Connect BankSync to VS Code Copilot

Use BankSync MCP server with GitHub Copilot in VS Code to access bank transactions, balances, and investments while coding.

See the VS Code Copilot MCP docs for more detail.

Prerequisites

  • A BankSync account with at least one connected bank
  • An API key with all permission scopes (created from Workspace → Developers)

Configuration

Add the BankSync server to your VS Code Copilot MCP configuration, replacing the placeholder with your API key:

MCP config (JSON)
{
"mcpServers": {
"banksync": {
"url": "https://mcp.banksync.io",
"headers": {
"X-API-Key": "bsk_your_api_key_here"
}
}
}
}

Where it goes: .vscode/mcp.json (workspace root)

Alternative: npm Package (@banksync/mcp stdio bridge)

Alternative: npm Package (@banksync/mcp stdio bridge)
{
"servers": {
"banksync": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@banksync/mcp"],
"env": {
"BANKSYNC_API_KEY": "bsk_your_api_key_here"
}
}
}
}
Tip. Requirement: MCP support in VS Code requires the GitHub Copilot extension. Make sure you have it installed and activated.
Server URL. BankSync’s MCP server is at https://mcp.banksync.io over Streamable HTTP, authenticated with your X-API-Key. If VS Code Copilot can’t reach a remote server, use the local bridge npx -y @banksync/mcp with BANKSYNC_API_KEY set.

Verify your connection

Restart your client and try these prompts to confirm the connection works:

List my workspaces
What banks do I have connected?
What’s my checking account balance?

Troubleshooting

“No tools available” or the MCP server is not listed

  • Make sure you restarted your AI client after editing the config file.
  • Verify the JSON/YAML is valid (no trailing commas, correct brackets).
  • Check the URL is exactly https://mcp.banksync.io.

“Authentication failed” or “Invalid API key”

  • Confirm the key starts with bsk_ and has not been revoked.
  • Ensure the key is passed in the X-API-Key header.
  • Check for stray whitespace or newlines around the key value.

Connection timeout or the client lacks remote HTTP support

  • The server uses Streamable HTTP. Allow outbound HTTPS to mcp.banksync.io.
  • If your client only supports local servers, use the npm bridge: npx -y @banksync/mcp.

Tools are listed but return errors

  • Verify your API key has the required scopes — for full access, select all scopes when creating the key.
  • Make sure you have at least one bank connected in the BankSync app.
  • Check that you are passing the correct workspace ID when prompted.

Debugging with MCP Inspector

  • Use the MCP Inspector to test the connection independently of your AI client.
  • Run: npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector --url https://mcp.banksync.io--header "X-API-Key: bsk_your_key"
  • If the Inspector connects but your client does not, the issue is your client configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Does VS Code natively support MCP servers?

Yes, VS Code supports MCP servers through the GitHub Copilot extension. You need Copilot installed and activated to use MCP servers in VS Code.

What is the VS Code MCP config format?

VS Code uses .vscode/mcp.json with a "servers" key (not "mcpServers"). Each server entry includes "type", "url", and "headers" fields.