> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://carat.im/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Can I use the Claude connection (MCP) on the Free plan?

> The Free plan can currently use MCP's shared tools. Generating still requires credits, and which apps you can use depends on your account permissions.

**The Free plan can currently use MCP's shared tools.** Free and paid plans are given **the same MCP tools**.

Being able to see a tool is not the same as a task running to completion, though. These conditions still apply to each task.

| Condition           | What it means                                                                                                                      |
| :------------------ | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Credits             | Most tasks, generation included, require Carat credits. A request will not go through if your remaining credits fall short         |
| Account permissions | Which apps and workflows you can use depends on your account permissions. Being on the Free plan does not mean access to every app |
| Unlimited benefits  | They do not apply to MCP. The Free plan has no unlimited benefits to begin with                                                    |

<Note>
  **There is no confirmed end date announced yet** for the free usage. Carat's MCP page may show a launch period, so check [carat.im/mcp](https://carat.im/mcp) for the latest terms.
</Note>

## What you see when credits fall short

If you make a request without enough credits, this comes back in the chat.

```text theme={null}
There are insufficient Carat credits to continue this request.
Credit information: https://carat.im/docs/en/pricing/plans
```

Top up credits or change plans on [My Credits(내 크레딧)](https://carat.im/en/subscription). If your account has unlimited benefits, you can keep using unlimited-eligible models with no credits in the \[Generator(생성기)] on the Carat app or website.

<Note>
  The AI tool you are using may rephrase the message, so the exact wording on your screen can differ. The reason (insufficient credits) and the link stay the same.
</Note>

## Related articles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Using Carat inside Claude (MCP connector)" icon="plug" href="/docs/en/how-to-use/mcp-claude">
    The three connection steps and example requests
  </Card>

  <Card title="Unlimited benefits do not apply to MCP" icon="infinity" href="/docs/en/troubleshooting/usage-plan/mcp-unlimited-not-applied">
    How credits are charged for MCP generations
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</CardGroup>