Compare the Fax.Plus MCP connector for Claude and ChatGPT with the Fax.Plus REST fax API: what each does, who it is for and what only the API can do.
- Use MCP to work with Fax.Plus from Claude or ChatGPT: read faxes, send documents, organize contacts, check delivery.
- Use the REST API to build Fax.Plus into your own product.
- Buying numbers, webhooks, team management and bulk deletion are REST API only.
- MCP works with Claude, ChatGPT and other AI assistants that support remote MCP with OAuth sign-in.
Fax.Plus gives you two ways to automate faxing: the MCP connector for AI assistants such as Claude and ChatGPT, and the REST fax API for your own software. They do different jobs. This page helps you pick.
The short answer
- Use MCP when you want to work with Fax.Plus from an assistant in plain words: read your faxes, send a document, organize contacts, check delivery.
- Use the REST API when you want to build Fax.Plus into your own product, with code you control.
How they differ
- Who it is for. MCP is for people working with an assistant. The REST API is for developers building a product or a workflow.
- How it is used. MCP is interactive: you sign in through your browser and you can revoke the connection at any time. The REST API is headless and authenticated with a Personal Access Token.
- What it covers. MCP covers the everyday fax tasks. The REST API covers the full surface.
- Plans. The MCP connector with browser sign-in works on paid plans from Basic. Personal Access Tokens for headless use are Enterprise only.
What only the REST API can do
These are available through the REST API only and are deliberately not exposed as MCP tools:
- Buying fax numbers and releasing them.
- Reading your account balance.
- Team management: inviting members, changing roles and quotas, resending invitations.
- Updating account settings.
- Webhooks, to get notified when a fax arrives.
- Bulk deletion of fax and outbox records.
These actions spend money, change who has access to an account, or destroy records that often serve as proof of transmission. They belong in code you control, with your own review and approval steps, rather than in a chat.
Which one should you choose?
- You send and check a few faxes yourself: MCP. Start with the send guide and delivery check.
- You want to organize contacts or review your inbox in plain words: MCP. See contacts and received faxes.
- You need an event when a fax arrives, or fax inside your own app: REST API. See the Fax.Plus fax API.
- You need to buy numbers or manage a team in code: REST API.
- Your account uses HIPAA or PHIPA settings: the MCP connector is unavailable for accounts with Advanced Security Controls. See the HIPAA-compliant fax page and the REST API.
Related setup and next steps
Explore the MCP setup hub, the MCP documentation and the Fax.Plus fax API.
FAQs
Can my assistant buy a fax number or add a teammate?
No. Buying and releasing numbers, checking account balance, managing the team and changing account settings are available through the REST API only. They are deliberately not exposed as MCP tools because they spend money or change who has access.
Can I set up a webhook with the MCP connector?
No. Webhooks are REST API only. Set them up in the dashboard under Settings, Integrations, or through the webhooks endpoint of the REST API.
Why do I see no Fax.Plus tools after signing in?
The authorization may not have finished. Return to your assistant, complete the Fax.Plus sign-in and refresh the connection. In Claude, reopen the connector under Settings → Connectors. In ChatGPT, select Refresh. Tools set to Blocked in the permissions also cannot be used. If the problem continues, contact Alohi Support with the client name and the error. Do not include passwords or tokens.
Can I connect a HIPAA or PHIPA Fax.Plus account?
No. Fax.Plus MCP is unavailable for accounts with Advanced Security Controls enabled, including HIPAA and PHIPA configurations. Keep the security controls required by your organization in place and contact Alohi to discuss a suitable integration.
Do I need Fax.Plus Enterprise to use MCP?
No. OAuth connections are available on paid Fax.Plus plans starting with Basic. Enterprise is required for Personal Access Tokens. Your AI assistant has its own access requirements. See plan availability.
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