Use Your Existing Claude Pro Subscription with OpenClaw (Skip the API Costs)

TL;DR: If you already pay for Claude Pro ($20/month), you can use that subscription with OpenClaw instead of paying separately for API credits. Here's how.

The Problem

Many new OpenClaw users hit the same confusion: they're already paying for Claude Pro, but OpenClaw asks for an API key. Does that mean they need to pay again for API credits?

Good news — you don't.

The Solution: Claude Code OAuth Token

OpenClaw can authenticate with your Claude Pro subscription through Claude Code's OAuth token. This means your OpenClaw agent uses your existing subscription quota instead of consuming API credits.

Step 1: Install Claude Code

If you haven't already, install Claude Code:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Then authenticate it with your Claude account:

claude login

Follow the browser-based OAuth flow to link your Claude Pro subscription.

Step 2: Configure OpenClaw to Use Anthropic Token

Run the OpenClaw configuration wizard:

openclaw configure

Navigate to:

1. Models → Anthropic
2. When prompted, choose Anthropic Token (not API key)
3. The wizard will tell you what command to run with Claude Code to generate the token

Typically this is:

claude mcp get-token

Copy the generated token and paste it into OpenClaw's configuration.

Step 3: Verify It's Working

Start a chat with your agent and check the model info. You should see it's using your Claude subscription rather than API credits.

Common Gotchas

"Invalid token" errors?

If you've previously configured OpenClaw with different credentials, old tokens might be cached. Try:

• Re-running openclaw configure and selecting "Create new config"
• Clearing your ~/.config/openclaw/ credentials and starting fresh

Token vs API Key — What's the difference?

• API Key: Direct Anthropic API access, charged per token
• Anthropic Token: OAuth token from Claude Code, uses your subscription

For most personal use cases with a Claude Pro subscription, the OAuth token is the better choice.

Cost Comparison

If you're a moderate user, the Pro subscription is often more economical. Heavy users doing lots of automation might still benefit from API credits for specific workloads.

This guide was inspired by a question from the OpenClaw Discord. Thanks to the community for helping each other out!