# Frequently Asked Questions
## General
### What is Universal Crypto MCP?
Universal Crypto MCP is an open-source [Model Context Protocol](https://modelcontextprotocol.io) server that connects AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor) to blockchain networks. It provides 330+ tools for DeFi, trading, security analysis, and cross-chain operations.
### Is it free?
Yes! Universal Crypto MCP is open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. You can use, modify, and distribute it freely.
### Which AI assistants are supported?
- **Claude Desktop** - Full support via MCP
- **ChatGPT** - Via HTTP mode with Actions
- **Cursor** - Via MCP configuration
- **Any MCP-compatible client** - Will work out of the box
### Which blockchains are supported?
15+ chains including:
- Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Polygon, Optimism
- BNB Chain, opBNB, Avalanche, Fantom
- zkSync Era, Linea, Scroll, Blast, Mode, Mantle
- Solana, TON, XRP Ledger (extended support)
---
## Setup & Configuration
### How do I install it?
```bash
git clone https://github.com/nirholas/universal-crypto-mcp.git
cd universal-crypto-mcp
npm install
npm run build
```
Then add to your Claude Desktop config. See the [Quick Start Guide](mcp-server/quickstart.md).
### Do I need API keys?
For basic functionality, you need at least one RPC provider key:
- **Alchemy** (recommended) - Free tier available
- **Infura** - Alternative option
Optional keys for enhanced features:
- **CoinGecko** - Better rate limits for price data
- **1inch** - Direct DEX aggregator access
### Can I use it without a private key?
Yes! Without a private key, you get full read-only access:
- Check balances and positions
- Get swap quotes
- Analyze contracts
- View market data
Add a private key only when you want to execute transactions.
### How do I configure for multiple chains?
Just set your RPC provider key (Alchemy/Infura) and all supported chains work automatically. No per-chain configuration needed.
---
## Security
### Is it safe to use my private key?
The private key is stored locally in your `.env` file and never transmitted. However, best practices:
1. **Use a dedicated wallet** - Don't use your main wallet
2. **Fund minimally** - Only keep what you need for transactions
3. **Use hardware wallet signing** - Coming in future versions
4. **Review transactions** - The AI shows what it will do before executing
### Can the AI drain my wallet?
The server includes safety features:
- Confirmation prompts for large transactions
- Slippage limits on swaps
- Gas price caps
However, you are ultimately responsible for reviewing transactions before approval.
### Has the code been audited?
Not yet formally audited. We encourage security researchers to review the code and report issues via our [security policy](https://github.com/nirholas/universal-crypto-mcp/security/policy).
---
## Features
### Can I execute real trades?
Yes, with a private key configured you can:
- Execute swaps on DEXs
- Supply/withdraw from lending protocols
- Bridge assets between chains
- Stake tokens
### Does it support NFTs?
NFT support is limited currently:
- ✅ Check NFT ownership
- ✅ View NFT metadata
- ❌ Buy/sell NFTs (coming soon)
- ❌ NFT portfolio tracking (coming soon)
### Can I set up automated trading?
The MCP protocol is designed for interactive use, not unattended automation. For automated trading, you'd need to build additional infrastructure around the server.
### Does it support limit orders?
Currently supports:
- ✅ Market swaps
- ✅ Swap quotes
- ❌ Limit orders (on roadmap)
---
## Troubleshooting
### Claude says "tool not found"
1. Rebuild the project: `npm run build`
2. Restart Claude Desktop
3. Check your config path is correct
### Transactions are failing
Common causes:
- Insufficient gas (try increasing gas limit)
- Stale quotes (prices moved, retry)
- Insufficient balance (check you have enough + gas)
- Network congestion (try later or increase gas price)
### Getting rate limited
If you're hitting rate limits:
1. Add your own API keys (CoinGecko, etc.)
2. Reduce query frequency
3. Use caching (Claude naturally caches recent data)
### The balance shown is wrong
- Prices update every few minutes
- New transactions need block confirmations
- Some tokens may not have price feeds
---
## Development
### Can I add new chains?
Yes! See the [Contributing Guide](contributing/index.md). The modular architecture makes adding chains straightforward.
### Can I add custom tools?
Absolutely. The server uses a modular tool system. Create a new file in `src/modules/` following the existing patterns.
### How do I run tests?
```bash
npm test # Run all tests
npm run test:watch # Watch mode
npm run test:coverage # With coverage
```
### Can I use this in my own project?
Yes, it's Apache 2.0 licensed. You can:
- Use it as a dependency
- Fork and modify it
- Build commercial products with it
- Just give attribution
---
## Roadmap
### What's coming next?
See the [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/nirholas/universal-crypto-mcp/issues) for the full roadmap. Highlights:
- **Q1 2026**: NFT support, limit orders
- **Q2 2026**: Hardware wallet integration
- **Q3 2026**: Advanced analytics, alerts
### How can I request features?
Open a [GitHub Issue](https://github.com/nirholas/universal-crypto-mcp/issues/new) with the "feature request" template.
### How can I contribute?
See our [Contributing Guide](contributing/index.md). We welcome:
- Bug fixes
- New features
- Documentation improvements
- Translations
---
## Contact
### Where can I get help?
- **GitHub Issues** - Bug reports and feature requests
- **GitHub Discussions** - General questions
- **Twitter** - [@nichxbt](https://x.com/nichxbt)
### Who built this?
Built by [Nich](https://x.com/nichxbt). See [GitHub](https://github.com/nirholas) for more projects.
---
## Still have questions?
Open a [GitHub Discussion](https://github.com/nirholas/universal-crypto-mcp/discussions) or tweet [@nichxbt](https://x.com/nichxbt)!
