How to Subscribe to Claude Pro/Max Without a Foreign Credit Card?
For users without a foreign credit card who want to subscribe to Claude Pro or Claude Max, this article outlines common paths such as using Google Play on Android or App Store balance on iPhone, as well as matters to note before and after subscribing.
If you want to subscribe to Claude Pro or Claude Max but don't have a credit card issued abroad, this article is written for you.
Many users get stuck at the same place: payment fails as soon as they reach the payment page on the web (usually prompting Your card was declined or Your card has declined), even if the card has a Visa or Mastercard logo. The reason is that the Claude subscription payment page checks whether your card is issued in mainland China. Cards issued in mainland China are rejected across the board, even if your card is a multi-currency credit card with a US dollar account.
As of September 8, 2026, in Anthropic's official documentation, Claude paid plans are only available to users in supported regions; the official supported regions list does not include mainland China.
1. If You Have a Visa or Mastercard Credit Card
- Direct Credit Card Payment: Cards issued in mainland China will be rejected; no need to try.
- Android Users: Bind your Visa or Mastercard credit card to Google Play, and then subscribe via in-app purchase within the Claude app.
- iPhone Users: Switch your App Store region to one outside mainland China, add your credit card to Apple Pay, purchase App Store Gift Cards through Apple Pay, top up your Apple account balance, and then subscribe via in-app purchase.
- In a Nutshell: When you don't have a foreign credit card, use an app store as an indirect route, and pay a little more (tax).
2. If You Don't Even Have a Visa or Mastercard Credit Card
- Android Users: Change your Play Store country/region to Singapore, then bind a UnionPay card to the Play Store, and subscribe via in-app purchase. You may need to pay extra tax, making it higher than the official price.
- iPhone Users: Switch your App Store region to one outside mainland China, buy non-mainland gift cards on Taobao, top up your Apple account balance via App Store Gift Cards, and subscribe via in-app purchase. You may also need to pay extra tax, higher than the official price.
If My Claude Account Is Banned, Will I Get a Refund?
Currently, Claude no longer offers refunds upon account bans. In the beginning, full refunds were available, and later prorated refunds were possible. However, due to rampant abuse and exploitation, refunds are no longer provided.
Official Pricing for Max is Currently:
- Pro is
$20/month - Max 5x is
$100/month - Max 20x is
$200/month - These are web subscription prices.
Should I Choose Pro or Max?
- For daily writing, translation, summarizing, and light coding: Look at Claude Pro first.
- If you are already a power user and clearly know that Pro is not enough: Then look at Claude Max.
