I Run Claude Code on $0/Month: A Practical Guide to Free LLM APIs

Description and use

The user runs Claude Code for free by pointing it to free-tier providers like Google AI Studio or Groq, saving $0/month while maintaining coding productivity, but must manage rate limits and quality differences.

Problem

AI coding assistants become expensive when API bills arrive; users need a permanent free tier solution.

Outcome

The user runs Claude Code for free, using free-tier models from Google AI Studio or Groq, achieving cost savings of $0/month while maintaining coding productivity.

Workflow

• 1. Choose a free provider (e.g., Google AI Studio or Groq).
• 2. Sign in and create an API key (no credit card needed).
• 3. Set environment variables: ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN for Claude Code, or OPENAI_BASE_URL and OPENAI_API_KEY for Codex CLI. For Cursor, add the model via Settings → Models → Add Model.
• 4. Run the tool (e.g., claude) normally; it will route through the free provider.
• 5. Verify the key using the freellm.net playground before committing to daily workflow.

Evidence

Google AI Studio gives ~500 requests/day on Flash. Fine for personal coding, not for a team.

Source

No free Claude. Anthropic offers no permanent free tier — you're running Claude Code the tool against non-Anthropic models.

Source

The full comparison — rate limits, context windows, credit card requirements — is maintained at freellm.net, a directory of 489 free models across 30 providers.

Source