Anthropic Blocks Third-Party Tool OpenClaw; Users Must Pay Extra or Use Own API Key

Anthropic recently announced blocking third-party tool OpenClaw from using Claude subscription credits. OpenClaw users received an email notifying them that starting April 4 Pacific Time, they can no longer access OpenClaw and other third-party tools via Claude subscriptions. They need to purchase additional usage bundles or use their own Claude API keys for pay-as-you-go. Anthropic will provide one-time equivalent monthly credit compensation, and users can also apply for a full refund.

The block comes from OpenClaw users' heavy usage putting huge pressure on Anthropic's servers. Anthropic stated that the subscription service was not designed for third-party tools and needs to prioritize core product users. Additionally, OpenClaw's founder has joined OpenAI, Anthropic's competitor, exacerbating the conflict. Anthropic is launching its own tools like Dispatch and Claude Code Channels, targeting OpenClaw's core features.