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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 |

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/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.

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/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.

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How It Works

1

Hit rate limit

You hit your plan’s rate limit (limits reset every 5 hours)
2

Extra usage kicks in

If extra usage is enabled with available funds, Claude Code continues without interruption
3

Overflow billing

Overflow tokens are billed at standard API rates, separate from your subscription fee

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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:
1

Enable extra usage

Turn on the extra usage feature
2

Add payment method

Add a payment method for overflow billing
3

Set spending cap

Set a monthly spending cap (or choose unlimited)
4

Add prepaid funds (optional)

Optionally add prepaid funds with auto-reload when balance drops below a threshold

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Key Details

Known IssueAs 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.

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/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.

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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:
  • 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.

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CLI Startup Flags

Two startup flags relate to usage budgets (API key users only, print mode):
See CLI Startup Flags Reference for the full list.

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Sources