Cheaper tokens for Claude Code
An agentic CLI meters every token. Point it at a drop-in Anthropic-compatible endpoint and run for a fraction of the metered API price.
Why it's cheaper
Open-weight models on cost-efficient infrastructure at a fixed USD margin — roughly 10× less per token than OpenRouter on the same model, and far below first-party rates.
Drop-in for the Anthropic API
Claude Code speaks the Anthropic Messages API. Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL to cheaptokens and your key, and every request routes to cheaper models with no other changes. Pay-as-you-go from a USD balance — predictable, no monthly lock-in.
Drop-in: set the base URL
# Claude Code → cheaptokens (Anthropic-compatible)
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://api.cheaptokens.dev"
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="YOUR_CHEAPTOKENS_KEY"Same model, a fraction of the price
Per-million-token rates versus OpenRouter on the same model.
| Model | OpenRouter | cheaptokens | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiniMax-M2.7 | $0.24 / $0.96 | $0.025 / $0.1 | ~10× cheaper |
| Kimi-K2.6 | $0.66 / $3.41 | $0.07 / $0.35 | ~9× cheaper |
Same models. USD per 1M tokens (input / output). OpenRouter shown for comparison. · Open cost calculator
FAQ
Does Claude Code route through the Anthropic base URL?
Yes — set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL to our endpoint and Claude Code sends its requests through us unchanged.
Do tool calls and long context still work?
Yes — the Anthropic-compatible API passes tools and the full 200K context straight through.
How do I switch back?
Unset ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and Claude Code returns to the default endpoint instantly.
Related use cases
Stop overpaying per token
Create an account, top up with USDT, and point Claude Code at cheaptokens.
Get startedNot affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic or Claude Code. Compatible via the standard Anthropic API.