Claude Code in the cloud: privacy first

2 October 2026 Michael Engel Automation

In depth: Claude Code in the cloud – what to clarify first

Pro and Max subscribers can now run Claude Code in cloud sessions. The work then continues on Anthropic’s machines, even when your own computer is off. At launch there was a promotional credit: $100 for Pro, $250 for Max, only for individual plans that were active on 23 September. The deadline to claim it expired on 7 October 2026, and claimed credit expires on 4 November 2026. The takeaway: cloud means someone else’s infrastructure, and a promotion is no reason to move confidential data there.

Tool and alternative

Local Claude Code sessions run as before under your subscription and stay on your computer.

Sources

BleepingComputer, “Anthropic rolls out up to $250 in free Claude Code credits, but only for cloud sessions”, 25 September 2026
Jack Roberts, Short “$250 of Claude is now FREE”, 27 September 2026

Status: Cloud sessions available. Deadline to claim the credit expired on 7 October 2026, claimed credit expires on 4 November 2026.

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