Getting started
Do I need technical knowledge to get started?
No. You choose a package, pay, and within minutes your environment is ready with your own domain name connected. You don't need to install or configure anything.
What is BYOK and why do I need my own API key?
BYOK stands for "bring your own key". You use your own Claude account and API key; Waterbloom manages the infrastructure around it. That means you stay in control of your own data and pay Anthropic directly and transparently for the actual AI usage, with no hidden markup from Waterbloom on top.
I don't have a Claude account yet — how do I get one?
For everyday use (chatting, drafting text and documents) you create a free account at claude.ai. If you're building something yourself that talks to Claude, such as the applications you host with Waterbloom, you'll also need an API key, which you create through the Anthropic Console. If you get stuck, feel free to get in touch, we're happy to think along.
I'm not familiar with Claude yet — how do I learn the basics?
You don't need to learn it all at once. Log in to your customer portal and open the “Tips & Tricks” page for your environment. You'll find short, practical examples that help you get more out of Claude and your environment step by step, starting with how to have Claude use a photo or file from your Library. We regularly add new tips.
What happens if my environment becomes unreachable?
In your customer portal, "Your environment" shows a green or red light indicating whether your environment is currently reachable, checked automatically every 5 minutes. Seeing red, or running into something? Open a ticket (a screenshot helps) and we'll look into it with you right away.
Costs & subscriptions
Do I need a paid Claude account?
For serious, daily use, yes. A free Claude account is meant to get a feel for it, but has a limited number of messages per day. For an environment you use structurally, we recommend a paid Claude subscription or API access.
Can I pay without a credit card?
Yes. Claude's website only accepts a credit or debit card, but that's not your only option. Through the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) you can first top up credit with a local payment method, and then use that credit to subscribe to Claude Pro — no credit card needed. Some app stores even offer an automatic top-up option, so your balance stays topped up and your subscription just keeps running. Check the current price in the app itself, it can differ from the website.
What are "tokens" and why do I have to pay for them?
Running AI costs computing power, and that's billed per "token", a chunk of text of roughly a few letters. Every question you ask and every answer you get back uses tokens. Because you use your own API key with Waterbloom, you pay for that usage directly and by actual use to Anthropic — no hidden markup, no fixed expensive bundle you might not need.
I'm a business customer outside the Netherlands: do I pay VAT?
If you're a business customer outside the Netherlands with a valid VAT number, you're automatically charged without Dutch VAT (reverse-charged VAT within the EU) and you'll see the correct, lower amount right away at checkout.
Technology & AI
What is Claude good and not so good at?
Claude is strong at understanding questions, writing and explaining code, and reasoning about a problem in plain language. It's not a magic solution: you get better results when you clearly describe what you want, and it remains wise to check important outcomes yourself.
Security & privacy
Where does my application run?
On servers within the EU, in line with European data protection law.
Didn't find your question?
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