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justmytwospence

ynab-mcp

List Payee Transactions

list_payee_transactions
Read-only

Retrieve transaction history for a specific payee in YNAB budgets to track spending patterns and analyze financial behavior.

Instructions

[1 API call] List transactions for a specific payee

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
budget_idNoBudget ID or 'last-used'last-used
payee_idYesThe payee ID
since_dateNoOnly return transactions on or after this date (YYYY-MM-DD)
typeNoFilter by type
last_knowledge_of_serverNoDelta request token

Implementation Reference

  • The handler logic that executes `getTransactionsByPayee` and formats the results.
    try {
      const response = await getClient().transactions.getTransactionsByPayee(
        budget_id, payee_id, since_date, type, last_knowledge_of_server
      );
      const txns = response.data.transactions;
      if (txns.length === 0) return textResult("No transactions found for this payee.");
      const lines = txns.map(formatTransaction);
      return textResult(`Payee Transactions (${txns.length}):\n${lines.join("\n")}`);
    } catch (e: any) {
      return errorResult(e.message);
  • The tool registration with schema definition for input parameters.
    server.registerTool("list_payee_transactions", {
      title: "List Payee Transactions",
      description: "[1 API call] List transactions for a specific payee",
      inputSchema: {
        budget_id: z.string().default("last-used").describe("Budget ID or 'last-used'"),
        payee_id: z.string().describe("The payee ID"),
        since_date: z.string().optional().describe("Only return transactions on or after this date (YYYY-MM-DD)"),
        type: z.enum(TRANSACTION_TYPES).optional().describe("Filter by type"),
        last_knowledge_of_server: z.number().optional().describe("Delta request token"),
      },
      annotations: { readOnlyHint: true },
    }, async ({ budget_id, payee_id, since_date, type, last_knowledge_of_server }) => {
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description adds '[1 API call]' which provides useful implementation context beyond the readOnlyHint annotation. However, it doesn't disclose other behavioral aspects like pagination behavior, rate limits, authentication requirements, or what happens when no transactions exist for the payee. The annotation covers safety (read-only), so the bar is lower, but more behavioral context would be helpful.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is extremely concise - just 8 words plus the API call notation. It's front-loaded with the core functionality and wastes no words. Every element (API call count and core purpose) earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a read-only list operation with good schema coverage but no output schema, the description is minimally adequate. It covers the basic purpose but lacks guidance on when to use it versus similar tools, and doesn't describe return format or pagination behavior. The annotations help with safety context, but more completeness would be beneficial.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 100% schema description coverage, the schema already documents all 5 parameters thoroughly. The description mentions 'specific payee' which aligns with the required payee_id parameter, but adds no additional semantic context beyond what's in the schema. This meets the baseline expectation when schema coverage is complete.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('List transactions') and target resource ('for a specific payee'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate this tool from similar sibling tools like 'list_transactions' or 'list_account_transactions', which would require explicit comparison to earn a 5.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'list_transactions' or 'list_account_transactions'. It mentions 'specific payee' which implies a filtering context, but offers no explicit when/when-not instructions or named alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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