> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.beamswap.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.beamswap.io/getting-started.md).

# Get started

Choose a task, connect your AI or wallet, and review the cost before taking action.

## Let your AI trade for you

1. Open [Set up your agent](https://app.beamswap.io/agent/setup) and connect your wallet on Base.
2. Choose how your AI connects, set your limits and approve once. You can fund the vault in the same step.
3. Copy your private AI link, add it to your AI app and ask: **"Show my vault status."**

The full walkthrough is in [Agent Vaults](https://docs.beamswap.io/agent-vaults). Your AI can trade only inside your limits. It can never withdraw.

## Use an AI for data and review links

1. Choose your client in [Connect your AI](https://docs.beamswap.io/connect-your-ai).
2. Add the hosted MCP URL: `https://api.beamswap.io/mcp`.
3. Ask: **"List the Beamswap tools without spending anything."**

For a request that needs approval, your AI returns a private Beamswap link. Open it, review the action, connect your wallet and inspect the exact cost. Approve only when it matches your request. Your AI can then retrieve the result.

Prefer to run the tools yourself? Compare [hosted, local, private tunnel and self-hosted access](https://docs.beamswap.io/mcp-access).

## Swap or place a limit order yourself

Open [Trade](https://app.beamswap.io/trade). Choose **Swap** or **Limit order**, review the fees and the minimum you receive, and sign in your wallet. [Trading guide](https://docs.beamswap.io/trade).

## Send tokens to recipients

Open [Create a distribution](https://app.beamswap.io/distribute). Choose a token on Base, upload a CSV or paste two spreadsheet columns, and review the recipients and total. After creation, approve the token allowance, fund the contract and open claims. You can also repeat an earlier payout and review what changed. [Step-by-step guide](https://docs.beamswap.io/token-distributions).

## Claim or stake GLINT

Use [Claim](https://app.beamswap.io/claim) to check an allocation. Use [Stake](https://app.beamswap.io/stake) to manage active stake and the seven-day exit process. These are separate actions.

## What you need

* A supported wallet and the Base network for wallet actions.
* Tokens on Base to fund an Agent Vault (USDC, WETH or cbBTC today).
* USDC on Base for paid API calls.
* ETH on Base for transactions you submit, such as creating a vault, staking, funding or claiming. API payment settlement itself is gasless for the payer.

Never paste a private key into a chat. Hosted MCP uses browser wallet approval, and your vault link never contains a key. The local MCP has a different [automatic-payment model](https://docs.beamswap.io/mcp-access).