Can I use MCP if I'm not a developer?

No—MCP is for AI assistants like Claude or ChatGPT that you run or configure yourself. For a personal API key, you also need /account/developers access.

Do API keys and MCP have the same rate limits?

Both are subject to rate limits and daily quotas. The exact thresholds are in the documentation at /developers.

Which method should I choose?

Use the REST API if you're building your own tool or script. Use MCP if you want an AI assistant to search and manage listings within its interface.

API or MCP: which suits your workflow?

Connect via REST API with a key, or link an AI assistant through MCP. Both let you search and manage listings.

Updated 3 October 2026

Two paths to integrate

Biz Alternative offers two ways to access launches and listings programmatically. The REST API at /api/v1 works with a personal API key from /account/developers. Your AI assistant can also connect directly over MCP at /mcp, letting Claude, ChatGPT and other MCP clients search and read listings without leaving their interface.

What each method lets you do

Both the REST API and MCP server allow you to search launches, read full listing details, and manage your own listings (if you have permission). The API returns an OpenAPI 3.1 description at /api/v1/openapi.json for reference. Neither method supports voting through the API.

Authentication and security

For the REST API, create a personal API key at /account/developers. Keys are shown once only; Biz Alternative stores only a hash. If you use MCP with an AI assistant, OAuth will open a sign-in page on this site to authorise access.

What happens with payments

Rate limits and daily quotas apply to both methods. Any charges are processed on this site itself: the API returns a checkout link when needed. You manage billing and account settings here, not through your assistant or script.

Full technical details are at /developers.

Questions people ask

Can I use MCP if I'm not a developer?: No—MCP is for AI assistants like Claude or ChatGPT that you run or configure yourself. For a personal API key, you also need /account/developers access.
Do API keys and MCP have the same rate limits?: Both are subject to rate limits and daily quotas. The exact thresholds are in the documentation at /developers.
Which method should I choose?: Use the REST API if you're building your own tool or script. Use MCP if you want an AI assistant to search and manage listings within its interface.