The Mercado Pago MCP Server opens up a wide range of possibilities to streamline processes, improve integrations, and optimize development workflows. However, the true potential of this tool depends on how we formulate our queries. A well-crafted prompt not only saves time but also ensures more accurate and consistent results.

In this article, we’ve gathered express prompting tips designed to help you get the most out of MCP.

1️⃣ Be clear and specific
Define a single, precise objective for the tool, along with a clear task.

❌ Search for information about Mercado Pago Checkout Pro.
✅ Search in Mercado Pago’s documentation for the integration steps of Checkout Pro Web and create a list explaining what each step consists of.

2️⃣ Break tasks into steps
If you want the tool to perform more than one task, split it into two separate queries. Short, chained prompts work best.

❌ How to test Mercado Pago Checkout Pro with test cards.
✅ Search in Mercado Pago’s documentation for the necessary steps to test the Checkout Pro Web integration. Then, list the available test cards to make test payments in Argentina.

3️⃣ Use technical language
Always use expressions typical of a development environment and the real names of APIs or parameters. In case you don’t know them, you can also ask the MCP for the correct naming. The more precise you are, the fewer chances of errors.

❌ Show me how to create a preference with Checkout Pro.
✅ Create a payment preference for Checkout Pro from Mercado Pago’s documentation using the latest version of the Java SDK. Include one item with title “cellphone”, unit_price “75”, and the corresponding currency_id for Mexico.

4️⃣ Provide examples
Make it clear what the expected result is for the task by giving an example. This helps disambiguate in case of doubts.

❌ Show me how to use test cards in Checkout Pro.
✅ Show me how to use test cards in Checkout Pro to simulate a purchase made in Argentina. Include all necessary data, such as card number, cardholder details, and verification code.

5️⃣ Ask for controlled fallback
Give instructions in case the tool cannot complete your request. For example, ask it to report when there isn’t enough data instead of trying to solve it on its own.

❌ Search in Mercado Pago’s documentation for the recommended notification topics for a Checkout Pro integration.
✅ Search in Mercado Pago’s documentation for the recommended notification topics for a Checkout Pro integration. If you don’t find recommendations, let me know. Don’t complete with information outside the documentation.

And last but not least, build your prompt library: save the ones that work well and save time in future opportunities.

🔊 What prompts have you used to enhance your MCP integrations that worked well? Share your experiences in our community!