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Jobscan Review 2026: Pricing, Free Plan & Is It Worth It?

Short answer

Jobscan is free for 5 scans a month; Premium costs $49.95/mo or $89.95 a quarter. What its resume checker and builder really do, refund rules, alternatives.

On August 15, 2026, a Jobscan subscriber posted a five-star review on Trustpilot. Three months of the paid plan felt expensive. They said they landed their dream job a month and a half after subscribing.

On September 29, 2026, another reviewer posted one star. They said they picked one month, were charged for three, and could not get a refund.

Same tool. Opposite verdicts.

And you are one click away from that page, about to hand over a card number for a "free" 7-day trial.

Jobscan Review: The Verdict

Jobscan's strongest case is a focused one: checking a resume against a specific posting before you apply.

Its reports flag gaps such as a missing job title, a named tool or a spelled-out certification. The free plan lets you try that workflow before paying. This review found no independent evidence that a higher Jobscan score itself causes more interviews.

Jobscan Premium is worth paying for if:

You need more than 5 scans a month, apply through online portals, and will act on the feedback yourself. Choose monthly for one paid month or quarterly for two to three months, then cancel when the search ends.

Skip Jobscan Premium if:

Five monthly scans cover your needs, you will not tailor your resume, or your main problem is finding time to apply. A subscription cannot make a keyword report useful if you do not use it.

How this review was done

Based on public pricing, documentation and policies checked October 9, 2026; ratings and selected reviews from Trustpilot (344 reviews), G2 (14), Chrome Web Store, Reddit and LiveCareer. No free or paid account was tested. User reports do not establish hiring results.

Key Takeaway

Try Jobscan free before committing. Pay for extra scan capacity or specific AI features you need, with the billing period matched to your expected use.

The next decision is how much time you are buying.

Jobscan Pricing (Checked October 9, 2026)

The billing period matters as much as the price. Jobscan's plan page charges quarterly for all 3 months, not one month at a time.
FeatureFreeQuarterlyMonthly
Price$0$89.95 every 3 months ($29.98/mo)$49.95 every month
Free trialNot needed7 daysNone
Resume scans5 a monthUnlimitedUnlimited
ATS and recruiter findings5UnlimitedUnlimited
Resume builder, job tracker, Chrome extensionYesYesYes
AI Optimize and bullet point generatorNoYes (desktop only)Yes (desktop only)
AI cover letter generatorNoYesYes
LinkedIn OptimizerNoYes, after the trial (desktop only)Yes (desktop only)
AI Job Match and keyword synonym detectorNoYesYes
Auto Apply credits and Interview PracticeNo20% off (after the trial)20% off

One paid month costs less on Monthly: $49.95 versus $89.95. Two monthly payments total $99.90, already more than a quarter. Three total $149.85, so quarterly saves $59.90 over that period, before tax.

Sales tax is added based on your billing address. Cancellation keeps paid access until the period ends.

Jobscan's Auto Apply page says paid members get 2 free credits, topped up to 2 each month. It lists extra packs at 5 credits for $8.50, 10 for $15.00 and 25 for $35.00. One credit is used per job you choose to apply to. The plan page separately advertises a 20% paid-member discount on credit purchases; check the final checkout total rather than assuming a second discount on those listed pack prices.

No annual plan or Premium+ tier is listed on the current plan page.

Key Takeaway

The $29.98 monthly equivalent requires an $89.95 quarterly payment. Choose based on the time you need.

The price is clear enough. The fine print on getting money back is where people get burned.

Jobscan Refunds, Free Trial and Cancellation

Jobscan's cancellation policy has a short refund window. These rules come from that policy and its plan-page FAQ:
Jobscan billing rules, as written
  • The 7-day free trial applies only to the quarterly plan. When it ends, you are billed for the next quarter: $89.95.
  • A pre-authorization charge is placed at sign-up to check your card. Jobscan says that amount is refunded.
  • If you skip the trial to unlock LinkedIn Optimization right away, your card is charged immediately.
  • You cancel through the Cancel Membership instructions on your Account page. Paid features stay on until the current billing period ends.
  • Cancellation does not issue refunds automatically.
  • Refund eligibility requires contesting the charge within 2 calendar days of the billing period starting and not using the service in that period. A 3.5% fee applies, and requests are decided case by case.
  • When the paid subscription expires, you lose access to paid features and all data associated with them.
For a refund request, the policy says to email support@jobscan.co with the subject Refund Request, your reason and the email tied to your account. For other questions, the plan page directs you to its in-product Contact Us link. This review did not test response times.
The FTC's free-trial guidance recommends checking renewal terms. If charged without consent and refused a refund, contact your card issuer about a dispute. Jobscan's policy does not describe every consumer remedy. This is general information, not legal advice.
Before you start the Jobscan free trial
0/4
Key Takeaway

Treat the trial as a decision deadline. Cancellation does not automatically refund a charge.

Before buying, make sure the features match what you need.

What Is Jobscan?

It started as one tool. It is now a job search suite with a paywall running through the middle of it.

According to the company's About page, CEO James Hu built Jobscan after a frustrating job hunt in 2013. The resume scan is still the center of the product.
Jobscan toolWhat it doesFree or paid
Resume scanner (ATS checker)Reports a match rate and keyword gaps for one postingFree: 5 scans monthly. Paid: unlimited
Resume BuilderBuilds a resume from scratch, an upload or LinkedInFree, including PDF download
AI Resume Builder and AI CoachAsks one question at a time and drafts resume content from your answersFree basics, advanced Coach features paid
Resume templatesWord templates plus a separate Google Docs setFree
Job tracker and Chrome extensionSaves postings from LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor and tracks each applicationFree
AI Optimize, bullet and cover letter generators, AI Job MatchSuggests edits, drafts text or finds matching listingsPaid; Optimize and bullet generator are desktop only
LinkedIn OptimizerProfile score, keywords, headline and summary suggestions (desktop only)Paid, not during the free trial
Auto ApplyFinds jobs across 20+ ATS platforms, including Greenhouse, Lever and Workable, and drafts applications you approvePaid members get credits topped up to 2 monthly; extra packs cost more
The LinkedIn Optimizer automates profile suggestions. For manual improvements, use this LinkedIn profile optimization guide.
Key Takeaway

Free covers the basic resume workflow. Pay for scan capacity or advanced features you will actually use.

All of it rests on one number. Here is what that number really is.

How the Jobscan Match Rate Works

Your scan came back at 34%. That is Jobscan's estimate of your resume's match to one posting, not an employer's verdict. Its resume scanner page describes the match rate as a visualization to guide edits before applying.
Do not extend that into a claim that ATS systems never score applications. Greenhouse's candidate FAQ says some employers use AI-assisted Talent Matching to assign a match score. It also says that feature does not automatically advance or reject candidates. Jobscan's percentage is separate from any employer's scoring process.

What the match rate weighs

Jobscan's FAQ says the match rate is based on five priorities, in this order:
  1. Hard skills: tools, technologies, certifications and methods named in the posting
  2. Education level: only when the job description includes an advanced degree
  3. Job title: whether your resume uses the title the employer wrote
  4. Soft skills: communication, leadership, collaboration and similar terms
  5. Other keywords: industry terms and remaining phrases

Word count and measurable results are not factored in; they appear separately as recruiter tips. Each scan runs more than 30 checks, and the ATS Tip feature tries to detect which system an employer uses (Greenhouse, Taleo or Workday, for example) when you enter the company name and job URL.

75%
Match rate Jobscan recommends
Jobscan FAQ
65%
Score many Jobscan users still succeed with
Jobscan FAQ
30+
Checks in each Jobscan scan
Jobscan resume scanner page

Jobscan recommends 75% and says many users succeed at 65%. Those are the company's recommendations and reports, not validated hiring thresholds. It warns that pushing past 75% can mean overstuffing a resume with keywords.

Useful editMisleading shortcut
Use an accurate job title that matches the postingClaiming a title you never held
Write credentials both ways: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Repeating the same skill five times across sections
Name a tool where you actually used itAdding tools you have never used
Use readable headings and formattingHiding keywords or pasting the posting into your resume
The full ATS playbook
The match rate is one input. For file types, formatting and parsing checks, see How to Get Your Resume Past ATS: The Complete Guide.
Key Takeaway

Fix truthful omissions. Accuracy and readability matter more than chasing a percentage.

Knowing the formula is half of it. The other half is how few scans you get for free.

Jobscan Resume Checker: What the Free Scan Shows

The Jobscan ATS resume checker compares one resume with one job description. Free accounts get 5 scans a month; Premium removes that cap.

Does a re-scan use another free scan? LiveCareer's June 2025 review says each check counts. Jobscan's current public plan page does not clarify this, and this review did not test it. Check your remaining allowance in the app. LiveCareer is owned by BOLD LLC, which sells competing builders.

How a scan works

  1. Upload your resume as a .pdf or .docx, or paste the text
  2. Paste the text of the job listing
  3. Read the match report
  4. Edit relevant gaps, then re-scan if your allowance permits

What the report covers

Inside a Jobscan match report
  • Hard skills and soft skills from the posting, found and missing, in separate breakdowns
  • Recruiter tips on job level match, measurable results, resume tone, web presence and word count
  • Formatting and section-heading checks that flag potential parsing problems
  • ATS-specific tips when you add the company name and job URL
  • Free plan: 5 scans a month and 5 ATS and recruiter findings. Paid plans: unlimited scans, unlimited findings, unlimited keyword comparisons and an AI keyword synonym detector

Jobscan's homepage FAQ recommends .docx unless the posting asks for PDF. Follow the employer's instructions first and check that the uploaded file parses correctly.

Make your 5 free Jobscan scans go further
0/4
Key Takeaway

Try the free workflow, then check scan and finding limits before planning a large application batch.

That is the checker. The builder is where Jobscan is more generous than its reputation.

Jobscan Resume Builder: What Is Free?

Jobscan's resume builder page says creating, editing and downloading unlimited resumes is free. The download is not held behind a subscription. It includes:
  • 9 templates that Jobscan describes as ATS-friendly
  • Three starting points: from scratch, an uploaded resume, or an imported LinkedIn profile
  • Skill suggestions based on the job title you enter
  • Free PDF download
  • Paid only: the resume summary generator, the bullet point generator and AI Optimize
The newer AI Resume Builder adds an AI Coach that asks one question at a time and turns your answers into resume content. Creating, editing and downloading are free, and it exports PDF or DOCX. Advanced AI features, including the Coach beyond your most recent work experience, need the free trial or a paid plan.

If the application needs DOCX, use the AI Resume Builder's DOCX export or a Word template. The standard builder lists PDF download.

Should you use the builder or the checker?

Build a base resume first, then check it against a posting. Templates cannot supply missing qualifications; verify AI-generated content yourself.

Key Takeaway

Building and downloading are free. Advanced AI writing features require a trial or paid plan.

Jobscan Resume Templates: Builder, Word and Google Docs

Beyond the builder's nine templates, Jobscan offers free Word templates for classic, senior and executive, management, mid-career and recent-graduate resumes. A separate collection supports Google Docs.

Choose the employer's requested file type, keep conventional headings and proofread the export. The ATS-friendly label describes the design; it cannot guarantee correct parsing by every employer's system.

Key Takeaway

Templates are free. Use the builder for PDF, or Word and the AI Resume Builder for DOCX.

Jobscan Reviews: What Users Say

A 4.3 out of 5 rating sounds settled. The details are more interesting.

4.3/5
Trustpilot TrustScore
Trustpilot, October 2026
344
Trustpilot reviews
Trustpilot
4.3/5
Chrome extension rating from 44 ratings
Chrome Web Store
20,000
Chrome extension users
Chrome Web Store
On Jobscan's Trustpilot profile, Trustpilot says recent reviews are unprompted and "may not be representative." The Chrome figures are for the Jobscan: Job Search Tracker extension.

What reviewers praise

Recent positive reviewers praise overlooked keyword gaps and ease of use. Some report more interviews or a new job, without establishing that Jobscan caused those outcomes.

What reviewers complain about

  • Billing terms: wanting monthly flexibility instead of a 3-month charge, and one June 2026 reviewer reporting a charge attempt within 24 hours of starting the trial (Jobscan replied that it resolved the issue privately)
  • Account deletion: an August 2026 reviewer said closing the account required a lengthy email exchange; Jobscan replied that the request was account deletion, which support completed
  • AI output: generated bullets and AI-optimized layouts that needed manual editing
  • Bugs and support: LiveCareer's June 2025 review reported scores that disagreed between Jobscan tools and no support reply within 72 hours in its test. That is an older third-party report, not a current response-time measurement.

One five-star reviewer on the Trustpilot profile, dated September 3, 2026, praised the keyword gaps but added:

But don't blindly paste their generated bullet points. They sound stiff and need manual editing.

Trustpilot reviewer, 5-star review, September 3, 2026 — Trustpilot

Reddit, G2 and BBB

In a September 2024 Reddit discussion, the original poster worried that chasing a higher Jobscan score meant filling a resume with buzzwords. Replies disagreed about the tool's value. It is a useful warning about score chasing, not evidence of how employers rank candidates.
G2 lists 4.1/5 from 14 reviews (October 2026), including praise for comparisons and complaints about paywalls. BBB lists Jobscan as not accredited, but accreditation is voluntary. Its absence does not establish illegitimacy.
Key Takeaway

Praise centers on keyword reports; complaints include billing and AI text. Check the output and manage subscription dates.

Your resume data deserves a separate check.

Is Jobscan Safe? Data, AI and Auto Apply

Your resume holds your phone number, your email and every employer you have had. Here is where Jobscan says it goes.

  • AI providers: Jobscan's privacy notice (updated May 19, 2026) says AI inputs, outputs and personal information are shared with providers including Anthropic, OpenAI and Google Cloud AI.
  • Deleting your data: Jobscan says it will deactivate or delete accounts and information from active databases on request, but may retain records for fraud prevention, troubleshooting, investigations or legal purposes.
  • Payments: the plan page FAQ says Jobscan does not store your credit card information and uses industry-standard encryption.
  • Auto Apply: Jobscan says nothing is submitted without your approval and lists 20+ ATS platforms, including Greenhouse, Lever and Workable, as job sources.
LinkedIn's User Agreement (effective November 3, 2025) prohibits "bots or other unauthorized automated methods to access the Services." Jobscan describes applications through company ATS pages. Approval before submission does not establish compliance with every site's terms.
Key Takeaway

This review did not audit security. Review third-party AI processing and retention terms before uploading sensitive information.

With the features, terms and risks clear, the buying decision is simpler.

Is Jobscan Worth It? Who Should Pay

The useful question is whether you need more scans or paid features, and for how long.

Your situationBest Jobscan optionWhy
5 monthly scans cover your needsFreeNo subscription needed for occasional checks
You need paid features for 2 to 3 monthsQuarterly ($89.95)Costs less than two or three monthly payments
You need paid features for 1 monthMonthly ($49.95)Lower total commitment than quarterly
You need a resume from scratchFree Resume BuilderNo paywall on building or downloading
You will not act on keyword feedbackFree builder or tracker onlyPaying for scan volume has little value without edits
Your bottleneck is time to apply, not keywordsNone, or Auto Apply creditsA scanner does not send applications
Pros
  • Keyword-gap reports with published match-rate priorities
  • Free resume builder, PDF download and job tracker
  • ATS-specific tips using the company and job URL
  • Quarterly costs less for two or three paid months
Cons
  • Free scans and findings are capped
  • $49.95 monthly plan has no trial
  • 2-calendar-day unused-service refund window and 3.5% fee
  • Reviewers report AI text needing edits
  • LinkedIn Optimizer locked during the trial
Before you pay to tailor every application, read Do You Really Need to Tailor Your Resume for Each Job?. Reusable versions for distinct roles can reduce repeated editing.
Also check whether an organization you already use offers access. Hire Autism says it has a limited number of free Premium accounts for its job seekers. That is a specific program, not a universal free offer; ask about eligibility and current availability.
Key Takeaway

Upgrade for features or capacity you need, with the shortest cost-effective billing commitment.

If the price is still hard to justify, compare the limits of the free alternatives.

Free Jobscan Alternatives

Comparing a resume with a posting is not proprietary. Several tools do a version of it free.

ToolFree versionPaid priceBest for
Jobscan Free5 resume scans a month, free builder and tracker$49.95/mo or $89.95 per quarterA detailed match report per job
TealUnlimited resumes and job tracking, top 5 job description keywordsTeal+ $13 per 7 days, $29 per 30 days or $79 per 90 daysBuilder and tracker in one place
Rezi1 resume, 3 PDF downloadsPro $29/mo or $149 lifetimeA builder with keyword targeting
SkillSyncer2 job match scans a week, 10 AI credits a week$14.95/mo or $34.86 per quarterWeekly keyword checks
Resume WordedA free ATS scan with resume feedbackNot listed on its scanner pageResume feedback and readability
ChatGPT or ClaudeA keyword-gap prompt, subject to usage limitsFree tiers availableManual comparison of pasted text
Source: Official product and pricing pages, checked October 9, 2026
Read competitor lists with their commercial interest in mind. Teal's list of Jobscan alternatives ranks Teal first.
ChatGPT and Claude offer free plans; access limits vary. For a manual keyword-gap comparison, paste this prompt into either. It cannot reproduce Jobscan's match rate or check a file's layout from pasted text alone.
Free Jobscan-style keyword check
Compare the resume below with the job description below.

1. List the hard skills, tools and certifications the job description mentions that the resume does not, ranked by how often they appear in the posting.
2. List the job titles used in the posting and say whether the resume uses any of them.
3. List the soft skills the posting stresses that the resume never backs up with an example.
4. For each gap, say whether the resume gives evidence the candidate has it. If there is no evidence, write "ask the candidate" instead of inventing anything.
5. Check whether the pasted text uses recognizable section headings. Do not claim to inspect the original file's columns, tables, headers, footers or graphics from pasted text.

Do not rewrite the resume. Do not invent experience.

RESUME:
[paste resume text]

JOB DESCRIPTION:
[paste job description text]
For more prompts that tailor and rewrite, see the ChatGPT resume prompts collection.
Key Takeaway

Free tools can help identify keyword gaps, with different limits and scoring methods. Check the original file's layout separately and verify every suggested addition against your experience.

Whichever tool you pick, a better resume only helps if it reaches an employer.

Jobscan vs Auto-Apply Tools: Different Problems

A 90% match rate on an application that never gets sent is worth nothing.

Jobscan's scanner helps you edit a resume; it does not submit applications. Its separate Auto Apply feature drafts applications for matching jobs, and you approve each one, one credit at a time.

QuestionResume checker (Jobscan)Auto-apply toolReverse recruiter or managed service
What it fixesKeyword gaps in one resumeTime spent filling in formsTime and strategy, handled by people
Who appliesYouSoftware, sometimes after your approvalA person or team on your behalf
Main riskOver-optimizing for a scorePoorly matched submissions or automation that violates a site's termsCost and quality vary by provider
If your bottleneck is volume, not keywords
Key Takeaway

Choose scanning for resume feedback, automation for application work, or a managed service for human support. Jobscan now offers both scanning and a separate credit-based Auto Apply product.

Key Takeaways
  1. 01Jobscan is an ATS resume checker that compares a resume with one job description and reports a match rate and missing keywords
  2. 02The free plan includes 5 scans a month, a resume builder, templates and a job tracker
  3. 03Monthly costs $49.95; quarterly costs $89.95 every 3 months. Monthly is cheaper for one paid month, quarterly for two or three
  4. 04The 7-day free trial applies only to the quarterly plan and converts into an $89.95 charge
  5. 05Refunds are only considered within 2 calendar days of a billing period starting, if unused, minus a 3.5% fee
  6. 06Jobscan recommends a 75% match rate, but its percentage is separate from any employer's scoring process
  7. 07User reviews praise keyword reports and raise concerns about billing and AI text; they do not establish hiring results

FAQ

FAQ

Is Jobscan free?

Partly. The free plan includes 5 resume scans a month, the resume builder with free PDF download, resume templates, a job tracker and the Chrome extension. Unlimited scans, AI Optimize, the AI cover letter generator, AI Job Match and the LinkedIn Optimizer require a paid plan.

How much does Jobscan cost?

Checked October 9, 2026: Free is $0, Monthly is $49.95, and Quarterly is $89.95 every 3 months. Only quarterly has a 7-day trial, which converts to an $89.95 charge unless canceled. Sales tax and additional Auto Apply credits cost extra.

Is Jobscan legit?

Yes. Jobscan is an established resume optimization company with a 4.3 out of 5 TrustScore from 344 Trustpilot reviews as of October 2026. The most common complaints concern billing terms, the short refund window and AI-written text that needs editing.

Does Jobscan actually work?

Its documented purpose is to identify keyword gaps and formatting issues against a posting, and reviewers report finding useful omissions. This review did not test its accuracy or establish an interview benefit. Its match rate is separate from any employer's ATS score.

Is Jobscan safe?

This review did not audit security. Jobscan says it does not store card numbers. Its AI tools share data with providers including Anthropic, OpenAI and Google Cloud AI. Account deletion may leave records retained for fraud prevention, troubleshooting or legal purposes.

What is a good Jobscan score?

Jobscan recommends 75% and says many users succeed at 65%. These are company recommendations, not employer cutoffs. Use relevant keywords truthfully, check readability and avoid stuffing your resume to reach a particular percentage.

How do you cancel Jobscan and get a refund?

Cancel through the Cancel Membership instructions on your Account page; paid features stay on until the billing period ends. Refunds are not automatic: email support@jobscan.co with the subject Refund Request within 2 calendar days of the billing period starting, before using the service. Jobscan decides case by case and keeps a 3.5% fee.

Is the Jobscan resume builder free?

Yes. You can create, edit and download unlimited resumes as PDFs for free, with 9 ATS-friendly templates. The summary generator, bullet point generator and AI Optimize are paid. The AI Resume Builder is also free to use and exports PDF or DOCX.

Is Jobscan better than Teal?

Choose based on your workflow. Jobscan Free gives 5 scans a month with limited findings and ATS-specific tips. Teal Free offers unlimited resumes and tracking but only the top 5 job description keywords. Teal+ starts at $13 per 7 days.

What are the best free alternatives to Jobscan?

Options include Teal (resumes, tracking and top 5 keywords), Rezi (1 resume, 3 PDF downloads), SkillSyncer (2 weekly match scans), Resume Worded (free resume feedback), or ChatGPT and Claude for a text comparison. Their limits and scoring methods differ.

Is Jobscan worth paying for?

Consider Premium if 5 monthly scans are not enough or you need its paid AI tools. Start free. Monthly costs less for one paid month; quarterly costs less for two or three. Read the trial and refund terms before entering a card.

Editorial Policy →
Bogdan Serebryakov

Researching Job Market & Building AI Tools for careerists · since December 2020

Sources
  1. 01Choose your plan (Free, Quarterly and Monthly plans, FAQ) — Jobscan (2026)
  2. 02Cancellation Policy: trial, cancellation and refund policy — Jobscan (2026)
  3. 03Jobscan ATS Resume Checker and Job Search Tools (match rate FAQ) — Jobscan (2026)
  4. 04Free Resume Scanner: Check Your Resume Score — Jobscan (2026)
  5. 05Free ATS Resume Builder — Jobscan (2026)
  6. 06AI Resume Builder — Jobscan (2026)
  7. 07Free Resume Templates — Jobscan (2026)
  8. 08LinkedIn Optimization — Jobscan (2026)
  9. 09Auto Apply: AI Job Application Tool — Jobscan (2026)
  10. 10Privacy Notice — Jobscan (2026)
  11. 11About Jobscan — Jobscan (2026)
  12. 12Jobscan.co Reviews — Trustpilot (2026)
  13. 13Jobscan: Job Search Tracker — Chrome Web Store (2026)
  14. 14Getting In and Out of Free Trials, Auto-Renewals, and Negative Option Subscriptions — Federal Trade Commission (2024)
  15. 15User Agreement — LinkedIn (2025)
  16. 16Jobscan Review: Templates & Resume Builder — LiveCareer (2025)
  17. 17MyGreenhouse FAQ for Candidates: AI-assisted review — Greenhouse (2026)
  18. 18Is this really how Jobscan is supposed to work? — Reddit r/resumes (2024)
  19. 19Jobscan Reviews — G2 (2026)
  20. 20Jobscan Business Profile — Better Business Bureau (2026)
  21. 21Jobscan: limited free Premium access for job seekers — Hire Autism (2026)
  22. 22Teal+ Pricing — Teal (2026)
  23. 23Best Jobscan Alternatives — Teal (2026)
  24. 24Rezi Pricing — Rezi (2026)
  25. 25SkillSyncer Pricing — SkillSyncer (2026)
  26. 26Resume Scanner — Resume Worded (2026)
  27. 27ChatGPT Pricing — OpenAI (2026)
  28. 28Claude Pricing — Anthropic (2026)