To run Claude Code on Bluehost AI Credits, create a gateway API key in the Bluehost Portal. Then set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY to that key and ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL to https://gateway.ai.bluehost.com. Launch claude and send a test prompt. You need an active credit balance first, and Bluehost lists the feature for Self-Managed VPS and VDS plans. Setting an API key also changes how Claude Code is billed, which is covered below.
What you need before you start
- An eligible plan. Bluehost says AI Credits are available on Self-Managed VPS and VDS plans and lists Claude Code among compatible apps (Understanding AI Credits).
- An active credit balance. Bluehost requires available credits before it lets you create API keys (How to Manage Your Bluehost API Keys).
- Claude Code installed on the server. Bluehost’s guide assumes it is already installed on the VPS/VDS and reached over SSH.
Step 1: Create a gateway API key
- Open the Bluehost Portal and select Hosting.
- Choose Manage on the relevant package.
- Open AI Tooling, then Manage API Keys.
- Note the endpoint the page displays.
- Select + Create API Key, name the key, and create it.
- Copy the key and store it securely.
Bluehost shows the full key only once. If you lose it, you must create a replacement (source). The key spends your gateway balance, so keep it out of public documents, source control, shared workflows and screenshots. Bluehost also tracks usage per key, so a separate named key for each project or machine makes spending easier to read (source).
![Claude AI for Beginners Bible: [5 in 1] The Ultimate Guide to Automate Your Work, Save Hours Every Week, and Use AI for Real-World Results](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415+fSJacsL._SL160_.jpg)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 2: Configure a fresh Claude Code install
Bluehost’s example connects to the server by SSH and appends two exports to /root/.profile:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="YOUR_AI_CREDITS_API_KEY"
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL="https://gateway.ai.bluehost.com"Replace the placeholder with your real key on the server only. Then load the file, check the install, and start Claude Code:
#1 Best Overall
source /root/.profile
claude --version
claudeWith both variables set, Bluehost says Claude Code skips the Anthropic sign-in screen and goes straight into a working session (Bluehost Help Center).
/root/.profile is Bluehost’s example for the root user, not a universal location. The two variables are what matter. If you use a different account or shell, put them in whichever startup file that account loads.
If Claude Code is already signed in
An existing Claude Code login may take precedence over ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL. Bluehost’s advice:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Launch Claude Code.
- Run
/logout, then exit. - Set the two variables as in Step 2 and reload your profile.
- Relaunch
claude.
Bluehost notes that it has not retested this existing-install route the way it has the fresh-install route. If it fails, try a clean install before assuming the gateway is at fault.
Step 3: Test the connection
claude -p "Say hello and confirm you're responding."A normal reply with no authentication error means the route works. Bluehost’s suggested checks for a 401 or similar auth error are:
- Check that the endpoint and the key match what the Portal shows.
- Consider that the authentication method or response format may be mismatched.
- Contact Bluehost support if the error persists.
To choose a model, Bluehost’s guide mentions the /model command inside Claude Code or the ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_MODEL variable. Model IDs and per-token costs change, so take them from Bluehost’s live model list and pricing rather than from a copied example.
Rank #4
What changes in billing
Anthropic states that if ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is set, Claude Code uses it instead of your Claude Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise subscription. The result is API usage charges rather than your plan’s included usage (Anthropic Help Center). In this setup the key points at Bluehost’s gateway, so usage should draw down your Bluehost AI Credits. To return to plan billing, unset the variables and sign in with your Claude account again.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Route | How it is set up | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Bluehost AI Credits gateway | Bluehost key in ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, Bluehost endpoint in ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL |
Needs an eligible VPS/VDS, an active balance and a gateway key. Credits are non-refundable and expire. |
| Claude plan sign-in | Sign in with your Claude account | A set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY overrides it and triggers API charges. |
The published sources do not show that either route is cheaper in general. It depends on your workload and the model’s per-token cost.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Credit prices, expiry and refunds
These figures come from Bluehost’s help pages (September 2026), and Bluehost warns that rates can change. Check the Portal for live prices.
| Credits | Price |
|---|---|
| 500 | $5 |
| 1,000 | $10 |
| 5,000 | $50 |
| 10,000 | $100 |
- Each credit has a fixed retail value of $0.010. Model costs vary by token and model.
- Balance validity is 12 months from your most recent purchase, and a new purchase resets the window for the whole balance. Your Portal shows your actual expiry date (Understanding AI Credits).
- Credits are a one-time purchase with no subscription or automatic renewal. One account-level wallet is shared across eligible VPS/VDS instances (same source).
- Purchases are final and non-refundable (How to Purchase Bluehost AI Credits), so start with a small pack.
Everything here follows Bluehost’s and Anthropic’s published documentation. Dashboard labels and eligibility can change, so confirm them in the Portal.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
