Anthropic Quietly Restricts Claude Code Access for Users
▼ Summary
– Claude Code users, especially heavy users on the $200 Max plan, are facing unexpected restrictive usage limits without prior notice.
– Users report unclear tracking of limits, with some claiming they hit caps after minimal usage, leading to confusion about downgrades or errors.
– Anthropic acknowledged the issues but provided no details, stating they are working to resolve slower response times.
– The lack of transparency and unclear tiered limits in Anthropic’s pricing system has left users unable to predict or plan their usage.
– Heavy users of the Max plan note its high value but criticize Anthropic’s poor communication, which undermines trust in the service.
Claude Code users are facing unexpected restrictions on their access, with many reporting sudden usage limits despite paying for premium plans. The issues, which began this week, primarily affect heavy users subscribed to the $200-per-month Max plan, leaving them unable to complete tasks without hitting unexplained caps.
Frustrated customers have taken to GitHub and forums, complaining about abrupt messages stating “Claude usage limit reached” without clear explanations. Some report hitting these limits after just a few requests, far below what their subscription tiers should allow. One user noted, “There’s no way I’ve hit 900 messages in 30 minutes, something’s off with the tracking.”
Anthropic acknowledged the problem but provided little detail. A spokesperson confirmed the team is addressing “slower response times” but didn’t clarify whether usage policies had changed. The lack of transparency has left users scrambling, with one developer stating the restrictions “completely halted progress” on critical projects. Alternatives like Gemini and Kimi were tested but reportedly couldn’t match Claude Code’s capabilities.
The situation coincides with broader technical difficulties across Anthropic’s network. API users have encountered overload errors, and the company’s status page lists multiple recent incidents, despite claiming 100% uptime for the week. The real frustration stems from unclear tiered limits. While the Max plan advertises 20 times higher usage than Pro subscriptions, actual thresholds remain vague, with free-tier access fluctuating based on demand.
Heavy users, especially those on the Max plan, argue the restrictions undermine their work. One developer estimated generating over $1,000 in API calls daily under the current pricing, suggesting Anthropic may be tightening limits to manage costs. While some expected adjustments, the lack of communication has eroded trust. “Just be transparent,” urged one user. “Silence makes people doubt the platform’s reliability.”
For now, subscribers are left guessing when, or if, their access will stabilize, highlighting the challenges of relying on rapidly evolving AI services with opaque policies.
(Source: TechCrunch)
