/api

Alpaca MCP server: connect your AI agent to Alpaca

Alpaca's MCP server lets AI chat apps, CLIs and IDEs use Alpaca's Trading API in plain English, in paper trading by default. Here is how to set it up, what it can't do, and how to add research with sources.

Finks is not affiliated with or endorsed by Alpaca.

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Alpaca MCP server (Claude Code)

claude mcp add alpaca --scope user --transport stdio uvx alpaca-mcp-server \
  --env ALPACA_API_KEY=… --env ALPACA_SECRET_KEY=…

Finks MCP (research)

// Copy your MCP URL from the Finks API console
// Cursor: ~/.cursor/mcp.json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "finks-api": {
      "url": "<your MCP URL from the console>",
      "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer fk_test_..." }
    }
  }
}

// Claude Code
claude mcp add --transport http finks-api "<your MCP URL from the console>" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer $FINKS_API_KEY"

What is the Alpaca MCP server?

The Alpaca MCP server lets you connect AI chat apps, AI CLIs or IDEs to Alpaca's Trading API, so you can research markets, analyze data with AI and place trades using natural language.

Version 2
A complete rewrite. None of the version 1 tools exist in version 2.
You need
Python 3.10 or higher, the uv package manager, Alpaca's Trading API keys and an MCP-compatible client.
Launched
First published on GitHub on 3 June 2025.

Connect Claude or Cursor to the Alpaca MCP server

  1. 1.Run claude mcp add alpaca --scope user --transport stdio uvx alpaca-mcp-server --env ALPACA_API_KEY=… --env ALPACA_SECRET_KEY=…

Alpaca MCP server limits and defaults

Alpaca's own defaults for the MCP server.

Paper trading
On by default, with $100K in simulated funds and real market data. Live trading needs ALPACA_PAPER_TRADE=false and live keys.
Tool filtering
Limit which tools your agent gets with ALPACA_TOOLSETS.
Runs locally
Do not expose the server to the internet with your keys.

Add research with sources to Alpaca's MCP

Alpaca's MCP server includes news articles your agent can filter by ticker and date range.

Add the Finks MCP server beside it, and your agent can search in plain English and get back the passages that answer it, each with its source (news, SEC filings and earnings call transcripts).

mcp.json

// Copy your MCP URL from the Finks API console
// Cursor: ~/.cursor/mcp.json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "finks-api": {
      "url": "<your MCP URL from the console>",
      "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer fk_test_..." }
    }
  }
}

// Claude Code
claude mcp add --transport http finks-api "<your MCP URL from the console>" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer $FINKS_API_KEY"
  1. 01

    "What did Nvidia say about export restrictions in its 10-Q?"

    finks_search

    {
  "type": "filing",
  "title": "NVIDIA CORP — 10-Q",
  "published_at": "2025-11-19T21:36:17Z",
  "url": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045810/000104581025000230/nvda-20251026.htm",
  "passage": {
    "section_id": "10-q/part-1-item-2",
    "text": "…The replacement rule may impose new restrictions on our products or operations and/or add license requirements that could have a material impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition…"
  }
}
  2. 02

    "Which chipmakers mentioned supply constraints in recent news? Cite each source."

    finks_search

    {
  "type": "brief",
  "title": "Arm ($ARM) CEO: Chip Shortages Hinder AI Cancer Research and Robotics",
  "published_at": "2026-09-11T08:35:31Z",
  "publishers": ["myjoyonline.com", "bmmagazine.co.uk", "thesun.co.uk"],
  "url": "https://finks.ai/briefs/672Tyhi5hla9"
}
  3. 03

    "Why did AMD shares move today? Give me the sources."

    finks_search

    {
  "type": "brief",
  "title": "Semiconductor Stocks Fall as Advanced Micro Devices ($AMD) Drops $33.72 on Profit-Taking",
  "published_at": "2026-10-14T21:03:30Z",
  "publishers": ["marketbeat.com", "themarketsdaily.com", "dailypolitical.com"],
  "url": "https://finks.ai/briefs/i6SzWYY7ceVH"
}

Real responses, test key, 20 and 26 Oct 2026. Trimmed.

Finks returns information with its source. It does not give investment advice or tell your agent what to trade.

Related pages

Questions about the Alpaca MCP server

What is the Alpaca MCP server?

Alpaca's MCP server connects AI chat apps, CLIs and IDEs to Alpaca's Trading API, so an agent can research markets and place trades in natural language.

Is Alpaca MCP free?

The server is open source under the MIT license. Alpaca's README says you need Alpaca Trading API keys, which come with a free paper trading account.

Can I paper trade with it?

Yes. Paper trading is the default, with $100K in simulated funds and real market data.

Does it work with ChatGPT?

Not with this package. Alpaca's README says "ChatGPT requires a remote MCP server" and that the package does not configure remote MCP authentication, so use it from a desktop client such as Claude Desktop, Cursor or VS Code. Alpaca's landing page still shows an "Install in ChatGPT" button.

What changed in v2?

Version 2 is a complete rewrite of the server. None of the version 1 tools exist in version 2.

How do I get a Finks API key?

Sign up for the Finks API console with your email and create a test key; no card needed. For production access, join the waitlist from the console.

Sources

Finks is not affiliated with or endorsed by Alpaca.

Research before your agent trades on Alpaca

Add the Finks MCP for news, filings and earnings calls with sources.

Try Finks for free