# Getting Started

> What you need before connecting ZoomInfo to your AI tool.

**Date:** 2026-09-05  
**Source:** https://gtm.ai/docs/mcp/getting-started

---

## Choose your access path

New builders can [start free](/start-building) with 1,000 data credits and 1,000 AI credits, issued once at signup. No credit card is required. See [pricing](/pricing) for usage and top-ups.

Existing ZoomInfo subscribers can use hosted MCP with their current login and organization credit allocations. Any ZoomInfo package qualifies, including Sales, Copilot, Studio, and ZI Lite. Your admin can confirm available bulk data and AI credits.

> **Building a custom app?**
>
> Building a custom API or MCP app through the Developer Portal requires a DevPortal subscription, assigned by your ZoomInfo admin. See [How to Build a Custom App](/guides/how-to-build-a-custom-mcp-app). For terminal access, see [CLI, MCP, or API](/guides/cli-mcp-or-api-zoominfo).

## Requirements

- Use your own ZoomInfo login so results reflect your account access and customer relationships. Admin-only seats without data access cannot use MCP.
- Confirm available credits. Enrichment uses bulk data credits; research uses AI action credits. Recurring monthly credits do not replace bulk credits. See [Credits & Billing](/docs/mcp/credits).
- Choose an [MCP-compatible client](/docs/mcp/clients). Your AI tool must support MCP; no additional AI subscription tier is required by ZoomInfo.
- To include CRM and conversation history, your organization must connect those sources and grant your user access. Follow [Connect Customer Context](/guides/connect-customer-context).

## MCP Server URL

All clients connect to the same endpoint:

```
https://mcp.zoominfo.com/mcp
```

## Choosing a Client

See the [Clients](/docs/mcp/clients) section for step-by-step setup guides:

- [Claude](/docs/mcp/clients/claude): listed in the Claude connector marketplace.
- [ChatGPT](/docs/mcp/clients/chatgpt): listed in the ChatGPT app marketplace.
- [Microsoft Copilot](/docs/mcp/clients/microsoft-copilot): listed in the Copilot Studio marketplace.
- [Perplexity](/docs/mcp/clients/perplexity): native connector for paid plans with Computer access.
- [Gemini Spark](/docs/mcp/clients/gemini-spark): custom connected app for Google's personal AI agent in the Gemini apps.
- [Claude Code](/guides/how-to-connect-to-zoominfo-mcp-in-claude-code): Anthropic's CLI, installed as a plugin (skills + MCP) or via `claude mcp add`.
- [Codex](/guides/how-to-connect-to-zoominfo-mcp-in-codex): OpenAI's coding agent, installed as a plugin or via Custom MCP.
- [Custom Connector](/docs/mcp/clients/custom): add ZoomInfo to any app that supports a custom MCP server.

## Verifying Your Connection

Once connected, start a new session and ask:

> *"What ZoomInfo tools do you have access to?"*

The model will list all available tools from the [Tools reference](/docs/mcp/tools). If tools aren't appearing, try disconnecting and reconnecting your ZoomInfo account in the client's connector settings, and check tool-level permissions on the connector settings page.

## Get your first account briefing

Paste this into your connected AI client. It asks which company to brief, then combines available CRM history, customer conversations, and external signals. The result includes a recommended next action, dated evidence, and any source gaps.

## Authentication Model

Use your own ZoomInfo credentials. Account Research uses the accounts, CRM relationships, and conversation history available to the authenticated user.

A shared login loses that personalization. Each colleague should authenticate separately to get results based on their own customer access and relationships.