Claude, a powerful AI model launched by Anthropic, has attracted the attention of many developers and enterprises due to its safety and conversational abilities. For users in mainland China, applying for a Claude API Key and completing the recharge is not an easy task, constrained by the complexity of international payment channels and regional restrictions. Fortunately, WildCard provides a convenient and secure way for domestic users to recharge using domestic payment methods like Alipay and WeChat, perfectly solving the payment issue.
1. Claude API Key Application Process#
The Claude API is provided by Anthropic, and the application process requires visiting its official website and completing account registration. Here are the specific steps:
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Visit the Anthropic Official Website
Open your browser and go to the Anthropic Official Website. Due to possible regional restrictions, it is recommended to use a stable overseas network environment (such as a home network IP or a less crowded proxy node) to ensure smooth access. -
Register an Account
Click the “Sign Up” button in the upper right corner of the page, enter your email address, and set a password. After completing the registration, you need to verify your email by clicking the verification link you receive to activate your account. -
Apply for an API Key
After logging in, go to the user dashboard and find the “API Keys” or “Developer” option. Click “Generate API Key” to create your exclusive key. Please keep this key safe to avoid leakage. Anthropic may require you to fill out a simple usage scenario or identity information, so ensure the information is accurate to pass the review. -
Bind Payment Method
To use the Claude API, you need to recharge your account and bind a payment method. Since domestic bank cards (such as UnionPay) usually do not support direct binding, it is recommended to use the virtual credit card provided by WildCard, with specific operations detailed in the next section.
2. Why Choose WildCard?#
For domestic users, the biggest pain point in subscribing to overseas services or recharging API accounts is the limitation of payment channels. Traditional bank cards may fail due to currency restrictions or risk control, while virtual cards like Dupay, VCard, PokePay, WasabiCard, and LocalCard often require recharging through cryptocurrencies like USDT, which is complex and subject to exchange rate fluctuation risks. In contrast, WildCard is designed specifically for domestic users and has the following advantages:
- Convenient Payment: Supports recharge via Alipay and WeChat, allowing domestic users to complete the recharge without purchasing cryptocurrencies, making it simple enough for beginners to handle easily.
- Stable and Secure: WildCard optimizes payment channels, effectively avoiding risk control interceptions from platforms like OpenAI, resulting in a high success rate for payments and ensuring account security.
- Widely Applicable: In addition to the Claude API, WildCard also supports subscriptions for many overseas services such as ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI API, Midjourney, and can even be used in Google Play and Apple Store, making it a versatile tool.
- Discount Benefits: By registering on the WildCard Official Website and using the invitation code “LEIXUE”, new users can enjoy a card opening discount, providing excellent value for money.
3. Using WildCard to Recharge Claude API#
After completing the API Key application, the next step is to recharge your Claude account to activate API call permissions. Here are the specific steps using WildCard:
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Register a WildCard Account
Visit the WildCard Official Website, click the “Register” button, and register using your mobile number (mainland users choose +86, Hong Kong users choose +852). Entering the invitation code “LEIXUE” will grant you card opening discounts. -
Open Card and Recharge
After logging in, go to the “My Cards” page, select the card opening duration (1 year for $11.99 or 2 years for $16.99, with the invitation code reducing the fee by $1). Pay the card opening fee via Alipay or WeChat by scanning the code. It is recommended to recharge an initial amount of $25 to cover potential $5 pre-authorization fees and API usage costs. -
Bind WildCard to Claude Account
Return to the Anthropic official website, select “Add Payment Method” in the payment settings, and enter the virtual card information provided by WildCard (card number, expiration date, CVV code). Once successfully bound, the recharge amount will automatically be deposited into your Claude account for API calls. -
Verification and Use
After binding, Anthropic may perform a small pre-authorization charge (usually $1-5) to ensure the card is valid. The charge will be automatically refunded. Once you confirm your account balance, you can start using the Claude API for development or testing.
4. Precautions and Tips#
- Network Environment: To avoid payment interception, try to use a home network IP or a less crowded proxy node, avoiding risks associated with multiple users sharing the same IP.
- Recharge Amount: Plan your recharge amount reasonably based on your API usage needs. The Claude API is billed based on usage, and you can refer to the pricing table on the Anthropic official website.
- Account Security: Do not share your API Key or WildCard card information with others to avoid unnecessary losses.
- Other Services: WildCard is not only applicable to the Claude API but also supports ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI API, etc., allowing developers to meet various payment needs in one place.
5. Conclusion#
The Claude API provides developers with powerful AI capabilities, but domestic users often face payment restrictions during the application and recharge process. WildCard, with its convenient Alipay/WeChat recharge method, high stability, and wide applicability, has become the preferred tool to solve this problem. With this guide, you can easily apply for a Claude API Key and complete the recharge, quickly starting your AI development journey. Now visit the WildCard Official Website, use the invitation code “LEIXUE” to enjoy discounts, and unlock the infinite possibilities of overseas AI services!