Claude API 429 Rate Limit Error
Quick answer
A 429 rate_limit_error means you exceeded a rate or spend limit for your usage tier. Honor retry-after, back off, or raise your tier.
Most likely fix: Honor retry-after
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Honor retry-after
- Read the retry-after header and wait that long
- Use exponential backoff
Did this fix it?2. Check limits in the Console
- Open the Console limits page for your tier and current usage
Did this fix it?3. Raise the ceiling
- Request a higher tier or limit
- Reduce tokens per request; use prompt caching
Did this fix it?4. Spend caps
- Note that spend-cap 429s have no retry-after; raise or wait for the cap
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
API returns HTTP 429 with type rate_limit_error.
Why it happens
- Requests or tokens per minute exceeded
- Monthly spend cap for your tier reached
- Claude Code workspace spend limit
This guide also covers
- claude api 429
- anthropic rate limit exceeded
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