claude endpoint?

Yes. Aider uses LiteLLM for Anthropic models, and LiteLLM honours the ANTHROPIC_API_BASE environment variable — set it to https://api.apitoken.sale and start Aider normally.

### Which Claude model is best in Aider?

claude-sonnet-5 is the best default for most coding; switch to claude-opus-4-8 for the hardest multi-file work. Both run on the same key.

### How much cheaper is a long Aider session?

Every request is billed at official token rates minus your 60–80% discount, so a session that would cost $10 direct costs $2–4 here.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Use the Claude API with Roo Code
description: "Connect Roo Code in VS Code to Claude through apiToken.sale: choose the Anthropic provider, enable the custom base URL, paste your key and code at 60–80% off."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-roo-code
language: en
---

# Use the Claude API with Roo Code

Roo Code is an agentic VS Code extension with a native Anthropic provider and a custom base URL option — which makes it a two-minute setup on the discounted gateway.

## Setup in three steps

1. Open Roo Code settings and choose Anthropic as the API provider.
2. Enable the custom base URL option and set it to https://api.apitoken.sale; paste your sk-pool-… key.
3. Pick a model such as claude-opus-4-8 or claude-sonnet-5 and start a task.

## Why Roo Code burns tokens — and how to pay less

Agentic extensions read files, plan, edit and re-check in loops, so a single task can run many model calls. That is precisely the workload where a per-token discount matters most: the same session, 60–80% cheaper, with token-level visibility in the dashboard.

- Route everyday tasks to claude-sonnet-5 and hard ones to claude-opus-4-8.
- Prompt caching is billed at the cheaper official cache rates minus your discount.
- One key covers Roo Code, Cline, Cursor and the SDKs simultaneously.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Roo Code support a custom Anthropic base URL?

Yes — the Anthropic provider settings include a custom base URL option; set it to https://api.apitoken.sale and use your apiToken.sale key.

### Which models does Roo Code get on this key?

Every supported Claude model — Opus 4.8 and 4.7, Sonnet 5 and 4.6, Haiku 4.5 — on one key and one prepaid balance.

### Is this different from using Cline?

The setup is nearly identical: both are VS Code agents with an Anthropic provider that accepts a custom base URL. Use whichever agent you prefer; the key works in both.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: apiToken.sale vs Anthropic Direct
description: "Compare apiToken.sale and Anthropic direct: identical Messages API and models, but with up to 80% off, no account requirement, and card or crypto payment."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/apitoken-vs-anthropic-direct
language: en
---

# apiToken.sale vs buying from Anthropic directly

apiToken.sale is not a different API — it is the same Anthropic Messages API, resold from prepaid balance at a discount. Here is what actually changes and what does not.

## What stays the same

- The same Anthropic Messages API, endpoints and streaming.
- The same model IDs (claude-opus-4-8, claude-sonnet-5, claude-haiku-4-5).
- The same request and response format your code already expects.

## What changes

- Price: up to 80% below official spend for B2C.
- Onboarding: no Anthropic account, waitlist or billing-country requirement.
- Payment: bank card or cryptocurrency.

## Who each is for

If you already have frictionless Anthropic billing and enterprise agreements, direct may suit you. If you want the same models cheaper, faster to start, and payable by card or crypto, apiToken.sale is the pragmatic choice.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is apiToken.sale the real Claude API?

Yes — it serves the same Anthropic Messages API and models. Only pricing and onboarding differ.

### Why is it cheaper than Anthropic direct?

Balance is prepaid and pooled, and a progressive discount of up to 80% is applied to official spend.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: apiToken.sale vs OpenRouter for Claude
description: "Choosing a Claude gateway? Compare apiToken.sale and OpenRouter: a native Anthropic endpoint and prepaid discount vs a multi-provider router."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/apitoken-vs-openrouter
language: en
---

# apiToken.sale vs OpenRouter for Claude

Both let you reach Claude without an Anthropic account, but they are built differently. If Claude is your main model, a native Anthropic endpoint keeps things simple.

## Native Anthropic endpoint

apiToken.sale exposes the standard Anthropic Messages API at https://api.apitoken.sale, so Claude Code, Cursor and the Anthropic SDKs work with zero adapters. You are not routing through a generic multi-provider abstraction.

## Prepaid discount, not markup

- Progressive B2C discount up to 80% off official Claude spend.
- One key and balance for Opus, Sonnet and Haiku.
- Card or crypto top-ups that never expire.

## When to choose each

- apiToken.sale — Claude is your main model and you want a native Anthropic endpoint with a discount.
- OpenRouter — you need to route across many providers behind one abstraction.
- Both let you start without an Anthropic account; only apiToken.sale discounts Claude spend directly.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why pick a Claude-native gateway?

If Claude is your primary model, a native Anthropic endpoint means your existing Anthropic tools and SDKs work unchanged.

### Does apiToken.sale mark prices up?

No — it applies a discount to official Claude spend rather than adding a markup.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude Opus vs Sonnet — Which to Use
description: "Opus or Sonnet? A practical guide to picking the right Claude model for coding and agents — and using both on one apiToken.sale key and balance."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-opus-vs-sonnet
language: en
---

# Claude Opus vs Sonnet: which model to use

Opus and Sonnet solve different problems. Choosing well is the easiest way to get better results and spend fewer tokens — and you can keep both on one key.

## Use Sonnet by default

Sonnet 5 and Sonnet 4.6 handle the vast majority of coding and agent work quickly and cost-effectively. Start here.

## Escalate to Opus for hard problems

Reach for Opus 4.8 on complex refactors, architecture, and long high-stakes sessions where extra reasoning pays for itself.

> Because one key covers both, you can route each task to the right tier without juggling providers.

|  | Claude Opus 4.8 | Claude Sonnet 5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Official price (in / out per 1M) | $5 / $25 | $3 / $15 |
| Here from −60% | $2 / $10 | $1.20 / $6 |
| Context window | 1M tokens | 1M tokens |
| Best for | Hard reasoning, long agent runs | Everyday coding and agents |

[Compare all Claude models and prices](/models)

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better for coding?

Sonnet is the recommended default for daily coding; use Opus for complex reasoning and long refactors.

### Can I use both on one account?

Yes. Opus, Sonnet and Haiku all share the same key and prepaid balance.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Pricing Explained
description: "Understand Claude API pricing: per-token input and output rates, prompt caching, and how apiToken.sale applies a progressive discount of up to 80% off."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-pricing-explained
language: en
---

# How Claude API pricing works

Claude is billed per token — separately for input and output — with discounts for cached content. apiToken.sale keeps those mechanics identical and layers a discount on top.

## Tokens, input and output

Every request is metered by tokens in (your prompt and context) and tokens out (the model's reply). Output tokens usually cost more than input, and larger models cost more per token.

## Caching and thinking

- Cache writes and cache reads are metered separately, and cache reads are much cheaper.
- Thinking tokens count toward output on reasoning-heavy calls.
- Streaming and non-streaming requests are billed the same way.

## The apiToken.sale discount

Each call is converted to official Anthropic spend, then your discount is subtracted: B2C starts at 60% off and progresses to 80% off as cumulative top-ups grow. Every request is visible in your dashboard with token-level detail.

## Claude API token pricing by model

Larger models cost more per token: Opus is the premium tier, Sonnet is the balanced default, and Haiku is the cheapest. Your discount applies to all of them, so the ranking stays the same but every price is lower.

| Model | Official in / out ($ per 1M) | Here from (−60%) | Best (−80%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Claude Opus 4.8 | $5 / $25 | $2 / $10 | $1 / $5 |
| Claude Opus 4.7 | $5 / $25 | $2 / $10 | $1 / $5 |
| Claude Sonnet 5 | $3 / $15 | $1.20 / $6 | $0.60 / $3 |
| Claude Sonnet 4.6 | $3 / $15 | $1.20 / $6 | $0.60 / $3 |
| Claude Haiku 4.5 | $1 / $5 | $0.40 / $2 | $0.20 / $1 |

[Per-model pages with cache rates and context windows](/models)

## Frequently asked questions

### How is the Claude API priced?

Per token, split into input and output, with separate cheaper rates for cache reads. Larger models cost more per token.

### How does the discount apply?

Official spend is calculated first, then your B2C discount (60% up to 80%) is subtracted before it touches your balance.

### How are Claude API tokens priced?

Per token, split into input and output, with cheaper cache reads. apiToken.sale applies your 60–80% discount on top of the official token rates.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: How to Save Tokens on the Claude API
description: "Cut Claude API costs with prompt caching, the right model per task, and tighter context. Practical token-saving tactics that stack with the apiToken.sale discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/save-tokens-on-claude-api
language: en
---

# How to save tokens on the Claude API

Your discount lowers the price per token; these tactics lower the number of tokens. Together they compound into a much smaller bill.

## Use prompt caching

Long, stable context — system prompts, large files, tool definitions — should be cached. Cache reads cost a fraction of fresh input tokens, so repeated context becomes cheap.

## Pick the right model

Do not send every request to Opus. Route cheap or high-volume work to Haiku, keep everyday coding on Sonnet, and reserve Opus for genuinely hard reasoning.

## Trim context

- Send only the files and history a task actually needs.
- Summarize long threads instead of resending them in full.
- Cap max_tokens to what the response really requires.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the single biggest token saver?

Prompt caching for large, repeated context, combined with choosing the cheapest model that can do the job.

### Do these tips stack with the discount?

Yes. The discount lowers price per token; these tactics lower token count, so the savings multiply.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: How Billing Works on apiToken.sale
description: "Understand apiToken.sale billing: prepaid balance, per-request metering at official rates, your progressive discount, and token-level usage in the dashboard."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/how-billing-works
language: en
---

# How billing works

Billing is prepaid and transparent. You fund a balance, and each request draws down official spend minus your discount, with a full breakdown you can audit.

## Prepaid balance

You top up any whole-dollar amount. Balance never expires and there is no subscription, so idle time costs nothing.

## Per-request metering

- Each call is converted to official Anthropic spend by token.
- Your active discount (60% up to 80% for B2C) is subtracted.
- The net amount is deducted from your prepaid balance.

## Full visibility

Every request appears in your dashboard with input, output, cache and thinking tokens, so you always know where your balance goes.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is billing prepaid or postpaid?

Prepaid. You fund a balance in advance and requests draw it down; there is no monthly invoice.

### Can I see token-level usage?

Yes. The dashboard breaks every request down by input, output, cache read/write and thinking tokens.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: How Fast Is Claude API Activation?
description: "apiToken.sale keys activate instantly. Generate a key, top up, and make a successful Claude API call within minutes — no manual review or waitlist."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-activation-time
language: en
---

# How fast your Claude API key activates

There is no waiting period between creating your key and using it. Activation is instant, so the only limit on speed is how fast you paste the key into your tool.

## Instant by design

Keys are live the moment you generate them. Top-ups credit your balance as soon as payment confirms, and card payments confirm in seconds.

## What can add a short delay

The only wait is payment confirmation. Card top-ups clear in seconds; a crypto top-up credits once the network confirms the transaction, which depends on the coin and fee you choose.

- Key generation: instant.
- Card top-up: seconds.
- Crypto top-up: after network confirmation.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long until my key works?

Immediately. There is no manual review — a freshly generated key works on the next request.

### How long do top-ups take?

Card payments credit in seconds; crypto credits after the network confirms the transaction.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Supported Countries
description: "apiToken.sale works worldwide with no Anthropic billing-country requirement. Pay by card or crypto and use the Claude API from regions Anthropic does not serve directly."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-supported-countries
language: en
---

# Where you can use apiToken.sale

Because we issue your key and balance, there is no Anthropic billing-country gate. That opens the Claude API to developers in regions where signing up directly is difficult.

## No billing-country gate

- No Anthropic account or supported billing country required.
- Card and cryptocurrency payment options.
- Support in English and Russian over Telegram.

## How payment works across regions

Because we issue the key and balance, you are not tied to an Anthropic-supported billing country. Pay with a bank card where available, or with cryptocurrency where cards are declined.

- No Anthropic billing country required.
- Card or cryptocurrency at checkout.
- Support in English and Russian over Telegram.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the Claude API available in my country?

apiToken.sale has no billing-country requirement, so you can buy balance and use a key from regions Anthropic does not bill directly.

### What about payment restrictions?

You can pay by card or with cryptocurrency, which helps where cards are unavailable.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Refund Policy
description: "Learn how apiToken.sale handles balance, refunds and support. Prepaid balance never expires, and help is available in English and Russian through Telegram."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-refund-policy
language: en
---

# Refunds and support

Prepaid balance is designed to be low-risk: it never expires, you spend only what you call, and support is one message away.

## Balance and refunds

Because balance is prepaid and never expires, unused funds stay available for future usage. Refund handling is processed through the original payment provider; reach out to support with your account details.

## Getting help

Support is available in English and Russian via Telegram, and by email at apitokensale@gmail.com. Most integration questions are answered quickly.

## How top-ups and balance work

You add balance in any whole-dollar amount, and it is drawn down only as requests run. Because it never expires, there is little reason to over-fund — top up as you go.

- Prepaid, never-expiring balance.
- Refunds processed through the original payment provider.
- Contact support with your account email for help.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does my balance expire?

No. Prepaid balance never expires and is consumed only by real API usage.

### How do I contact support?

Reach support in English or Russian through Telegram, or by email at apitokensale@gmail.com.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: apiToken.sale vs ProxyAPI for Claude
description: "Comparing Claude API resellers: apiToken.sale offers a native Anthropic endpoint with a progressive 60–80% discount, card or crypto payment, and one key for every model."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/apitoken-vs-proxyapi
language: en
---

# apiToken.sale vs ProxyAPI

Both let you reach Claude without an Anthropic account. The differences are in how you pay, how much you save, and whether the endpoint is truly Anthropic-native.

## Native Anthropic endpoint

apiToken.sale exposes the standard Anthropic Messages API at https://api.apitoken.sale, so Claude Code, Cursor and the Anthropic SDKs work unchanged — no adapter layer between you and Claude.

## Discount, not markup

- Progressive B2C discount up to 80% off official Claude spend.
- One prepaid key and balance for Opus, Sonnet and Haiku.
- Card or cryptocurrency top-ups that never expire.

## When each fits

- apiToken.sale — a native Anthropic endpoint with a progressive discount, lifetime key spending limits and optional expiration.
- A generic reseller — may suit you if you already use its other providers.
- Both remove the Anthropic-account barrier; the difference is price and how native the Claude access is.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is apiToken.sale cheaper than a standard reseller?

It applies a progressive discount of up to 80% to official Claude spend rather than adding a markup on top of list prices.

### Do my Anthropic tools still work?

Yes — it is the native Anthropic Messages API, so Claude Code, Cursor and the SDKs need only a base-URL change.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: apiToken.sale vs Portkey for Claude
description: "Portkey is an AI gateway for routing and observability using your own provider keys. apiToken.sale provides the Claude key and balance itself, at a discount. Here is when to use each."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/apitoken-vs-portkey
language: en
---

# apiToken.sale vs Portkey

These tools solve different problems. Portkey sits in front of provider keys you already own; apiToken.sale is where the Claude key and discounted balance come from.

## Different jobs

Portkey adds routing, caching, and observability on top of API keys you bring. It does not sell you Claude access or a discount — you still need a funded Anthropic account behind it.

apiToken.sale is the source of the key and balance: a native Anthropic endpoint at https://api.apitoken.sale with up to 80% off, no Anthropic account required.

## They can even combine

If you like Portkey's observability, you can point it at an apiToken.sale key as the Anthropic provider and get the discount underneath.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Portkey give me a Claude discount?

No — Portkey is a gateway over keys you already own. apiToken.sale is what provides the discounted Claude key and balance.

### Can I use both together?

Yes. Use an apiToken.sale key as Portkey's Anthropic provider to keep observability while paying less.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: apiToken.sale vs LiteLLM for Claude
description: "LiteLLM is a self-hosted proxy that unifies model APIs but needs your own funded keys. apiToken.sale is a hosted, discounted Claude endpoint with nothing to run."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/apitoken-vs-litellm
language: en
---

# apiToken.sale vs LiteLLM

LiteLLM is great if you want to self-host a proxy across many providers. apiToken.sale is the opposite trade-off: nothing to run, and the Claude balance comes discounted.

## Self-hosted vs hosted

- LiteLLM: you run and maintain the proxy, and you still fund each provider yourself.
- apiToken.sale: fully hosted native Anthropic endpoint, no infrastructure to manage.
- apiToken.sale adds a 60–80% discount on Claude spend that a bare proxy cannot.

## When to choose each

- apiToken.sale — you want a hosted, discounted Claude endpoint with nothing to run.
- LiteLLM — you want to self-host a unified proxy across many providers you fund yourself.
- You can even put LiteLLM in front of an apiToken.sale key to keep the discount underneath.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does LiteLLM discount Claude?

No. LiteLLM routes to providers you fund yourself; the discount comes from apiToken.sale's pooled prepaid balance.

### Do I need to host anything with apiToken.sale?

No — it is a hosted endpoint. You only change your base URL and key.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Best Claude Model for Coding
description: "Which Claude model should you use for coding? A practical guide to picking Opus, Sonnet or Haiku per task — all available on one apiToken.sale key."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/best-claude-model-for-coding
language: en
---

# The best Claude model for coding

The best model depends on the task. Match the model to the job and you get better output for fewer tokens — and every tier is on one key.

## Sonnet for everyday coding

Claude Sonnet 5 and Sonnet 4.6 are the default for interactive coding and agent loops: fast, capable, and cost-effective. Start here for most work.

## Opus for hard problems

Use Claude Opus 4.8 for complex refactors, architecture and long, high-stakes sessions where extra reasoning pays off.

## Haiku for volume

Claude Haiku 4.5 handles fast, cheap, high-volume tasks — linting, extraction, quick edits — to stretch your balance.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the best Claude model for coding?

Sonnet for everyday coding, Opus for complex reasoning and refactors, Haiku for fast high-volume tasks — all on one apiToken.sale key.

### Can I switch models per request?

Yes. One key and balance cover every model, so you can route each request to the best-value tier.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude Max Plan vs the Claude API
description: "When to use a Claude subscription vs the Claude API. apiToken.sale gives pay-as-you-go API access to every model with no monthly fee and up to 80% off."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-max-plan-vs-api
language: en
---

# Claude Max subscription vs the API

A flat Claude subscription and pay-as-you-go API billing suit different usage. For programmatic and bursty use, the API on prepaid balance is usually the better deal.

## Subscription vs per-token

A fixed monthly plan makes sense for steady, heavy interactive use in one app. But it is wasteful for spiky usage, and it does not give you a programmable API key for your own tools.

## Why the API often wins

- Pay only for the tokens you actually use — no monthly floor.
- One key drives Claude Code, Cursor, agents and production calls.
- apiToken.sale adds up to 80% off official token rates.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the API cheaper than a Claude subscription?

For bursty or programmatic usage, pay-as-you-go API billing avoids paying a flat monthly fee for idle time, and apiToken.sale discounts it further.

### Can I use the API in coding tools?

Yes — the API key works in Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code agents and the SDKs, which a subscription does not provide.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude 3.5 vs Claude 4 — What Changed
description: "Moving from Claude 3.5 to the current Claude 4 line? What improved, updated model IDs, and how to switch on apiToken.sale with one base-URL change."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-3-5-vs-claude-4
language: en
---

# Claude 3.5 vs Claude 4: what changed

The current Claude line is a clear step up from 3.5 in reasoning and coding. Migrating is mostly a model-ID change — everything else stays the same.

## What improved

The Opus, Sonnet and Haiku 4-series models improve on 3.5 for agentic coding, long-context consistency and complex reasoning, while keeping the same Messages API.

## How to migrate

Swap the model ID to a current one — for example claude-opus-4-8, claude-sonnet-5 or claude-haiku-4-5 — and keep your existing request code. On apiToken.sale it is the same key and endpoint.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Claude 4 much better than 3.5?

Yes, especially for coding, agents and long-context tasks, while using the same API format.

### Is migrating hard?

No — update the model ID (e.g. to claude-sonnet-5) and your existing Messages API code keeps working.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Why Choose apiToken.sale
description: "Why developers pick apiToken.sale for Claude: the same Anthropic API up to 80% off, discounted Claude API tokens, instant access with no Anthropic account, and card or crypto payment."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/why-choose-apitoken
language: en
---

# Why choose apiToken.sale

apiToken.sale is built for one thing: the same Claude API, cheaper and easier to start. Here is what that means in practice.

## The short version

- The exact Anthropic Messages API and every current Claude model.
- Up to 80% off official spend on prepaid balance that never expires.
- Instant, self-serve access — no Anthropic account, waitlist or billing country.
- Pay by bank card or cryptocurrency.
- An optional lifetime spending limit and expiration date per key, plus token-level usage in the dashboard.

## Discounted Claude API tokens on one balance

Think of it as Claude API tokens on sale: you prepay a balance once, get up to 80% off official token rates, and spend it across every model and tool. The balance never expires and there is no subscription.

## Frequently asked questions

### What makes apiToken.sale different?

It is the same Claude API at up to 80% less, with instant access and no Anthropic account, payable by card or crypto.

### Is anything about the API changed?

No — the protocol, models and responses are standard Anthropic. Only price and onboarding differ.

### What is apiToken.sale?

An independent Claude API gateway that sells discounted, prepaid access to the official Anthropic API — the same models, up to 80% cheaper, with no Anthropic account.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: What Is a Claude API Gateway?
description: "A Claude API gateway sits between your tools and Anthropic, adding access, billing and control. apiToken.sale is a native gateway with a 60–80% discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-gateway
language: en
---

# What a Claude API gateway is

A gateway is a thin layer between your code and the model provider. A good Claude gateway is invisible to your tools while improving access, price and control.

## What a gateway does

- Presents the standard Anthropic Messages API so tools work unchanged.
- Handles access and billing — here, prepaid balance at a discount.
- Adds per-key lifetime spending limits, optional expiration and usage visibility.

## Native, not a translation layer

apiToken.sale is Anthropic-native: point any client at https://api.apitoken.sale/v1/messages and it behaves exactly like api.anthropic.com — plus your discount and dashboard controls.

## What to look for in a gateway

- Native Anthropic API, so tools and SDKs work unchanged.
- Transparent per-token billing you can audit in a dashboard.
- Per-key controls: an optional lifetime spending limit and expiration date.
- No lock-in — prepaid balance that never expires.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does a gateway change the API?

No. A native Claude gateway speaks the standard Anthropic Messages API, so your tools and SDKs are unchanged.

### Why use a gateway instead of Anthropic directly?

For a discount, instant access without an Anthropic account, and optional lifetime spending limits and expiration dates for individual keys.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Rate Limits
description: "What a 429 means on apiToken.sale, how to handle it with Retry-After and backoff, and how key spending guardrails differ from throughput limits."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-rate-limits
language: en
---

# Understanding Claude API rate limits

Rate limits keep the gateway stable and your balance safe. Handling them well means smoother tools and no wasted spend.

## Traffic limits and spending guardrails

apiToken.sale does not publish a fixed RPM table. A 429 can represent a gateway or upstream capacity limit. The dashboard does not configure request throughput: its per-key guardrails are an optional lifetime spending limit and expiration date.

## Handling a 429

- Respect the Retry-After header and back off exponentially.
- Reduce concurrency rather than hammering the endpoint.
- Contact support if you need sustained higher throughput.

## Frequently asked questions

### What are the Claude API rate limits?

apiToken.sale does not publish a fixed RPM number. If you receive a 429, honor Retry-After, back off and reduce concurrency; contact support when you need sustained higher throughput.

### What should I do on a 429?

Respect Retry-After, back off, and reduce concurrency; contact support for sustained higher limits.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Streaming with the Claude API
description: "How to stream Claude responses on apiToken.sale for responsive coding agents and UIs. Same Anthropic SSE format, billed the same as non-streaming."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-streaming
language: en
---

# Streaming responses from the Claude API

Streaming sends tokens as they are generated, which makes agents and chat UIs feel instant. apiToken.sale supports the standard Anthropic streaming format.

## How to stream

Set "stream": true in your request (or use the SDK's streaming helper). The gateway returns standard Anthropic server-sent events.

```
curl https://api.apitoken.sale/v1/messages \
  -H "x-api-key: sk-pool-•••" \
  -H "anthropic-version: 2023-06-01" \
  -H "content-type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "claude-sonnet-5",
    "max_tokens": 1024,
    "stream": true,
    "messages": [{"role":"user","content":"Hello"}]
  }'
```

## Billing is identical

Streaming and non-streaming requests are billed the same way — by input and output tokens — so you lose nothing by streaming.

## When streaming is worth it

- Chat and coding UIs where users watch the answer appear.
- Long generations, so you can render or act on partial output early.
- Agents that stop as soon as a tool call is emitted.

For short batch jobs, non-streaming is simpler; the cost is identical either way.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does apiToken.sale support streaming?

Yes — the standard Anthropic SSE streaming format works for coding agents, IDEs and production calls.

### Does streaming cost more?

No. Streaming and non-streaming requests are billed identically by tokens.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Prompt Caching on the Claude API
description: "Prompt caching makes repeated context on the Claude API much cheaper. How it works on apiToken.sale, when to use it, and how it stacks with your discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-prompt-caching
language: en
---

# Cutting costs with Claude prompt caching

If you send the same large context repeatedly — system prompts, files, tool definitions — caching turns those tokens from expensive to nearly free.

## How caching saves money

Cache writes and cache reads are metered separately, and cache reads cost a fraction of fresh input tokens. Stable, reused context is the ideal candidate.

## It stacks with your discount

Caching lowers the token count; your apiToken.sale discount lowers the price per token. Together they compound into a much smaller bill, and every cache line is visible in your usage breakdown.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does prompt caching save?

Cache reads cost a fraction of fresh input tokens, so repeated large context becomes far cheaper.

### Does caching work with the discount?

Yes — caching reduces token count and the discount reduces price per token, so the savings multiply.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API Best Practices
description: "Practical best practices for the Claude API on apiToken.sale: model choice, prompt caching, streaming, lifetime key spending limits, expiration, and secure key handling."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-best-practices
language: en
---

# Claude API best practices

A short checklist to get reliable, economical results from the Claude API in production.

## The checklist

- Pick the cheapest model that can do each task; escalate only when needed.
- Cache large, stable context to slash input cost.
- Stream responses for responsive agents and UIs.
- Set an optional lifetime spending limit and expiration date on each key.
- Handle 429s with Retry-After and backoff.
- Watch the token-level usage breakdown to catch waste early.

## Keep costs and reliability in check

- Cap max_tokens to what each response actually needs.
- Retry 429/5xx with exponential backoff, not tight loops.
- Use separate, clearly named keys per environment so a leak can be revoked without replacing every client.
- Review token-level usage weekly to catch regressions early.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the most impactful best practice?

Match the model to the task and cache repeated context — together they cut cost the most.

### How do I keep keys safe?

Store keys in a secret manager, set an appropriate lifetime spending limit and expiration date, and revoke a key immediately if it is exposed.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Set Up Claude Code with an API Key
description: "Configure Claude Code with an apiToken.sale key in two environment variables and run every Claude model on prepaid balance at up to 80% off."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-code-api-key
language: en
---

# Use Claude Code with an apiToken.sale key

Claude Code reads two environment variables. Point them at apiToken.sale and you keep every feature while billing against discounted prepaid balance.

## Two variables

```
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.apitoken.sale
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-pool-•••

# then just run
claude
```

That is the whole setup. Use claude-opus-4-8 for hard work and claude-sonnet-5 for everyday coding.

## Verify and choose a model

Run a small prompt first to confirm the key works, then set your default model. If Claude Code reports an auth error, re-check both environment variables and restart your shell so they are exported.

- Everyday coding: claude-sonnet-5.
- Hard refactors and long sessions: claude-opus-4-8.
- See per-request token usage in the dashboard to track spend.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I point Claude Code at apiToken.sale?

Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and ANTHROPIC_API_KEY to your apiToken.sale endpoint and key, then run claude.

### Do I keep all Claude Code features?

Yes — only billing changes, from subscription to discounted prepaid usage.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Free VS Code AI Agents with Claude
description: "Set up free VS Code agents like Cline and Roo Code with an apiToken.sale Claude key — no Cursor Pro needed. One endpoint, every Claude model, at a discount."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/vscode-ai-agents-one-prompt
language: en
---

# Run free VS Code AI agents on Claude

You do not need Cursor Pro to get agentic coding. Free VS Code agents accept any Anthropic-compatible key, so Claude runs in VS Code on discounted balance.

## Point the agent at Claude

1. Install a free agent extension such as Cline or Roo Code.
2. Choose Anthropic as the API provider.
3. Set the base URL to https://api.apitoken.sale, paste your sk-pool-••• key, and pick a model like claude-sonnet-5.

## Pick the right model per task

- claude-sonnet-5 — the default for everyday coding and agent loops.
- claude-opus-4-8 — complex refactors, architecture and long sessions.
- claude-haiku-4-5 — fast, cheap edits and high-volume steps.

Because one key covers every model, you can switch per task in the extension without changing accounts or billing.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need Cursor Pro for AI coding?

No. Free VS Code agents like Cline and Roo Code work with an apiToken.sale Claude key.

### Which model should I pick?

claude-sonnet-5 for everyday coding; claude-opus-4-8 for complex tasks.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Securing Your Claude API Key
description: "How to protect a Claude API key on apiToken.sale with a lifetime spending limit, optional expiration, separate named keys, prompt revocation, and safe secret storage."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-key-security
language: en
---

# Keep your Claude API key secure

Your key spends real balance, so treat it like a credential. apiToken.sale gives you controls to limit blast radius if a key ever leaks.

## Controls that limit risk

- Set a lifetime spending limit for the key.
- Choose an expiration date when temporary access should end automatically.
- Issue a separate, clearly named key per tool or environment.
- To replace a key, create the replacement, update the client, then revoke the old key.

## Basic hygiene

- Never commit keys to git or paste them into chats.
- Store keys in environment variables or a secret manager.
- Revoke and rotate immediately if a key is exposed.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I limit damage if a key leaks?

Use a lifetime spending limit and expiration date, keep separate named keys per client, and revoke the exposed key immediately.

### Where should I store my key?

In environment variables or a secret manager — never committed to git or shared in chats.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn


---

---
title: Claude API for AI Agents
description: "Build AI agents on the Claude API with apiToken.sale: one key for every model, streaming, tool use, prompt caching and a lifetime key spending limit for long-run cost control."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/claude-api-for-ai-agents
language: en
---

# Using the Claude API for AI agents

Agentic workloads are token-hungry and long-running, which makes model choice, caching and cost control matter most. Here is how apiToken.sale fits agents.

## What agents need

- Streaming and tool use — both standard on the Anthropic Messages API.
- Model routing: Haiku for cheap steps, Sonnet for reasoning, Opus for the hardest.
- Prompt caching for repeated system prompts and tool definitions.
- A per-key lifetime spending limit so a runaway loop cannot spend beyond that key's cap.

## A cost-aware agent loop

A practical pattern: route planning and reasoning to Sonnet, cheap sub-steps and parsing to Haiku, and escalate only the hardest calls to Opus. Cache the system prompt and tool definitions so repeated context is nearly free.

- Set a per-key lifetime spending limit so a runaway loop cannot spend beyond the cap.
- Stream so the agent can act on partial output.
- Watch token usage to tune which steps use which model.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the Claude API good for agents?

Yes — with streaming, tool use, model routing and prompt caching, all on one apiToken.sale key with spend controls.

### How do I keep agent costs down?

Route cheap steps to Haiku, cache repeated context, and set a lifetime spending limit on the agent's key.

---
Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn