Developer guides · API access

# ChatGPT and Claude subscriptions vs API credits: what is different?

Understand web subscriptions versus API credits: accounts, keys, billing and clients differ. Choose the right product before buying Xinghuo API access.

Xinghuo AI Gateway · Updated 2026-10-09

A provider web subscription is for its web or app product. API credits are for programmatic requests and compatible clients. Xinghuo AI Gateway is a third-party API service: its credits do not grant ChatGPT Plus or a Claude web membership.

## Compare the products

| Aspect | Provider web subscription | Xinghuo API service |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Usage | The provider web product or official app | Programs and clients accepting a custom API URL |
| Authentication | The provider account | A site-issued API key |
| Billing | The current provider subscription terms | Site model, group, usage and plan rules |
| Capabilities | That web product features and limits | Models and endpoints permitted for the key |
| Transferability | Do not assume web memberships, provider API balances and site credits are interchangeable |  |

## What if I only want to chat in a browser?

For membership features in the official ChatGPT or Claude web product, review that provider current plan. For scripts, workflows or a client with a custom API base URL, consider API access.

## Which credentials should Claude Code use?

Authentication depends on the chosen service. When connecting to Xinghuo, follow the [gateway guide](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/claude-code.html) with a site-issued key and gateway URL, not a web login cookie. A web membership does not supply site API credits.

## Avoid purchasing the wrong product

1. Confirm your client accepts a custom base URL.
2. Identify its protocol: Chat Completions, Responses or Messages.
3. Check the target model and key group.
4. Read the [buying guide](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/buying-guide.html) and confirm billing and validity.

## Provider references

See the [OpenAI help center](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8156019) for ChatGPT versus API billing and [Anthropic gateway documentation](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/llm-gateway-connect) for Claude Code. Compatibility descriptions do not imply provider endorsement.

## Choose a model. Connect your application.

Check current model access and account pricing, then register and buy the credits you need.

 [View models & pricing](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/available-channels?entry=guide_en_api-vs-subscription) [Buy credits](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/purchase?entry=guide_en_api-vs-subscription) [Create an account →](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/register?entry=guide_en_api-vs-subscription)

## Related guides

[What is Xinghuo AI Gateway? API access, models and service scope](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/service.html)[OpenAI-compatible API quickstart: base URL, key and model](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/openai-compatible-api.html)[Claude Code gateway setup: base URL, authentication and model](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/claude-code.html)[AI API token billing explained: input, output and cache](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/token-billing.html)[AI API error guide: 401, 403, 404, 429 and 503](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/api-errors.html)[AI API buying guide: models, pricing, credits and redemption](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/buying-guide.html)[How to choose GPT, Claude, Gemini or Kimi API models](https://ai.wfpromax.xyz/guides/en/model-selection.html)