Anthropic Limits Claude Code Usage - No User Notification

Claude Code Users Encounter Unexpected Usage Restrictions

Users of Claude Code have reported encountering unexpectedly strict usage limitations starting Monday morning. These issues, widely discussed on the platform’s GitHub page, primarily affect those who heavily utilize the service, including many subscribers to the $200 monthly Max plan.

Limited Information Provided to Users

When the limits are reached, users are simply informed that their “Claude usage limit reached” and are given an estimated reset time, typically within a few hours. The absence of any official announcement regarding changes to these limits has led many to believe their subscriptions have been altered or that their usage is not being accurately recorded.

One user expressed concern, stating that the tracking of usage limits appears to have changed and is inaccurate. They claim to have been restricted after only 30 minutes of minimal use, far short of their expected 900-message allowance.

Anthropic Acknowledges the Issues

An Anthropic representative confirmed awareness of the problems when contacted for comment. However, they refrained from providing further details. The representative indicated that they are actively working to address slower response times experienced by some Claude Code users.

Impact on User Projects

The sudden changes have caused considerable disruption, as users received no prior notification or guidance. One user, requesting anonymity, stated that project advancement has become impossible since the implementation of the new limits. They noted that while alternatives like Gemini and Kimi exist, none currently match the capabilities of Claude Code.

Wider Network Issues

These problems coincide with broader difficulties within Anthropic’s network. Numerous API users have reported overload errors during the same timeframe. Interestingly, the company’s status page continues to display 100% uptime for the week despite these reports.

Confusion Surrounding Usage Limits

While loading errors are not uncommon, Anthropic’s handling of usage limits has generated significant confusion, particularly among users who were unaware of their existence. The company’s tiered pricing structure sets limits without guaranteeing a specific level of access.

The Max plan, costing $200 per month, promises limits 20 times greater than the Pro plan. The Pro plan, in turn, offers five times the limits of the free plan. However, Anthropic reserves the right to vary the free user limit based on demand, without establishing a fixed value. This creates uncertainty for users attempting to plan their usage.

Sustainability Concerns and Lack of Transparency

The $200 Max plan has proven popular with intensive users, leading some to speculate about its long-term viability for Anthropic. One user estimated that the plan allows for over $1,000 worth of API calls daily. They anticipated more restrictive limits but expressed a desire for clearer communication from the company.

“Transparency is key,” the user emphasized. “The current lack of communication erodes user confidence.”