How Payouts Work
Optional monetization lets you charge subscribers and keep 100% of what they pay. Set up a payout account to receive subscriber payments.
Overview
Monetization is optional. You can host your MCP server on mctx and serve subscribers for free without ever setting up payouts. If you want to charge subscribers for your MCP server, you keep 100% of every subscriber payment — no platform cut.
You are the merchant of record. Subscriber payments go directly to your bank account via your payout account. mctx routes the payments; the revenue is yours.
See How Pricing Works for the full breakdown of hosting fees and subscriber pricing.
Setting Up Payouts for the First Time
To enable monetization on any MCP server, you must first set up a payout account. Follow the Payout Setup guide for the step-by-step walkthrough.
This page covers ongoing payout management after your account is active.
Payout Schedule
Payouts are processed automatically when subscriber payments are collected:
| Country | Typical Payout Time |
|---|---|
| United States | 2 business days |
| Most countries | 7 business days |
| Some countries | Up to 14 business days |
Payout timing depends on your country and bank. Check your payout dashboard for estimated arrival times on each transfer.
No action required — funds are deposited to your bank account automatically.
Account Status
After onboarding, your payout page shows your account status:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Can Accept Payments: Yes | Ready to receive subscriber payments |
| Can Receive Payouts: Yes | Bank account verified, payouts enabled |
| Can Accept Payments: No | Additional information required |
| Can Receive Payouts: No | Bank verification pending |
If either status shows "No", click Complete Setup to provide any missing information.
Managing Your Payouts
Once set up, you can:
- View payouts - Click Manage Payouts to view your payout details
- Update bank account - Change payout destination in your payout account
- View tax documents - Access 1099 forms (US) from your payout dashboard
- Track payments - See transaction history and upcoming payouts
Tax Reporting
You are the merchant of record for your subscriber revenue. Tax reporting applies to your payouts:
- US developers - The IRS 1099-K reporting threshold has changed in recent years ($5,000 for 2024, $2,500 planned for 2025, $600 planned for subsequent years). Check the IRS website or consult a tax professional for the threshold that applies to your situation.
- International developers - Tax reporting varies by country; check your payout dashboard
Tax thresholds are subject to change. Consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my existing payout account?
No, mctx creates a payout account for you. This is separate from any personal payment accounts you may have.
What if my verification fails?
You'll receive an email with specific requirements. Common issues:
- Name mismatch with bank account
- Address verification needed
- Additional ID document required
Click Complete Setup on the payouts page to address these.
How do I update my bank account?
Click Manage Payouts to access your payout account, where you can update banking details.
Can I receive payouts in a different currency?
Payouts are in USD. Your bank handles any currency conversion.
Does mctx take a cut of subscriber revenue?
No. When you enable monetization, you keep 100% of what subscribers pay. Hosting fees (what you pay mctx for infrastructure) are billed separately and are independent of subscriber revenue.
Do I need a payout account to deploy my MCP server?
No. Payout setup is only required when you want to enable monetization (charging subscribers). Deploying your MCP server and serving subscribers for free requires no payment setup at all.
Next Steps
- Deploy your MCP server - Deploy your first server (no payout setup needed)
- Developer Subscription - Access your own MCP server for testing
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Set Up Payouts
Set up a payout account to receive subscriber payments when you enable optional monetization on your MCP server.
Developer Subscription
Subscribe to your own MCP server for testing and personal use. If your MCP server has monetization enabled, you subscribe at the same rate as any other subscriber.