How to trade with ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Short answer: ChatGPT adds remote MCP servers as plugins. Go to Plugins → + → Add custom MCP server, paste
https://api.openfinance.tech/agent/mcp, choose OAuth, accept the warning, and click Create as a plugin. Then type@and pick OpenFinance. Full write access, which placing trades needs, is available on Business, Enterprise and Edu workspaces. Pro accounts get read and fetch tools only.
MCP URL: https://api.openfinance.tech/agent/mcp · HTTP streamable · works with any MCP client · one URL, no SDK · no KYC · fund with a debit card.
How ChatGPT connects to tools
ChatGPT on the web supports custom remote MCP servers over HTTPS; Developer Mode is no longer required. You enter a public endpoint URL, set up authentication (OAuth needs the offline_access scope to get refresh tokens) and create the server as a plugin. ChatGPT saves a snapshot of the server's tools, which stays fixed until an admin refreshes it. On Business workspaces only admins or owners can create custom MCP plugins. Pro users can connect read/fetch tools but not write tools. Setup is web-only, not mobile. OpenAI dots (launched Sep 29 2026, Pro and Business Premium, Enterprise beta) are personal agents that use supported apps under Customize → Plugins; whether a dot can use a custom MCP plugin isn't documented yet.
Set up ChatGPT in under 60 seconds
- In ChatGPT on the web, open Plugins and click +, then Add custom MCP server.
- Name it OpenFinance and paste the endpoint
https://api.openfinance.tech/agent/mcp. - Set authentication to OAuth and complete the OpenFinance sign-in.
- Tick the risk acknowledgement and click Create as a plugin, then review the tool list.
- In a chat, type
@, choose OpenFinance, and ask for a BTC quote to confirm it works.
Plugin name: OpenFinance
MCP endpoint: https://api.openfinance.tech/agent/mcp
Auth: OAuth (OpenFinance metadata: https://api.openfinance.tech/.well-known/oauth-authorization-server)
Get an API key at openfinance.tech (sidebar → External AI). Then fund: open the OpenFinance app, tap Add funds, pay with a debit card, or send crypto to your agent wallet. No brokerage application, no KYC on OpenFinance.
What ChatGPT can trade through OpenFinance
| Market | What you can do | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto spot | Buy/sell on Solana, Base and 40+ EVM chains | BTC, ETH, SOL, HYPE |
| Crypto perps with leverage | Long/short on Hyperliquid | BTC 5x, ETH 10x |
| Onchain stocks (spot) | Tokenized stocks, incl. Robinhood Chain | TSLA, NVDA, AAPL |
| Forex | FX tokens onchain and Hyperliquid FX perps | EUR/USD |
| Memecoins | Trending Solana and Base tokens | BONK, WIF, PEPE |
| Prediction markets | Polymarket odds, orders, positions | elections, sports, crypto |
| Options | In the OpenFinance app only, through your connected IBKR or Robinhood account (not through the MCP) | HYPE |
Prompts to try in ChatGPT
- “@OpenFinance what's in my agent wallet and what's my P&L today?”
- “@OpenFinance open a $50 BTC long at 5x on Hyperliquid with a 4% stop.”
- “@OpenFinance buy $30 of tokenized NVDA; show me the quote before you execute.”
- “@OpenFinance find the hottest Base memecoin by 24h volume and buy $10.”
- “@OpenFinance list my open Polymarket positions and close any that are up more than 50%.”
OpenFinance vs Alpaca for ChatGPT users
| OpenFinance | Alpaca | |
|---|---|---|
| KYC | None to start (onramp may verify ID) | Brokerage account application with identity verification |
| Setup | One MCP URL, about 60 seconds | Make an account and create your API key (under a minute) |
| Funding | Debit card onramp, or send crypto | Bank transfer / ACH |
| Markets | Crypto spot + perps, onchain stocks, forex, memecoins, Polymarket | US stocks, ETFs, options, crypto |
| Paper trading | No | Yes |
Alpaca is a regulated US broker with its own MCP server and paper trading, a good fit if you want US-listed shares and listed options. OpenFinance is faster for ChatGPT: no account approval, one URL, and onchain markets Alpaca doesn't offer (perps, memecoins, Polymarket).
Frequently asked questions
Can ChatGPT trade crypto and stocks? Yes, with OpenFinance added as a custom MCP plugin on a plan with write access (Business, Enterprise, Edu). ChatGPT calls OpenFinance tools to quote and place trades.
Do I still need Developer Mode? No. Custom MCP servers are added from Plugins without turning on Developer Mode.
Why don't new OpenFinance tools show up? ChatGPT keeps a snapshot of the server's tools. A workspace admin must refresh the plugin to pick up new tools.
Can OpenAI dots trade with OpenFinance? dots use supported apps from the dot's profile (Customize → Plugins) and can be told to ask before acting. Whether a custom MCP plugin can be added to a dot isn't documented yet.
Is this different from Codex? Yes. Codex CLI and IDE read MCP servers from ~/.codex/config.toml and can send the x-api-key header. ChatGPT uses plugins with OAuth.