---
term: "MCP elicitation"
category: "Agent protocols"
url: https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/mcp-elicitation
source: AgenticOpenFinance glossary
---

# MCP elicitation

> An MCP client feature that lets a server ask the user for information, by form or by sending them to a URL.

Elicitation is a Model Context Protocol client feature that lets a server request more information from the user during an interaction. In form mode the server asks for structured data; in URL mode it directs the user to an external page for interactions that must not pass through the MCP client. The specification forbids form mode for passwords, API keys, access tokens and payment credentials, which must use URL mode, and requires clients to show which server is asking and to offer decline and cancel options.

Related terms: [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/model-context-protocol.md), [MCP server](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/mcp-server.md), [Sensitive information disclosure](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/sensitive-data-leakage.md), [Trusted surface](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/trusted-surface.md)