How long does a Claude connector take to build?

The same: a Claude connector is an MCP server. About 10 business days, then Anthropic's review, which Anthropic times.

How long does directory review take?

Each platform (Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI) sets its own review time and decides the listing. Customers can add the connector by URL before it is listed.

Do we need to change our API first?

Usually not. The server runs on your existing API and OAuth. See Build an MCP server for your SaaS.

Can we try it before the full build?

Yes. The free demo comes first, and a read-only pilot on your sandbox takes about one week.

How long does it take to build an MCP server?

Updated October 25, 2026

The short answer

About 10 business days for a production MCP server on your existing API, counted from when API access, hosting and DNS are in. A read-only pilot takes about one week.

Listing in the Claude, ChatGPT and Grok directories comes after the build. Each platform reviews every submission and sets its own timing.

Want it built? See MCP server development.

First, what is being built

An MCP server (also called a connector, or an app in ChatGPT) is an add-on that lets Claude, ChatGPT and Grok use your product for your customers, signed in as themselves. One build works in all three. New to this? Start with What is an MCP connector?

The steps

Pick the actions. Start from the questions your customers ask, then choose up to 15 actions: mostly lookups, plus a few safe writes like drafts.
Get access. You provide an API sandbox, hosting (Cloudflare or Vercel), a DNS record for mcp.yourcompany.com, and your OAuth app if you have one. The 10 days start here.
Build the server and sign-in. A remote MCP server on your domain, using your OAuth, or a hosted sign-in page if you only have API keys.
Test in every assistant. Each action is tested in Claude, ChatGPT and Grok, with a 20-prompt eval suite.
Deploy and hand over. Deployed in your accounts, code in your GitHub, with a security note, runbook and connect guide.
Submit to the directories. Submissions are filed from your verified accounts. Review time is set by each platform, and approval is their decision.

What slows it down

Waiting on access. No sandbox or hosting access means no start date.
OpenAI verification. ChatGPT submissions need a verified OpenAI organization. Start it on day one.
Reviewer test accounts. Directories need a test account with sample data and no MFA.
A long action list. Start with the 10 to 15 actions customers use most. Add more later.

How to see something sooner

A free demo is built from your public API docs or a trial account, with sample data, before any project starts. No call needed. Get a free demo.

Questions

How long does it take to build an MCP server?: About 10 business days for a production MCP server on your existing API, once API access, hosting and DNS are in. Directory review happens after that.
How long does a Claude connector take to build?: The same: a Claude connector is an MCP server. About 10 business days, then Anthropic's review, which Anthropic times.
How long does directory review take?: Each platform (Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI) sets its own review time and decides the listing. Customers can add the connector by URL before it is listed.
Do we need to change our API first?: Usually not. The server runs on your existing API and OAuth. See Build an MCP server for your SaaS.
Can we try it before the full build?: Yes. The free demo comes first, and a read-only pilot on your sandbox takes about one week.