Claude Code Account Safety: Sign-In, Credentials, and Usage

Sign in with the method that fits your use

Use your own Claude account, or the access assigned by your organization. For everyday use of Claude Code, follow the official sign-in flow for your subscription. For products or services that call Claude, use a Console API key or a supported cloud provider.

Do not route third-party requests through credentials from a Free, Pro, or Max subscription. Claude Code authentication guide · credential and usage rules.

Protect credentials and keep an eye on usage

• Keep secrets private. Never commit API keys, tokens, or local authentication files to a repository or shared drive.
• Check the right usage page. The /usage command shows usage information; subscription and API billing are different.
• Reduce unnecessary work. Narrow the task, trim repeated context, and avoid retry loops when an error needs investigation.

Usage management helps control consumption; it does not guarantee that an account will never be restricted. Official Claude Code cost and usage guidance.

If Claude Code or your account is restricted

First identify the issue: sign-in failure, exhausted usage, a content refusal, or a suspension notice. Save the exact message, time, client version, and sign-in method so you can diagnose the right problem.

If the account is suspended and you believe it was a mistake, appeal through the original account using Anthropic’s official process. Do not evade a ban with a new account or hand credentials to a recovery service. Official appeal guidance · Usage Policy.