Claude Code: Usage, Rate Limits & Extra Usage
Understanding how usage limits work in Claude Code and how to keep working when you hit them.
Overview
Claude Code on subscription plans (Pro, Max 5x, Max 20x) has usage limits that reset on a rolling window. Three built-in slash commands help you monitor and manage usage:
| Command | Description | Available To |
|---|---|---|
/usage | Check plan limits and rate limit status | Pro, Max 5x, Max 20x |
/extra-usage | Configure pay-as-you-go overflow when limits are hit | Pro, Max 5x, Max 20x |
/cost | Show token usage and spending for the current session | API key users |
/usage -- Check Your Limits
Shows your current plan's usage limits and rate limit status. Useful for checking how much capacity you have left before hitting a limit.
/extra-usage -- Keep Working Past Limits
The /extra-usage command configures pay-as-you-go overflow billing so Claude Code continues working seamlessly when you hit your plan's rate limits, instead of blocking you.
How It Works
- You hit your plan's rate limit (limits reset every 5 hours)
- If extra usage is enabled with available funds, Claude Code continues without interruption
- Overflow tokens are billed at standard API rates, separate from your subscription fee
Setting It Up
The /extra-usage command in the CLI will guide you through configuration. You can also configure it on the web at Settings > Usage on claude.ai:
- Enable extra usage
- Add a payment method
- Set a monthly spending cap (or choose unlimited)
- Optionally add prepaid funds with auto-reload when balance drops below a threshold
Key Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily redemption limit | $2,000/day |
| Billing | Separate from subscription, at standard API rates |
| Limit reset window | Every 5 hours |
Known Issue
As of February 2026, the /extra-usage CLI command is undocumented and may open a sign-in window without clear configuration options. Configuring through the claude.ai web interface is the more reliable path for now.
/cost -- Session Spending (API Users)
For users authenticating with an API key (not a subscription plan), /cost shows:
- Total cost for the current session
- API duration and wall time
- Token usage breakdown
- Code changes made
This command is not relevant for Pro/Max subscription users.
Fast Mode and Extra Usage
Fast mode (/fast) uses Claude Opus 4.6 with faster output. It has a special billing relationship with extra usage:
INFO
- Fast mode usage is always billed to extra usage from the first token
- This applies even if you have remaining usage on your subscription plan
- Fast mode does not consume your plan's included rate limits
This means you need extra usage enabled and funded to use /fast.
CLI Startup Flags
Two startup flags relate to usage budgets (API key users only, print mode):
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
--max-budget-usd <AMOUNT> | Maximum dollar amount for API calls before stopping |
--max-turns <NUMBER> | Limit number of agentic turns |