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MCP Setup for AI Clients

This page covers the exact configuration each common MCP client needs to reach https://app.crosstrade.io/v1/api/mcp. Discovery, OAuth, and dynamic client registration are handled by the server. Most clients only need the URL.

For the architecture, scopes, and tool reference, start at the MCP Trading API overview. For trader-facing workflow examples, see the Learn pages.

Requirements​

RequirementValue
SubscriptionCrossTrade Elite. Non-Elite accounts can authenticate but tools/call returns HTTP 403.
Add-onCrossTrade Add-On v1.13.0 or newer.
NinjaTraderNT8 must be running and connected to the add-on for any add-on-backed tool.
BrowserRequired once during initial OAuth consent.
NetworkThe MCP client needs outbound HTTPS to app.crosstrade.io.

Server URL​

https://app.crosstrade.io/v1/api/mcp

Streamable HTTP transport. OAuth 2.1 with PKCE. Dynamic client registration per RFC 7591. Tokens are issued with either mcp:read or mcp:trade scope.

Claude Desktop​

  1. Open Claude Desktop.
  2. Settings → Developer → Edit Config.
  3. Add the CrossTrade entry:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "crosstrade": {
      "url": "https://app.crosstrade.io/v1/api/mcp"
    }
  }
}
  1. Save and quit Claude Desktop. Reopen it.
  2. On the next message that mentions CrossTrade tools, Claude opens a browser tab to the CrossTrade consent screen. Approve mcp:read or mcp:trade and return to the app.
  3. Verify the connection by typing: List my CrossTrade tools and call GetMcpCapabilities.

Claude Code​

claude mcp add --transport http crosstrade https://app.crosstrade.io/v1/api/mcp

On the first tool call Claude Code prompts you to open the OAuth consent URL. After consent, the token is stored in Claude Code's keychain.

When to use Claude Code vs Claude Desktop:

  • Use Claude Desktop for interactive trading sessions, journal review, and quick prompts.
  • Use Claude Code for repository-style workflows: editing NinjaScript files in your NT8 user directory, running compile/backtest loops, and committing changes alongside other code.

Cursor​

  1. Open Cursor.
  2. Settings → Features → MCP → Add MCP Server.
  3. Paste:
{
  "crosstrade": {
    "url": "https://app.crosstrade.io/v1/api/mcp"
  }
}
  1. Reload the MCP servers list. Cursor will prompt for OAuth on the next call.

Continue and Cline​

Both clients accept a standard MCP config block. Add CrossTrade to the mcpServers map and reload. The first tool call triggers the consent flow.

ChatGPT custom connectors​

ChatGPT Pro and Team accounts that have access to remote MCP connectors can register CrossTrade. Use the URL above. Availability changes by plan and region. If your account does not list a remote MCP connector option, this path is not yet enabled for you.

Custom HTTP clients​

For agents written against the MCP spec directly:

  • Transport: Streamable HTTP per the MCP spec.
  • Auth: Bearer token. If absent, the server returns 401 with a WWW-Authenticate: Bearer resource_metadata=... header pointing to https://app.crosstrade.io/.well-known/oauth-protected-resource.
  • Dynamic registration: POST to the registration endpoint announced in OAuth discovery. RFC 7591 compliant.
  • PKCE: required for the auth code flow.

First connection test​

After OAuth consent, run a single capability check before anything else:

You: Call GetMcpCapabilities and then McpSelfTest. Summarize my add-on version,
     backtest engine availability, and any feature flags. Do not call any other tools.

The agent should return the add-on version, the backtest_engine block, the enabled features list, and any warnings. If the add-on is below v1.13.0, upgrade before doing anything else.

Common setup errors​

SymptomLikely causeFix
Client reports no tools listedOAuth consent not completed, or scope rejected.Reauthorize from your CrossTrade account page.
HTTP 403 MCP requires an Elite subscriptionAccount is on Standard or Pro.Upgrade to Elite at app.crosstrade.io/user/subscriptions.
Add-on version too old warning in GetMcpCapabilitiesNT8 add-on is below v1.13.0.Update the CrossTrade Add-On inside NT8.
Tools time outNT8 is not running or the add-on is disconnected.Open NT8, ensure the CrossTrade Add-On panel shows connected.
OAuth completes but tools 401Token expired or revoked.Reauthorize. Tokens can be revoked from the CrossTrade AI Clients page.

Next steps​