ynab-mcp-server

@calebl

About ynab-mcp-server

Model Context Protocol for YNAB (you need a budget)

Config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ynab-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@smithery/cli",
        "install",
        "@calebl/ynab-mcp-server",
        "--client",
        "claude"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Tools

No tools detected

Fetch the live tool list by running this server in a temporary sandbox using the button above.

Overview

What is ynab-mcp-server?

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server built with mcp‑framework that provides tools for interacting with your YNAB budgets via the YNAB API. It is designed for users who want to manage their YNAB budget through an AI conversation.

How to use ynab-mcp-server?

Set the required environment variable YNAB_API_TOKEN (your personal access token from YNAB) and optionally YNAB_BUDGET_ID. Configure your MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop) with the server’s path or install it via Smithery using npx -y @smithery/cli install @calebl/ynab-mcp-server --client claude.

Key features of ynab-mcp-server

Lists all available budgets on your YNAB account
Provides a summary of underfunded categories and low accounts
Retrieves all unapproved transactions
Creates a transaction for a specified budget and account
Approves an existing transaction in your YNAB budget

Use cases of ynab-mcp-server

Manage overspent categories in your budget
Add new transactions conversationally
Approve pending transactions
Check total monthly spending versus total income
Auto‑distribute ready‑to‑assign funds based on category targets

FAQ from ynab-mcp-server

What is the YNAB_API_TOKEN and how do I get it?

A personal access token from YNAB, obtained from https://api.ynab.com/#personal-access-tokens. It is required to use this server.

Is my API token exposed to the LLM?

No. The token is stored privately in an environment variable and is never directly sent to the LLM.

What tools are currently available?

The server includes ListBudgets, BudgetSummary, GetUnapprovedTransactions, CreateTransaction, and ApproveTransaction.

Do I need to set YNAB_BUDGET_ID?

It is optional. If not provided, the server will prompt you to select a budget from your available budgets when you first use it.

How do I configure this server with Claude Desktop?

Add a configuration entry to your Claude Desktop config file (claude_desktop_config.json) pointing to the server command and args, either via npx or local path. Instructions for both macOS and Windows are in the README.

Frequently asked questions