How to add Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) to Claude Desktop

Plaid's local MCP server to generate mock financial data and exercise sandbox APIs. Paste the config into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json and restart Claude Desktop.

Last updated June 15, 2026 · 120★ · stdio · apikey · official

Claude Desktop config for Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python)

uvx mcp-server-plaid --client-id <your-plaid-client-id> --secret <your-plaid-sandbox-secret>

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "plaid-sandbox-mcp-python": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-server-plaid",
        "--client-id",
        "<your-plaid-client-id>",
        "--secret",
        "<your-plaid-sandbox-secret>"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Requires `uv` (the Python package runner). Install it from https://docs.astral.sh/uv/ if `uvx` is not found.

Setup steps

1Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Developer → Edit Config (this opens ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json).
2Paste the Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) config below under the top-level "mcpServers" key.
3Fill in any placeholder secrets (API keys, paths) in the snippet.
4Save the file, then fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop.
5Open a chat and confirm Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python)'s tools appear under the 🔌 tools menu.

Before you start

A Plaid developer account with Sandbox API credentials (`client_id` and `secret`) from the Plaid Dashboard under Developers → Keys
`uv`/`uvx` installed (the Python uv toolchain) to run `mcp-server-plaid`
An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop or Cursor

What Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) can do in Claude Desktop

search_documentation

Searches Plaid's documentation for the right product, API, and endpoint information.

get_sandbox_access_token

Creates a Sandbox Item and returns a working access token and item ID for testing against mocked data.

get_mock_data_prompt

Returns a prompt for generating customized, realistic mock financial test data.

simulate_webhook

Triggers simulated webhook events so you can test your application's webhook-handling logic.

Security

Intended for Plaid sandbox use; supply sandbox credentials rather than production keys. Avoid pointing it at live Plaid secrets since it is a development/testing tool.

Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) + Claude Desktop FAQ

Where is the Claude Desktop config file?

Claude Desktop reads MCP servers from ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. Paste the Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) config there under the "mcpServers" key and restart the client.

Is Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) safe to use with Claude Desktop?

Intended for Plaid sandbox use; supply sandbox credentials rather than production keys. Avoid pointing it at live Plaid secrets since it is a development/testing tool.

Does this work against real bank accounts or production?

No. It is scoped to Plaid's Sandbox environment and uses your Sandbox credentials, so it generates and operates on mock financial data only — never real accounts.

Where do I get the client_id and secret?

From the Plaid Dashboard under Developers → Keys. Use the Sandbox credentials shown there.

How do I run it — npm or Python?

It is a Python package run via `uvx mcp-server-plaid`. You need the `uv` toolchain installed; there is no npm package.

View repo Full Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) page