Prerequisites
Elite Subscription
MCP requires a RewardSmart Elite plan. Upgrade here →
API Token
Generate in the RewardSmart app under Settings → Integrations → MCP Access.
VS Code 1.99+
MCP support requires VS Code 1.99 or later. Download from code.visualstudio.com.
GitHub Copilot
Requires an active GitHub Copilot subscription and the Copilot Chat VS Code extension.
Node.js 18+
Required to run the MCP server. Download from nodejs.org.
1 Setup Instructions
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1
Get your RewardSmart API token
Open the RewardSmart app. Go to Settings → Integrations → MCP Access and tap Generate Token. Copy the token.
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2
Create the MCP config file
VS Code supports MCP configuration in two locations. Choose one:
Option A â Workspace config (recommended): Create a
.vscode/mcp.jsonfile in your project root. This config applies only to that workspace and can be committed to version control (without your token).Option B â User settings: Add the MCP server config directly to your VS Code
settings.jsonunder the"mcp"key for global availability across all projects. -
3
Add the RewardSmart MCP server
If using .vscode/mcp.json:
.vscode/mcp.json{ "servers": { "rewardsmart": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@rewardsmart/mcp-server"], "env": { "REWARDSMART_API_KEY": "YOUR_TOKEN_HERE" } } } }If using VS Code settings.json:
settings.json{ "mcp": { "servers": { "rewardsmart": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@rewardsmart/mcp-server"], "env": { "REWARDSMART_API_KEY": "YOUR_TOKEN_HERE" } } } } }ReplaceYOUR_TOKEN_HEREwith your actual API token. If committing.vscode/mcp.jsonto git, use an environment variable or add the file to.gitignore. -
4
Reload VS Code
Press
Ctrl+Shift+P(orCmd+Shift+P) and run Developer: Reload Window. VS Code will pick up the new MCP config. -
5
Test in Copilot Chat
Open Copilot Chat (
Ctrl+Alt+Ior click the chat icon). In agent mode (@workspace), ask: "Which of my cards gives the best cashback at grocery stores?"Copilot will call the RewardSmart MCP tool and respond with your personalized card recommendations.MCP tools are available in Copilot Chat's Agent mode. Make sure you're in the chat panel (not inline suggestions).
What You Can Ask
Ask GitHub Copilot Chat about your credit card rewards:
Troubleshooting
MCP tools not available in Copilot Chat
Make sure you're using VS Code 1.99+. Check the Output panel (View → Output) and select "GitHub Copilot" to see MCP-related errors. Also ensure you've reloaded the window after saving the config.
Server fails to start / npx error
Node.js 18+ must be installed. After installing, reload VS Code. On Windows, ensure Node.js is in your system PATH (not just user PATH). Run node --version in VS Code's integrated terminal to verify.
Authentication error
Double-check your API token is copied correctly. Tokens are case-sensitive. Regenerate a new token in the RewardSmart app if needed.
Works in workspace but not globally
When using settings.json, make sure the JSON structure is exactly as shown â the "mcp" key at the top level with "servers" nested inside.