All guides
Integrations5 min readUpdated Sep 24, 2026

Connect Claude Desktop

Add Axiom as a Custom Connector in Claude so your assistant can make purchases on your behalf.

This guide walks you through connecting Axiom to Claude using a Custom Connector. Custom Connectors let Claude talk to remote MCP servers like Axiom directly from any Claude client, including Claude Desktop, claude.ai, and mobile. Once connected, Claude can make purchases for you through Axiom's secure virtual card system.

What you'll need

  • Claude Desktop or a claude.ai account (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise). Free plans are limited to one custom connector.
  • An Axiom account with a linked card and spending rules configured
  • About five minutes

Step 1: Open the Customize panel

In Claude Desktop, click Customize in the left sidebar.

The Claude Desktop sidebar with Customize highlighted

This opens the Customize panel where you can manage skills, connectors, and plugins.

The Customize panel in Claude Desktop

Click Connectors at the top of the panel.

Step 2: Add Axiom as a Custom Connector

On the Connectors page, click the "+" button and select "Add custom connector" from the dropdown.

The Connectors page with the Add custom connector dropdown open

A modal will appear asking for a Name and Remote MCP server URL.

The Add custom connector modal with empty fields

Enter Axiom as the name and paste the MCP server URL:

MCP Server URL

https://mcp.useaxiom.ai/mcp

The Add custom connector modal filled out with Axiom's details

Click Add.

Step 3: Allow the connection

After adding the connector, Claude will show a connection dialog for Axiom. Click Connect to begin.

The Connect to Axiom dialog showing the MCP server URL and a Connect button

You'll be taken to Axiom's connect screen. It names the app you're connecting and says what it will be able to do:

  • Place orders for you, within the limits you set
  • Check how each order is going and share your receipts
  • See your name and which card is on file (last 4 digits only)

Claude never sees your full card number. Axiom pays each store with a one-time card made for that order. Click Allow. The permissions reference lists exactly what sits behind each line.

The Axiom connect screen, shown here for ChatGPT, listing the three things the app will be able to do, with Cancel and Allow buttons

After you allow it, you return to Claude. Axiom will appear in your Connectors list as connected, with all its tools available.

Axiom connected in Claude showing available tools like place_order, get_order_status, and more

Step 4: You're all set!

Axiom is connected and ready to go. Open a new conversation in Claude and try it out. Ask something like "Is my Axiom account connected?" and watch Claude call Axiom's tools in real time.

A Claude conversation using Axiom tools to check account status

Claude now has access to your full Axiom toolkit: making purchases, tracking their progress, and reviewing transactions, all within the guardrails you've configured.

Ready to put it to work? Browse our recipes for step-by-step agent workflows like snagging a deal, tracking a price drop, or buying a gift. Or jump straight in and ask Claude to make a small test purchase to see the full flow in action.

Troubleshooting

  • Claude doesn't show Axiom tools. Make sure you clicked Allow on Axiom's connect screen. Go to Customize → Connectors and check that Axiom shows as connected.
  • Connection fails. Verify the remote MCP server URL matches what's shown below. You can check or update it in Customize → Connectors.
https://mcp.useaxiom.ai/mcp
  • Authentication errors. Your OAuth session may have expired. Go to Customize → Connectors, disconnect Axiom, and reconnect it.
  • Purchase blocked. Verify your spending rules allow the category and amount you're trying to purchase.