Claude Code API Relay (Available in China, Pay-as-You-Go)

What Is a Claude Code Relay

Claude Code itself is a command-line client; it sends requests to the endpoint specified by ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL. By default this is Anthropic's endpoint, which networks in China usually cannot reach, and payment also requires an overseas credit card. A relay provides an Anthropic API-compatible address; you do not need to change the client, just switch the endpoint address and the Key.

A relay uses API Key calls; you do not need to log in to a Claude account and it does not use a Claude subscription.

Relays vs. Claude Subscription vs. Mirror Sites

A "mirror site" generally refers to shared or sold access to the web version of Claude; it is not the same as the API relay used with the Claude Code CLI.

Setup in 3 Steps

1. 1. Get a Key

   Register and log in to AICodeWith, then create a Key on the API Keys page in the console. Detailed screenshots are on the Get API Key page.

2. 2. Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN

   It is recommended to write them into ~/.claude/settings.json; the CLI, VS Code, and JetBrains plugins will all read this file. Leave ANTHROPIC_API_KEY empty to avoid conflicts.

   ~/.claude/settings.json

   {
     "env": {
       "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "你的_API_KEY",
       "ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "",
       "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "https://api.aicodewith.ai"
     }
   }

3. 3. Verify

   Reopen your terminal, run claude, and enter /status to confirm the API endpoint is api.aicodewith.ai. You can also verify temporarily with environment variables:

   macOS / Linux

   export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://api.aicodewith.ai"
   export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN="你的_API_KEY"
   export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=""

Get API Key tutorial with screenshotsClaude Code integration guideClaude Code third-party API setup guide

Supported Models and Prices

Claude family models are supported; use /model in Claude Code to switch between them. Real-time unit prices, available channels, and channel health for each model are on the Models page. Billing is based on actual token usage.

Models and real-time pricesTop-up and plans

How to Choose a Relay

• •Stability: check whether multiple channels are available, whether the Models page publicly shows channel status, and whether you can switch channels when overloaded occurs during peak hours.
• •Billing: whether token usage is transparently billed, whether you can see usage records for each request, and whether you can set spending limits on a Key.
• •Privacy: review how data is handled as described in the privacy policy, and avoid giving your Key to "shared accounts" of unknown origin.
• •Refunds: whether clear refund rules exist. AICodeWith: unused balance can be refunded within 90 days with a 10% processing fee deducted; see the refund policy for details.

Common Errors

The most common are 401 (wrong Key or variable), 429 (concurrency too high), overloaded (model busy), and configuration changes not taking effect. See the error reference for the cause and fix for each.

Claude Code common errors and fixes

FAQ