alpaca-mcp-server
Alpaca’s official MCP Server lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options, run data analysis, and build strategies in plain English directly from your favorite LLM tools and IDEs
The alpaca-mcp-server is an official MCP server from Alpaca Markets that connects AI assistants to brokerage and market data APIs for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency. It enables developers to execute trades, analyze portfolios, retrieve real-time quotes, and manage watchlists using natural language prompts in Claude, Cursor, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible clients. Built with FastMCP and OpenAPI specifications, version 2 offers toolset filtering, comprehensive testing, and support for both paper and live trading environments.
Key Features
Use Cases
- 01Execute trades and manage positions in stocks, crypto, and options directly from Claude Desktop or Cursor using conversational prompts
- 02Build algorithmic trading strategies by querying historical price data and placing orders based on AI analysis
- 03Monitor portfolio performance and account balances across multiple asset classes through natural language queries
- 04Research option contracts with specific strike prices and expirations, then execute complex multi-leg spreads
- 05Create and manage watchlists for different investment themes or strategies
- 06Retrieve corporate actions, news, and fixed income data for investment research workflows
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alpaca-mcp-server — FAQ
What is alpaca-mcp-server?+
alpaca-mcp-server is Alpaca's official Model Context Protocol server that connects AI assistants to Alpaca's trading and market data APIs. It allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options, retrieve real-time market data, and manage your portfolio using natural language in MCP-compatible clients.
How do I install alpaca-mcp-server in Claude Desktop?+
Add the server to your claude_desktop_config.json file with the command "uvx" and args ["alpaca-mcp-server"], then set ALPACA_API_KEY and ALPACA_SECRET_KEY in the env block. Restart Claude Desktop after saving the configuration.
Which AI clients support alpaca-mcp-server?+
The server works with Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, PyCharm, Claude Code CLI, and Antigravity CLI. It can also run in Docker. Claude Mobile and ChatGPT require remote MCP hosting, which is not configured by default.
Do I need Alpaca API keys?+
Yes, you must create a free Alpaca paper trading account and generate API keys from the dashboard. The server defaults to paper trading mode; set ALPACA_PAPER_TRADE to false for live trading with real money.
Is alpaca-mcp-server free to use?+
The MCP server itself is open source and free. You need a free Alpaca paper trading account for testing, or a live account for real trading. Some market data features require an Alpaca Algo Trader Plus subscription for 15-minute delayed data.
What changed in version 2?+
Version 2 is a complete rewrite with new tool names, parameters aligned to Alpaca API specs, and no backward compatibility with v1. Configuration now uses only environment variables in the MCP client config, with no separate .env files or init commands. You must reconfigure your client and start fresh sessions when upgrading.
How do I install alpaca-mcp-server?+
Open the source repository on GitHub and follow its README. alpaca-mcp-server is a mcp server — MCP Agents Market links you directly to the official repo.
Is alpaca-mcp-server free?+
alpaca-mcp-server is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Check the repository for its license and any usage requirements.