TheCircle comes with a welcoming color palette and a few tabs that make it easy to navigate through its services. The simplicity of the site is one of its strengths, as it only offers a few types of readings, unlike other sites that can overwhelm new users with too many options. However, behind this intuitive facade lies a site that is more interested in profit than customer service. They clearly sell customer data and edit readers’ reviews.
Pros
- Relatively affordable compared to other online fortune teller sites
- Over 15 years of experience
- Accepts PayPal
Cons
- They can edit or even delete ratings and comments.
- By signing up, you agree that TheCircle can use your information.
How Much Does TheCircle Cost?
However, the fixed pricing structure is misleading. While most psychics offer a standard rate of $3.46 per minute, some charge as much as $6.40. Not only is this confusing, but some readers even charge more for chat readings than for phone calls, which seems odd since most users tend to value live phone conversations more.
It’s possible that paying for a reading a few minutes in advance offers a better price than paying each psychic up front, but that’s not clear to the user. Furthermore, TheCircle’s terms and conditions state that some readings are subject to VAT (value-added tax), also known as hidden fees, “where applicable.”
Top Payment Methods
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX)
- Debit card
- PayPal
Is TheCircle Legit?
How does the brand screen potential readers?
TheCircle claims that all of its readers go through a “rigorous vetting and verification process” that sees 90% of applicants eliminated, but the website doesn’t provide any information about this process.
What’s the process for becoming a reader?
If you’re not a TheCircle customer, anyone can apply to become a reader. A potential reader simply needs to send you an email with their contact information and explain why they want to become a reader. TheCircle will then contact the applicant to begin the first stage of the hiring process, the details of which are not disclosed.
Do TheCircle psychics work for the company?
Like most fortune teller websites, TheCircle is a platform that connects fortune tellers and clients, and the fortune tellers do not work directly for the company. While this gives them more freedom, it also means that the site can disclaim liability if an incident occurs.
How do users feel about TheCircle?
While TheCircle’s website may give the impression that the company and most of its readers have a good relationship, other sources, such as Trustpilot, tell a different story. 38% of external reviews gave TheCircle 1 star, while only 51% gave it 5 stars.
These opinions are highly polarized compared to other online fortune telling services, where many users claim that their negative reviews on TheCircle’s website have been removed or edited.
How to Get Started with TheCircle
How easy is it to sign up?
Signing up for TheCircle is incredibly easy. You just need to enter your email address and password, your personal information, and your payment details to speak to a fortune teller right away.
What personal information do you have to provide?
In addition to your email address and payment information, TheCircle also requires your date of birth, address, and personal information, as well as terms of service.
What payment methods are accepted?
TheCircle accepts all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), as well as PayPal.
Do you have to deposit funds before being able to choose a reader?
Before choosing a reader, it is not necessary to invest.
TheCircle Features and Tools
- Get readings over the phone or in chat.
- The site includes articles and horoscopes, although it does not verify whether the reader is the author of these publications.
- Money-back guarantee, but only if the reading lasts 5 minutes or less.
- The main function is to select fortune tellers with reading skills. For example, soul readings, birth charts, astrology, or topics such as love and relationships, family and home, and career.
- Easy to use site, but with limited options.
How to Choose a Reader at TheCircle
Types of readings at TheCircle
TheCircle offers a limited range of reading types compared to other sites.
- Mental Tarot
- For example: 22 Major Arcana
- Astrology
- Television
- Angels
You can also have thematic readings such as love and relationships, family and home, or career.
What type of reader information is available?
TheCircle only offers a basic profile for each reader. Most psychics’ biographies are just a few sentences long, which suggests a lack of professional dedication. The profile includes seven sections (Style, Gifts, Experience, Specialties, Tools, Hobbies, My Mantra) that give a general idea of the reader, but the answers are short, only one or a few words. Overall, reader profiles seem to lack substance.
Each reader’s profile also lists the days and times they are typically available, which can be helpful if you’re interested in repeat readings.
Are there customer reviews of readers?
Yes. You’ll find customer reviews and ratings on their profiles, including the total number of ratings, the number of readings they’ve done, and their average 5-star rating. The ratings are broken down into stars, which is a nice feature. However, the widespread criticism of TheCircle’s editing and removal of negative reviews is not reassuring.
How easy is it to book a reading?
Booking a reading on TheCircle is quite simple. After creating an account, simply select your preferred payment plan. You will receive a call from TheCircle, or you can start a chat. Since TheCircle always calls the user, the response is usually immediate. However, there is no indication of what happens if the selected reader is unavailable.
How can you connect to a TheCircle advisor?
TheCircle allows readings by phone or chat. You can easily access both options, from the reader’s profile or thumbnail. The rates for each type of reading are different, so the corresponding rate is displayed next to that option.
Can you block or unblock an advisor?
No. TheCircle does not appear to allow users to block or unblock readers.
Can you leave feedback or rate an advisor?
Yes. You can leave comments and give your reader a 5-star rating. However, TheCircle reserves the right to edit or remove any rating or comment at its sole discretion. The removal of negative reviews is a constant concern that users have expressed on third-party review sites, and TheCircle also notes that only the most recent rating/review of each user is stored on the site.
Can you create a favorite list?
Yes. You can create a favorites list to return to the fortune tellers you have previously liked. TheCircle also allows users to enable notifications for each fortune teller. Most reading sites combine these features, so it seems like this gives users a bit more control over managing their notifications.
Can you ping your personal advisor?
Yes. You can send messages (emails) to the fortune teller through the site’s email service. Replies are received in your TheCircle account and sent directly to your email address. There is no guarantee that the fortune tellers will respond to these messages.
Does TheCircle Have an App?
For readings on the go, TheCircle also offers an app for Android and iOS. This allows users to optimize their phone and chat reading experience. Reviews on the App Store and Google Play are generally positive, but a significant number of users have reported negative experiences.
The apps seem to lack some of the features of the website, such as displaying the fortune teller’s PIN code or the ability to view previously consulted readers. Other reviews mention technical issues: the app crashes or does not accept discount codes. While the app may be a convenient option for some users, it does not seem to have the professional usability of other psychic services apps.
How Does TheCircle App Work?
TheCircle app functions as a website, allowing users to contact fortune tellers via phone or live chat. Those looking for the full range of TheCircle services will likely find the website more useful.
Help and Support
TheCircle’s customer service is lacking compared to other online fortune teller services. Their help page focuses mostly on advertising and using customers to expand their user base, rather than helping users with issues.
However, TheCircle offers its users three customer support options: live chat (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM GMT), phone, or email. This offers a wider range of options than other platforms, which is an advantage. However, reviews of their customer service are not good, so it seems to be a mixed experience.
How to Get a Refund From TheCircle
TheCircle offers a money-back guarantee… if you end the call within the first 5 minutes. Users are limited to 5 withdrawals and have only 1 hour to request a refund, which is much stricter than most online psychic services.
How easy (or difficult) is it to request a refund?
Simply call TheCircle’s main number to request a refund within an hour of your reading. You can choose to consult with another reader or receive a refund using the payment method you provided. All requests are subject to verification and, as mentioned, only apply to readings that last less than 5 minutes.
How long does it take to get a refund?
TheCircle does not specify a refund processing time.
TheCircle vs. Keen
TheCircle offers much more competitive rates than Keen, ranging from $3.46 to $6.40 per minute, as opposed to $1.99 for 30 minutes. However, Keen has a better introductory offer, at $2 for 10 minutes instead of $5.90. TheCircle also doesn’t have the wide range of psychic services offered by many others, although this can be an advantage for those who are overwhelmed by too many options. Both offer standard readings over the phone and via SMS, but what really sets them apart is that TheCircle may sell user data and edit reviews, making it the less trustworthy of the two.
TheCircle vs. Psychic Source
TheCircle easily beats Psychic Source in terms of price, with a maximum rate of $6.40 per minute, which is slightly higher than Psychic Source’s minimum of $4.99. However, taking full advantage of Psychic Source’s introductory offer makes it much more affordable. And price is the only category where TheCircle has an advantage over Psychic Source. Not only does Psychic Source offer a wider range of readings and video calls, but it also has a much greater commitment to exemplary service and honesty than TheCircle, which has the right to sell user data and edit reviews on the site.
TheCircle vs. California Psychics
TheCircle has an advantage over California Psychics in terms of price, as its maximum rate of $6.40 per minute is lower than California Psychics’ $15. While both are among the lowest on the market, TheCircle offers a good introductory rate of $0.59/minute (up to 10 minutes) compared to California Psychics’ $1-$4. While both offer the same services, you’ll find a wider range of reading styles and a much stronger commitment to customer service at California Psychics.
Bottom Line
While there may be legitimate psychics offering their services through TheCircle, the odds of getting a good reading are, at best, 50%. While the website claims to reject over 90% of reading requests, the general consensus is that this rejection rate is unacceptable. Furthermore, the advertised standard rate of $3.46/minute is highly misleading, as it only appears to indicate the minimum amount a psychic can be charged, and there may also be hidden fees added to your bill.
This opaque pricing model can be forgiven, as TheCircle tells users exactly what the price of a reading will be before the call begins. But what is most concerning is the reliability of TheCircle’s rating/rating system and its privacy policy.
Some psychics even come across as merely a comforter for the client, someone who is there to reassure them rather than guide them. If that is ultimately what the client wants or needs, then fine. But for those looking for a genuine psychic, it is probably best to look elsewhere.
