Connect an AI Assistant (MCP)

Connect ChatGPT, Claude, or any other AI assistant to your GetCost account so it can create estimates, look up clients, log expenses, and more — just by asking.

What Is the MCP Endpoint

GetCost publishes a Model Context Protocol (MCP) endpoint — an open standard that lets AI assistants work directly inside your GetCost account. Once connected, the assistant can read and change your data on your behalf, without you navigating any screens.

MCP server URL: https://www.getcost.com/mcp
This is the address to paste when your assistant asks for a server URL, connector URL or endpoint. It is also shown, with a Copy button, at the top of Settings | Advanced | MCP API Keys.

Connection Details

Setting Value
Endpoint URL https://www.getcost.com/mcp
Transport HTTP (JSON-RPC 2.0)
Authentication Sign in with your GetCost account (OAuth), or paste an API key — whichever the application offers
Available tools Over 110, covering estimates, invoices, clients, leads, items, templates, schedule, timesheets, mileage, transactions, email, and chat
Note: There are two ways in, and you only need one. Most applications now offer to sign in — you approve once in your browser and never handle a key. If yours instead asks for an API key, create one as shown below.
Before you start: You need an active business in GetCost and an active subscription. Some tools are unavailable on the free plan.

Connect ChatGPT

GetCost is added to ChatGPT as a plugin (also called a custom connector). This is available on ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans and requires developer mode. On Business and Enterprise accounts, a workspace admin has to allow it first.

  1. Turn on developer mode

    In ChatGPT, open Settings → Plugins and click Developer mode. That takes you to Settings | Security and login, where you switch Developer mode on. GetCost cannot be added until this is on.

  2. Add GetCost

    Go back to Settings → Plugins, click Browse Plugins, then the + button to add one. Fill in:

    • Name: GetCost
    • Description: My GetCost business account (optional)
    • MCP server URL: https://www.getcost.com/mcp

  3. Choose how to authenticate

    Pick whichever Authentication option ChatGPT shows you:

    • OAuth — nothing to paste. ChatGPT opens GetCost, you sign in and press Allow access, and you are done.
    • API key (sometimes called access token) — paste the mcp_… key described in API Key (Only If Asked).

    Do not choose No authentication, or every request will be rejected.

  4. Confirm and create

    Tick the box confirming you trust the connector, then click Create. ChatGPT contacts the endpoint and lists the GetCost tools it found.

  5. Use it in a conversation

    Start a new chat, open the + (or tools) menu, and enable GetCost for that conversation. Then ask something simple, such as "List my clients", to confirm it works.

Approve actions carefully. A connector in developer mode can write to your account — creating, changing, and deleting records. ChatGPT asks before running a tool the first time. Read what it is about to do before you approve it.
Deep research: The GetCost connector is built for normal chat conversations. ChatGPT's deep research mode expects a different, search-only kind of connector, so GetCost is not designed for it.

API Key (Only If Asked)

You only need a key if your assistant asks for one (an API key, access token or bearer token) instead of offering to sign in.

Signing in instead? If the application offers to sign in to GetCost, skip this section entirely — no key is needed. You approve the request in your browser, and the application appears under Connected applications in the same settings screen, where you can disconnect it whenever you want.

  1. Open the MCP settings

    Go to Settings | Advanced | MCP API Keys.

  2. Create a key

    Click Create API Key. The new key is generated and copied to your clipboard automatically. It starts with mcp_.

  3. Keep it handy

    Your keys stay visible on this screen, so you can come back and copy one again later. You can hold up to 5 keys per business, and delete any key at any time.

Treat the key like a password. Anyone holding it has full access to your GetCost business data. Never post it publicly, and delete a key immediately if it leaks.

See API Keys for more on managing keys.

Connect Claude or Cursor

Claude (Desktop, Web, or Code)

Add a custom connector with the URL https://www.getcost.com/mcp, and set the header Authorization: Bearer mcp_your_key_here, replacing that last part with your own key.

Cursor, Windsurf, and other tools

Open the MCP settings of your tool and add an HTTP server pointing to https://www.getcost.com/mcp with the same authorization header.

Tip: Developers can find full configuration samples, the complete tool list, and the raw HTTP protocol details in the SDK documentation under MCP API Integration.

What You Can Ask

Once connected, you just talk to the assistant in plain language. For example:

📋

Estimates & Invoices

"Create an estimate for Sarah Johnson with drywall repair at $450."

👤

Clients & Leads

"Find all my clients in Austin and show their phone numbers."

💰

Expenses

"Log a $350 lumber expense from Home Depot as Materials."

📅

Schedule & Time

"What do I have booked next Tuesday, and add 3 hours on the Miller job."

📈

Reports

"Summarize my income and expenses for last month."

🛠

Templates

"Build a bathroom renovation template with room dimensions."

Tip: The assistant can see which screen you have open in GetCost. While viewing an estimate, you can just say "add a labor line at $75/hour" and it lands on the right document.

Troubleshooting

Problem What to do
"Authentication failed" or every request is rejected The key is missing or wrong. Re-copy it from Settings | Advanced | MCP API Keys, making sure there is no extra space, and that the connector uses API key authentication.
The sign-in window opens but nothing connects Make sure you finish on the GetCost page by pressing Allow access. If it says the application is not registered, start again from the application rather than reopening the link.
An application still has access after you stopped using it Go to Settings | Advanced | MCP API Keys, find it under Connected applications and press Disconnect. It loses access immediately.
No tools appear after connecting Restart the assistant. Most clients only re-read connector settings on startup.
"You must have an active business" Set up your business under Settings | Business Information, then create the key again.
A specific action is refused as needing a subscription That tool requires a paid plan. Check Settings | Subscriptions.
You cannot create a new key You are at the limit of 5 keys per business. Delete one you no longer use.
Still stuck? Contact support with the name of the assistant you are connecting and the exact error it shows.