# Model Context Protocol (MCP) (/docs/guides/destinations/mcp)





# Model Context Protocol (MCP) [#model-context-protocol-mcp]

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that lets AI assistants like Claude access external data sources. The Lunch Flow MCP server lets you query your financial data through natural language.

## Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

* An active Lunch Flow account with at least one connected bank
* Claude Desktop or another compatible AI assistant
* An API key from [lunchflow.app/destinations](https://lunchflow.app/destinations)

## Setup [#setup]

Install the Lunch Flow MCP server via [Smithery](https://smithery.ai/) and configure your API key through the dashboard.

## Available tools [#available-tools]

| Tool                                 | Description                                                                  |
| ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `lunchflow_list_accounts`            | Lists all connected bank accounts with institution, currency, and status     |
| `lunchflow_get_account_transactions` | Retrieves transaction history with dates, amounts, merchants, and categories |
| `lunchflow_get_account_balance`      | Returns current and available balances for a specific account                |

## What you can do [#what-you-can-do]

<img alt="Claude using Lunch Flow MCP to fetch account balances" src="__img0" />

* Analyse spending patterns across accounts
* Get a natural-language summary of your finances
* Categorise and reconcile expenses
* Ask questions like "How much did I spend on food last month?"

## Security [#security]

* Read-only access - the MCP server cannot move money or modify accounts
* Open-source code
* Encrypted authentication - your banking credentials are never stored
* Only the specific data needed to answer your question is sent to the AI

When you ask a question, Claude processes the data temporarily. Banking details are not permanently retained.