How to add Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) to Cursor

Plaid's local MCP server to generate mock financial data and exercise sandbox APIs. Paste the config into ~/.cursor/mcp.json and restart Cursor.

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

Cursor 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 Cursor → Settings → MCP → Add new MCP server (or edit ~/.cursor/mcp.json directly).
2Paste the Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python) config below into the "mcpServers" object.
3Fill in placeholder secrets, then save.
4Cursor reloads MCP servers automatically — check Settings → MCP for a green status dot.
5Ask Cursor to use one of Plaid Sandbox MCP (Python)'s tools to confirm it's connected.

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 Cursor

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) + Cursor FAQ

Where is the Cursor config file?

Cursor reads MCP servers from ~/.cursor/mcp.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 Cursor?

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