Claude Code

Quick Start

This guide will get you running Claude Code powered by Poe in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Install Claude Code

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

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

Step 2: Connect Claude Code to Poe

Instead of logging in with Anthropic directly, connect Claude Code to Poe. This requires setting a few environment variables.

Requirements:

1. Use https://api.poe.com for the base URL
2. Provide your Poe API key as the Anthropic API key
3. Important: This replaces the need for an Anthropic API key

# Set these in your shell (e.g., ~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc)
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://api.poe.com"
export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN="$POE_API_KEY"
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="" # Important: Must be explicitly empty

Step 3: Get Your Poe API Key

Navigate to poe.com/api_key to get your API key.

Step 4: Start Your Session

Navigate to your project directory and start Claude Code:

cd /path/to/your/project
claude

You are now connected! Any prompt you send will be routed through Poe.

Step 5: Verify

You can confirm your connection by running the /status command inside Claude Code.

> /status
Anthropic base URL: https://api.poe.com

Supported Models

You can use any Claude model available on Poe. Claude Code uses specific model aliases (like "Sonnet", "Opus", "Haiku") that automatically map to the correct Claude models.

For a full list of available Claude models, see the Anthropic Compatible API documentation.

How It Works

Poe exposes an endpoint that is compatible with the Anthropic Messages API.

1. Direct Connection: When you set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL to https://api.poe.com, Claude Code speaks its native protocol directly to Poe. No local proxy server is required.
2. API Compatibility: Poe's Anthropic-compatible endpoint behaves like the Anthropic API. It handles model mapping and supports advanced features like extended thinking and native tool use.
3. Billing: You are billed using your Poe subscription points. Usage appears in your Poe account.

Troubleshooting

• Auth Errors: Ensure your POE_API_KEY environment variable is set correctly. You can verify by running echo $POE_API_KEY in your terminal.
• Model Not Found: Make sure you're using a supported Claude model. See the supported models section.
• Rate Limits: The API is rate-limited to 500 requests per minute. If you're hitting rate limits, consider adding delays between requests.
• Setup Issues: Use /logout first and then set your credentials.

Pricing & Availability

All Poe subscribers can use their existing subscription points with the API at no additional cost.

This means you can seamlessly transition between the web interface and API without worrying about separate billing structures or additional fees. Your regular monthly point allocation works exactly the same way whether you're chatting directly on Poe or accessing Claude programmatically through Claude Code.

If your Poe subscription is not enough, you can purchase add-on points to get as much access as your application requires.

Support

Feel free to reach out to support if you come across unexpected behavior or have suggestions for improvements.