[BUG] Max plan blocked by "Usage credits required for 1M context" on fresh session — 1M should be included on Max
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?
Description
On a Max plan, Claude Code throws the following error on a fresh session, blocking all usage:
API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context · turn on usage credits at claude.ai/settings/usage, or use --model to switch to standard context
This contradicts Anthropic's documentation and the March 2026 communication, which state that the 1M context window is included on Max, Team and Enterprise plans with no extra usage. I never requested 1M context, and I upgraded to Max specifically expecting this feature to be included.
Steps to Reproduce
- Start a fresh Claude Code session (no files open, no prior context).
- Send any prompt.
- The error is thrown immediately and input is blocked.
Expected Behavior
On a Max plan, 1M context should be available with no extra-usage prompt or charge. A fresh session should not require usage credits.
Actual Behavior
1M context is selected automatically and the session is blocked with the "usage credits required" error. Session quota was far from exhausted at the time.
Environment
- Plan: Max
- OS: macOS
- Interface: Claude Code (desktop app)
Notes
Appears related to issues #45390, #46780, #62063 and #62199 (1M context incorrectly requiring/billing extra usage on Max and Pro plans). Workaround of switching to standard context via /model unblocks usage but defeats the purpose of the Max plan's included 1M window.
<img width="738" height="482" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/4463aa78-a1dd-4f8f-9c64-2a93c3fff51a" />
What Should Happen?
I no longer have access to Cowork
Error Messages/Logs
Une erreur est survenue
Essayez de renvoyer votre message. Si le problème persiste, partagez vos retours afin que nous puissions enquêter.
API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context · turn on usage credits at claude.ai/settings/usage, or use --model to switch to standard context
Vous pouvez redémarrer la conversation à partir d'un message antérieur.
Steps to Reproduce
All of a sudden, I can't access Cowork anymore. I've been having this problem since early this afternoon.
Claude Model
Sonnet (default)
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
Claude 1.9659.2 (390d6c) 2026-05-28T21:50:01.000Z
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
macOS
Terminal/Shell
Terminal.app (macOS)
Additional Information
_No response_
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