# CLI

The Kick CLI lets you run Kick workflows from a terminal, shell script, or automation job. It talks to the same Kick API as the web app and uses an approved Kick credential.

Use the CLI when you want:

* A command you can repeat during every close.
* JSON output for another tool or agent.
* A script that checks transactions, reports, or activity.
* A scheduled job or CI workflow.
* A local MCP server with `kick mcp serve`.

The CLI usually takes a few more minutes to set up than MCP because you need the `kick` command available on your computer. It is more powerful for repeatable and agentic work because commands are explicit, inspectable, and easy to rerun.

## Pages in this section

* [Install the Kick CLI](/ai-and-automation/cli/install-the-kick-cli.md) - get the `kick` command and verify it works.
* [Authenticate and Select Workspace](/ai-and-automation/cli/authenticate-and-select-workspace.md) - log in, pass tokens, and confirm client context.
* [CLI Example Workflows](/ai-and-automation/cli/example-workflows.md) - copy commands for lookup, review, reporting, activity, and exports.
* [CLI Reference](/ai-and-automation/cli/reference.md) - credential lookup, command discovery, output modes, and exit codes.
* [CLI Troubleshooting](/ai-and-automation/cli/troubleshooting.md) - fix credential, workspace, output, paging, and command issues.

## Safe default

Start with read-only commands and bounded result sets:

```bash
kick whoami
kick workspaces list
kick --workspace <workspace-id> transactions find --limit 10
```

If the wrong user or workspace appears, stop before running a broader command.


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