How do I install the actual mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `ACTUAL_DATA_DIR`, `ACTUAL_PASSWORD`, `ACTUAL_SERVER_URL`, `ACTUAL_BUDGET_SYNC_ID`, `ACTUAL_BUDGET_ENCRYPTION_PASSWORD`, `BEARER_TOKEN` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Actual MCP Server

Actual Budget MCP server exposing API functionality

Local serverstdio

What is the Actual MCP Server?

Actual Budget MCP server exposing API functionality

What the server does

MCP server for integrating Actual Budget with Claude and other LLM assistants.

The Actual Budget MCP Server allows you to interact with your personal financial data from Actual Budget using natural language through LLMs. It exposes your accounts, transactions, and financial metrics through the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Credentials and setup notes

Node.js (v16 or higher) - Actual Budget installed and configured - Claude Desktop or another MCP-compatible client - Docker Desktop (optional)

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

How to install the Actual MCP Server

claude mcp add actual --env ACTUAL_DATA_DIR=your-value --env ACTUAL_PASSWORD=your-value --env ACTUAL_SERVER_URL=your-value --env ACTUAL_BUDGET_SYNC_ID=your-value --env ACTUAL_BUDGET_ENCRYPTION_PASSWORD=your-value --env BEARER_TOKEN=your-value -- npx -y version

Configuration

Node.js (v16 or higher) - Actual Budget installed and configured - Claude Desktop or another MCP-compatible client - Docker Desktop (optional)

Variable	Description	Required
ACTUAL_DATA_DIR	Filesystem location the server is allowed to use.	Optional
ACTUAL_PASSWORD	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
ACTUAL_SERVER_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes
ACTUAL_BUDGET_SYNC_ID	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
ACTUAL_BUDGET_ENCRYPTION_PASSWORD	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
BEARER_TOKEN	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes

Example prompts to try

“Use Actual MCP to Resources.”
“Use Actual MCP to Tools.”
“Use Actual MCP to Categories.”

Frequently asked questions

Actual Budget MCP server exposing API functionality Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.

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