API Error: Rate limit reached immediately despite Pro subscription - rateLimitTier showing as default_claude_ai

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Getting "API Error: Rate limit reached" on every single request despite having an active Claude Pro subscription. The credentials.json file shows rateLimitTier as "default_claude_ai" instead of a Pro tier.

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should recognize the Pro subscription and allow normal usage. rateLimitTier should reflect the Pro plan, not default_claude_ai.

Error Messages/Logs

API Error: Rate limit reached
credentials.json shows:
"subscriptionType":"pro","rateLimitTier":"default_claude_ai"

Steps to Reproduce

1. Run claude login
2. Choose option 1 (Claude account with subscription)
3. Complete OAuth authorization in browser
4. Open Claude Code and type any message
5. Immediately get "API Error: Rate limit reached"

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

yes

Claude Code Version

2.1.83

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Ubuntu/Debian Linux

Terminal/Shell

Other

Additional Information

• Usage dashboard shows only 10% session and 1% weekly used
• Tried: fresh npm reinstall, deleted config, multiple re-logins, different browsers
• Server hosted on Contabo VPS
• Issue persists across versions 2.1.81 and 2.1.83