# Anthropic renames "extra usage" to usage credits

By Steven Van · 2026-05-18

The new term reflects a broader role, including powering features like Fast Mode, not just spend past a plan limit.

Anthropic has renamed "extra usage" to **usage credits** for [Claude](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/tools/claude>). The old name only made sense for paying past a plan limit; the new name covers a broader role, including powering features like Fast Mode directly, which the previous label didn't capture. Details in the [announcement](<https://x.com/i/status/2056543966963839405>).

[Source post](https://x.com/i/status/2056543966963839405)

![Claude](<https://claude.com/images/icon-512x512.png>)

Claude

AI assistant by Anthropic — write, analyze, code, and create with one of the most capable large language models available.

[View Claude →](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/tools/claude>)

[Read Anthropic renames "extra usage" to usage credits on Creators Toolbox](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/claude-why-usage-credits-now>)

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Canonical source: https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/claude-why-usage-credits-now