TheCircle comes with an attractive color scheme and just a few tabs to navigate through its services. The simplicity of this site is one of its advantages, as it only offers a few types of readings, unlike other sites that can overwhelm new users with so 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
- PayPal accepted
Cons
- They can edit or even delete ratings/comments.
- By signing up, you agree that TheCircle can use your information.
How Much Does TheCircle Cost?
However, the fixed pricing structure is deceptive. While most psychics out there 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 their chat consultations than for phone calls, which is odd since most users typically find live phone conversations more valuable.
It’s possible that a few minutes before the consultation is billed, it’s a better deal than simply paying upfront with an in-person psychic, but that’s not clear to the user. Additionally, in TheCircle’s terms of service, you’ll find that some consultations are subject to VAT (value-added tax) (also known as hidden fees), “where applicable.”
Top Payment Methods
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX)
- Debit
- PayPal.
Is TheCircle Legit?
How does the brand screen potential readers?
TheCircle claims that all of its readers go through a “thorough vetting and monitoring process” that eliminates 90% of applicants, but there is absolutely no information on the site about the selection process.
What’s the process for becoming a reader?
If you are not a TheCircle customer, anyone can apply to become a reader. A potential reader simply sends you an email with their contact information and explains why they want to become one. TheCircle then contacts the applicant to begin the first stage of the hiring process, which is not specified.
Do TheCircle psychics work for the company?
Like most fortune tellers, TheCircle is a platform for fortune tellers and their clients, and the fortune tellers do not work directly for the company. While this gives the fortune tellers more freedom, it also means that the site can disclaim liability if something goes wrong.
How do users feel about TheCircle?
While TheCircle’s website might lead you to believe that the company and the majority of its readers have a good relationship, other sources like Trustpilot tell a different story. 38% of external reviews gave TheCircle 1 star, while only 51% of reviews were 5 stars.
These reviews are very mixed compared to other online fortune telling services, where many users report that their negative reviews on TheCircle’s website have been deleted or edited.
How to Get Started with TheCircle
How easy is it to sign up?
TheCircle makes signing up extremely easy. Simply enter your email and password, personal information, and payment details to speak to a fortune teller right away.
What personal information do you have to provide?
In addition to your email and payment information, TheCircle also asks for your date of birth, address, and personal information, subject to the Terms of Service.
What payment methods are accepted?
TheCircle accepts 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?
There is no deposit required before choosing a reader.
TheCircle Features and Tools
- Get a reading by phone or in chat.
- The site includes articles and horoscopes, although it does not verify whether the user is the author of these applications.
- Money-back guarantee, only if the reading lasts no more than 5 minutes.
- Basic skills for evaluating fortune tellers with reading abilities. For example, readings on topics related to the soul, natal chart, astrology, or love and relationships, family and home, and career.
- Easy-to-use site, but with limitations.
How to Choose a Reader at TheCircle
Types of readings at TheCircle
TheCircle offers a limited range of reading types compared to other sites.
- psychic
- tarot (e.g. 22 major arcana)
- medium
- astrology
- clairvoyance
- angels
Alternatively, you can choose a reading by topic: love and relationships, family and home, or career.
What type of reader information is available?
TheCircle only provides a basic profile of each reader. Most psychic biographies consist of just a few sentences, which indicates a lack of professional dedication to the craft. The profile includes seven headings (Style, Gifts, Experience, Professions, Tools, Hobbies, My Mantra) that give a general idea of the reader, but these are only one-word or short-word answers. Overall, reader profiles seem to lack substance.
Each reader’s profile also lists the times and days of the week they are typically available, which can be helpful if you’re interested in a repeat reading.
Are there customer reviews of readers?
Yes. You’ll find customer reviews/ratings on their pages, including the total number of reviews, the number of readings they’ve given, and their average 5-star rating. Their ratings are broken down into stars, which is a useful feature. However, the widespread criticism that TheCircle has about editing and deleting negative reviews doesn’t inspire confidence.
How easy is it to book a reading?
Booking a reading on TheCircle is pretty standard. Once you have set up your account, simply select your paid plan. You will either receive a call from TheCircle or you can simply start a reading via chat. Since TheCircle always calls the user, the response will likely be immediate. However, there is no indication of what will happen if the selected reader is unavailable.
How can you connect to a TheCircle advisor?
TheCircle allows you to book readings by phone or chat. Both are easily accessed from the reader’s page or thumbnail. The prices for each type of reading vary, so the corresponding price appears next to that option.
Can you block or unblock an advisor?
No. TheCircle does not seem to allow users to block or unblock readers.
Can you leave feedback or rate an advisor?
Yes. You can leave comments and a 5-star rating for your reader. However, TheCircle reserves the right to edit or delete any rating or comment at its sole discretion. The removal of unfavorable reviews has been a constant concern for users on third-party review sites, and TheCircle also notes that only the most recent rating/review for each user is stored on the site.
Can you create a favorite list?
Yes. You can create a favorites list to visit previously liked readers. TheCircle also allows users to enable availability notifications for each reader. Most reading sites combine these features, so it seems like this gives users a little more control over managing their notifications.
Can you ping your personal advisor?
Yes. You can send messages (emails) to the reader via the site’s email service. Replies are received in your TheCircle account and sent directly to your email address. Readers do not guarantee to respond to these messages.
Does TheCircle Have an App?
For on-the-go readings, TheCircle also has an app for Android and iOS. This allows users to optimize their reading experience over the phone and in chat. Reviews on the Apple Store and Google Play Store are generally positive, but there are quite a few users who have had less than positive experiences.
The apps seem to lack some of the features of the website, such as displaying the reader’s PIN code or the ability to view previously used readers. Other reviews report technical issues: the app crashes or doesn’t accept coupons. While the app may be a convenient option for some users, it doesn’t seem to have the professional implementation of other psychic services’ apps.
How Does TheCircle App Work?
TheCircle’s app works like a website, allowing users to connect with readers via phone or live chat. Those looking for TheCircle’s full range of services will likely find the site ideal.
Help and Support
TheCircle’s customer service is second to none compared to other online fortune teller services. Its help page focuses primarily on advertising and customer use to expand TheCircle’s customer base, rather than helping customers who are having difficulties.
However, TheCircle offers three customer support options: live chat (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM GMT), phone, or email. This is a wider range of options than you’ll find on other sites, which is a plus. On the other hand, customer service reviews are not great, so things seem to be mixed.
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 just 5 withdrawals and have only 1 hour to submit a request, which is a much stricter limit than most other online psychic services.
How easy (or difficult) is it to request a refund?
Simply call TheCircle’s main phone number to request a refund within an hour of your consultation. There, you will have the option to connect with a new reader or receive a refund using your chosen payment method. All requests are subject to verification and, again, only apply to consultations lasting less than 5 minutes.
How long does it take to get a refund?
TheCircle does not state how long it may take to process a refund request.
TheCircle vs. Keen
TheCircle has much more competitive pricing than Keen. $3.46-$6.40 per minute, compared to $1.99 for 30 minutes, although Keen offers a better introductory offer of $2 instead of $5.90 for 10 minutes. TheCircle also doesn’t have the wide range of psychic services offered by many others, although this can be a plus for those who feel overwhelmed by so many options. Both offer standard phone and text readings, but what really sets them apart is that TheCircle may sell user data and edit their psychic reviews, making this site the less reliable of the two.
TheCircle vs. Psychic Source
TheCircle easily beats Psychic Source in terms of price, with a maximum of $6.40 per minute, which is slightly higher than Psychic Source’s minimum of $4.99. However, if you take full advantage of Psychic Source’s introductory offer, the deal becomes much better. And price is the only area where TheCircle has an edge over Psychic Source. Not only does Psychic Source offer a wider range of readings and video calls, but it is also much more committed 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 pricing, as the maximum rate of $6.40 per minute is lower than California Psychics’ $15. While both remain at the lower end of the competitive price range, TheCircle has 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 more reading styles and a much stronger commitment to customer service at California Psychics.
Bottom Line
While there may be some legitimate psychics offering their services through TheCircle, it seems like there’s a 50/50 chance that you’ll get a good reading. While the website claims that the company rejects over 90% of reader requests, the general consensus seems to be that this rejection rate is not good enough. Furthermore, the advertised standard rate of $3.46/minute is highly misleading, as it only appears to indicate the minimum amount the reader will be charged, and there may be hidden fees associated with their account.
This upfront pricing model is understandable, as TheCircle informs users how much the fortune teller will cost before the call begins. Of most concern, however, is the reliability of TheCircle’s rating and review system and its privacy policy.
Some readers even come across as merely a comforter for the customer, someone who is there to reassure them rather than guide them. If this is what the customer ultimately wants or needs, that’s perfectly fine. But for those looking for a genuine fortune teller, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.
