Skip to main content
Glama
pragprogrammer

YNAB MCP Server

get_transactions_by_payee

Retrieve all transactions for a payee, excluding pending. Filter by date or type, and exclude optional fields.

Instructions

Get all transactions for a specific payee, excluding pending transactions.

Returns hybrid transactions which may represent regular transactions or subtransactions of split transactions. Each result includes a 'type' field ('transaction' or 'subtransaction') and 'parent_transaction_id' (set on subtransactions only).

Args: payee_id: The payee ID plan_id: The plan ID (use list_plans to find available IDs) since_date: Only return transactions on or after this date (YYYY-MM-DD) type: Filter by 'uncategorized' or 'unapproved' exclude_fields: Optional list of field names to exclude from each transaction. If omitted, the model's default exclude list is used (see FIELDS.md). Pass [] to return all fields. Pass a custom list to override the default.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
typeNo
plan_idYes
payee_idYes
since_dateNo
exclude_fieldsNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It transparently discloses exclusion of pending transactions, hybrid return type with 'type' and 'parent_transaction_id', and parameter behaviors like exclude_fields default and override.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Well-structured with summary and Args. Could be slightly more concise but effectively front-loads key info and uses minimal repetition.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Covers all 5 parameters, behavior, and return type. Output schema exists so return details are not needed. Complete for this tool's complexity.

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

Parameters5/5

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

Schema coverage is 0%, but description fully compensates with detailed Args: payee_id, plan_id, since_date format, type filter options, and exclude_fields behavior including default and custom lists.

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

Purpose5/5

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

Clearly states 'Get all transactions for a specific payee, excluding pending transactions.' This is a specific verb (get) + resource (transactions by payee), and distinguishes from siblings like get_transactions_by_account or search_transactions.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

No explicit guidance on when to use vs alternatives. The description implies use for payee-based queries but does not mention when not to use or compare to other tools.

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

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/pragprogrammer/mcp-ynab'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server