---
ref: tool:close/create-lead
name: Create a lead
company: company:close
workflows: []
access: [mcp, api]
tags: [capability:manage-crm, category:crm, has:api, has:mcp]
docs: https://developer.close.com/api/resources/leads/create
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Create a lead

Creates a lead (a company) and returns it with its ID; over the API its contacts, addresses and custom fields can be created in the same call.

Set the status with `status_id` rather than the status label, so renaming a
status in Close doesn't break the call; without one, the organization's
default status is used. Custom fields go in `custom.<field id>` keys.
Opportunities, tasks and activities are created with their own calls.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### MCP (official, remote)

Add this server to your agent's MCP settings, then sign in when asked.

```json
{ "mcpServers": { "close": { "url": "https://mcp.close.com/mcp" } } }
```

Call the MCP tool `create_lead`.

Server URL: https://mcp.close.com/mcp

### API (official)

- Base URL: https://api.close.com/api/v1
- Endpoint: `POST /lead/`
- Auth: send the header `Authorization: Basic $CLOSE_API_KEY`
- Docs: https://developer.close.com/api/overview

Before doing anything else, make one read-only call to confirm access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data.
- Never print API keys.