Connect to Claude
Set up the OpenBudget MCP server to give Claude live access to your bank transactions, balances, and spending data.
Connect manually
Follow the guide below
Step-by-step setup for claude.ai or Claude Desktop. Takes about 5 minutes.
Easiest way
Let Claude Cowork set it up
Copy instructions and paste into Cowork in the Claude Desktop app. It handles everything.
How to connect
Connect your bank accounts
Sign up for OpenBudget and securely link your bank accounts, credit cards, and brokerages through Plaid. This takes about 2 minutes.
No bank accounts connected yet
Securely link your accounts through Plaid to get started.
Copy your connector URL
This URL lets Claude connect to your OpenBudget account. Copy it — you'll paste it into Claude in the next step.
https://api.openbudget.sh/mcpAdd the server to Claude
Follow the steps below to paste your MCP server URL into Claude. Works the same on Claude web and desktop.
Open Connectors
Click the "Customize" button in the top left of Claude, then select "Connectors".
Open settingsClick "Add custom connector"
Click the "+" button in the top right of the Connectors panel, then select "Add custom connector".
Paste your URL and name it
In the "Add custom connector" dialog, enter "openbudget.sh" as the name and paste your MCP server URL. Then click "Add".
https://api.openbudget.sh/mcpClick "Connect"
Find OpenBudget in the connectors list and click "Connect". Claude will verify the server and establish the connection.
Sign in to OpenBudget
After clicking "Connect", Claude will redirect you to OpenBudget to verify your identity. Sign in with the same account you used to connect your banks — once authenticated, you'll be redirected back to Claude with the connection active.
Start asking about your finances
You're all set. If Claude doesn't automatically use OpenBudget, try asking it to “use the OpenBudget MCP server” in your prompt. Copy any prompt below to get started, or start a blank conversation.
Start a new Claude chat
Ask about your spending, subscriptions, budgets, and more
Try these prompts
Works with Claude Desktop and Claude.ai
The OpenBudget MCP server works with Claude Desktop (macOS and Windows) and Claude.ai with MCP support enabled. Your data is accessed in real-time — Claude always sees your latest transactions and balances.
Privacy and security
Your bank credentials are never shared with Claude. OpenBudget uses Plaid to securely connect to your financial institutions, and the MCP server only exposes read-only transaction and balance data to Claude when you explicitly ask.
What you can ask
Real examples of what Claude can do with your financial data.
"I just got back from Barcelona — how much did the trip cost me?"
Here's everything I found from your Barcelona trip (March 12–18):
| Date | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | Delta Airlines — JFK → BCN | $487.00 |
| Mar 12 | Hotel Casa Bonay | $892.00 |
| Mar 13 | La Boqueria Market | $34.50 |
| Mar 14 | Sagrada Familia tickets | $52.00 |
| Mar 14 | Uber rides (3) | $28.40 |
| Mar 15 | El Nacional restaurant | $78.90 |
| Mar 16 | Zara — Passeig de Gràcia | $124.00 |
| Mar 18 | Delta Airlines — BCN → JFK | $512.00 |
Total trip cost: $2,208.80
"I'm a freelance designer — pull all my business expenses for Q1 and sort them by category"
Here are your Q1 business expenses, categorized:
Software & Subscriptions
Figma, Adobe CC, Notion, Webflow, Slack
Hardware
Apple Studio Display
Coworking
WeWork hot desk (3 months)
Client meals
12 transactions across 8 restaurants
Travel
Flight + hotel for NYC client meeting
Professional development
Config 2025 ticket
Q1 total: $4,717.80 — want me to add this to your tax spreadsheet?
"How much am I spending on subscriptions I barely use?"
I found 14 recurring subscriptions. Here are the ones with the lowest usage signals (no associated transactions beyond the charge itself):
Potential savings: $47.97/mo ($575.64/year)