[BUG] Can't upgrade Pro → Max: payment authentication fails on every card/method
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?
Every attempt to upgrade throws:
"_We are unable to authenticate your payment method. Please choose a different payment method and try again._"
Tried multiple cards, Stripe Link, multiple browsers. Contacted all issuing banks — they confirm no decline is happening on their end. The error is somewhere in Anthropic's payment flow.
Reached out via support email and website chat. No response.
Complete blocker with no working workaround and no support resolution. The error message tells you to try a different card, but it doesn't matter which card you use.
Region: India
What Should Happen?
Paying users should be able to upgrade their subscription without hitting an unresolvable payment error and if something does go wrong, support should respond.
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
Payment authenticates successfully and subscription upgrades to Max.
Actual behavior
Every attempt returns the same generic authentication error regardless of payment method. The error appears to be server-side or within Anthropic's payment processor (Stripe), not at the card/bank level.
Environment
Current plan: Pro
Target plan: Max
Region: India
Claude Model
None
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
2.1.126
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
macOS
Terminal/Shell
Terminal.app (macOS)
Additional Information
_No response_
17 Comments
Found 3 possible duplicate issues:
This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.
🤖 Generated with Claude Code
I'm having this issue also, tried multiple devices, multiple cards, multiple browsers, no bank account issues. This needs to be fixed
<img width="615" height="99" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/d6c2288b-6f67-4f21-bd24-39f0ba572c13" />
Same bug here in Italy for 3 days. Absurd!
<img width="513" height="87" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/8d51d2f7-bce7-43c2-a1ff-ff442b19896d" />
I have tried multiple different accounts even try to create a new account with different cards same issue
cant even fix their website, AGI is here hurrdurr.
I'm having the same problem when trying to upgrade Pro from monthly to yearly
it's working now for me @aborghgr
Still having the problem, not even getting the VISA popup for my bank, just nothing.
perhaps it's been fixed in my location at least
And now it's fixed
Same problem, with a card I've used multiple times recently with no problems. The page for entering/saving payment details evidently does not work correctly, which might be related or not. Come on Anthropic, sort out your own website!
Same issue here in NL for free -> pro
Did it work for anyone? I had to create a new account and only one of the cards which worked, but then I've lost access to all my data.
I am facing same issue since a week
I wrote 2 emails to Anthropic and Fin bot replied but not resolved yet
<img width="615" height="99" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/0a02a2d6-50fc-4aad-8e91-05741a075d13" />
Yo tengo el mismo problema y nadie contesta.
Dice:
Su dirección de facturación ha cambiado desde su última factura. Para actualizar a Max, contacte a Soporte para obtener ayuda.
he actualizad la direccion ya varias veces y llevo una semana sin poder hacer cambios.
Por favor que alguien ayude
"I have the same problem and no one is answering.
It says:
'Your billing address has changed since your last bill. To upgrade to Max, contact Support for assistance.'
I have already updated the address several times and I've been unable to make any changes for a week now.Please, someone help."
Closing for now — inactive for too long. Please open a new issue if this is still relevant.
Does anyone got the final solution?