Does Cursor integrate with Claude?
Yes — built-in, or bring-your-own Anthropic API key
Yes. Claude models are built into Cursor, and you can also bring your own Anthropic API key. Add the key in Cursor Settings and requests are billed per token by Anthropic. Important: a Claude Pro (claude.ai) subscription is a separate product and does not include API access — for bring-your-own-key you must add a payment method and buy API credits in the Anthropic Console.
| Integration method | Native (BYOK) — Claude models are built into Cursor on its own plans, and you can also bring your own Anthropic API key (BYOK). The key is entered in Cursor Settings; requests then route through your Anthropic account and are billed per token by Anthropic. A Claude.ai (Claude Pro) subscription is a separate product and does NOT provide API access. |
|---|---|
| Sync direction | Request/response only: Cursor sends prompts and code context to Claude and receives completions. There is no data sync in either direction beyond the model call. |
| Plan required | Cursor: any plan can enter an Anthropic API key; Claude models are also included on Cursor's paid plans. Anthropic side for BYOK: a Console account with a payment method and prepaid API credits — a Claude Pro/claude.ai subscription does not work for this. |
| Setup time | ~5 minutes unverified estimate |
How to connect Cursor to Claude
- Go to console.anthropic.com/settings/billing, add a payment method and purchase API credits.
- Create an Anthropic API key in the Console and test it in the Console Workbench.
- In Cursor, open Settings and find the model/API key configuration.
- Paste your Anthropic API key to enable BYOK access to Claude models.
- Send a prompt to confirm requests route through your key (usage will appear in the Anthropic Console).
Known friction points
- Users assume a Claude Pro subscription enables API use in Cursor; it does not. The Anthropic Console (API credits) and a claude.ai subscription are separate billing products, and only the former works for BYOK. [source]
- A "100% API limit reached" error can appear despite available Cursor usage; it usually means the Anthropic API account is out of credits or the Pro-vs-API confusion above. [source]
FAQ
- Can I use Claude models in Cursor?
- Yes. Claude models are built into Cursor on its paid plans, and you can also bring your own Anthropic API key. With BYOK, requests route through your Anthropic account and are billed per token.
- Does my Claude Pro subscription work as the API key in Cursor?
- No. A Claude Pro (claude.ai) subscription and Anthropic API credits are separate products. For bring-your-own-key you must add a payment method and buy API credits in the Anthropic Console — the Pro subscription does not provide API access.
- Why do I get a "100% API limit reached" error with credits available in Cursor?
- That usually means your Anthropic API account has no credits, or you assumed a Claude Pro subscription covers API use. Top up API credits in the Anthropic Console and confirm the key is valid.
✓ Last verified: 2026-06-10 · Every claim on this page links to a primary source. If the integration changed, the page is out of date — check the sources below.
Sources
- Cursor forum — connect Claude models via API (BYOK) (accessed 2026-06-10)
- Anthropic Console — billing (accessed 2026-06-10)