Connect to ChatGPT
Set up the OpenBudget MCP server to give ChatGPT live access to your bank transactions, balances, and spending data.
ChatGPT by OpenAI supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which lets it connect directly to your bank accounts through OpenBudget. Here's how to set it up in under 5 minutes.
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 ChatGPT connect to your OpenBudget account. Copy it — you'll paste it into ChatGPT in the next step.
https://api.openbudget.sh/mcpAdd the server to ChatGPT
Follow the steps below to paste your MCP server URL into ChatGPT. Works the same on ChatGPT web and desktop.
Open Advanced Settings
Go to chatgpt.com, open Settings, then navigate to "Apps" in the sidebar. Click "Advanced settings" at the bottom.
Open settingsEnable Developer Mode
Toggle on "Developer mode". This allows you to add custom MCP server connections. You only need to do this once.
Create a new App
Go back to the Apps page. You'll now see a "Create app" button. Click it to set up the OpenBudget connection.
Configure the MCP connection
Name the app "OpenBudget", paste the MCP Server URL below, select "OAuth" for authentication, then click "Create".
https://api.openbudget.sh/mcpAuthorize when prompted
The first time you ask ChatGPT about your finances, it will redirect you to OpenBudget to sign in and authorize access. This uses OAuth — sign in with the same account you used to connect your banks, then click "Authorize". You only need to do this once.
Start asking about your finances
You're all set. If ChatGPT 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 ChatGPT chat
Ask about your spending, subscriptions, budgets, and more
Try these prompts
Works with ChatGPT Plus and Team
The OpenBudget MCP server works with ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise plans that have MCP support enabled. Your data is accessed in real-time — ChatGPT always sees your latest transactions and balances.
Privacy and security
Your bank credentials are never shared with ChatGPT. OpenBudget uses Plaid to securely connect to your financial institutions, and the MCP server only exposes read-only transaction and balance data to ChatGPT when you explicitly ask.
What you can ask
Real examples of what ChatGPT can do with your financial data.
"I just got back from Tokyo — how much did the whole trip cost?"
Here's everything from your Tokyo trip (Feb 20–27):
| Date | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 20 | United Airlines — SFO → NRT | $1,124.00 |
| Feb 20 | Shinjuku Granbell Hotel (7 nights) | $1,680.00 |
| Feb 21 | Suica card top-up | $45.00 |
| Feb 22 | TeamLab Borderless tickets | $32.00 |
| Feb 23 | Tsukiji Outer Market | $28.50 |
| Feb 24 | Shinkansen to Kyoto (round trip) | $248.00 |
| Feb 25 | Don Quijote — souvenirs | $86.00 |
| Feb 27 | United Airlines — NRT → SFO | $1,087.00 |
Total trip cost: $4,330.50
"I'm a real estate agent — how much have I spent on gas and client lunches this quarter?"
Here are your Q1 work-related expenses in those categories:
Gas & Fuel
38 transactions — Shell, Chevron, Costco Gas
Client meals
22 transactions — steakhouses, coffee meetings, closing dinners
Parking
12 transactions at showing locations
Q1 total: $2,117.70 — all potentially deductible. Want me to export this to Excel?
"Compare my spending this month vs. last month — where am I overspending?"
Here's your month-over-month comparison. Categories with significant increases:
Dining and rideshare are your biggest increases. The entertainment spike is mostly a concert ticket ($150).