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, the bill offers a better price than simply paying upfront with an in-person psychic, but that’s not clear to the user. Additionally, in TheCircle’s terms of use, 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 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 psychic websites, TheCircle is a platform for psychic readers and their clients, and the psychics do not work directly for the company. While this gives the psychics 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 a 1 star rating, while only 51% of reviews were 5 stars.
These are very polarizing reviews compared to other online psychic services, where many reviewers 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?
TheCircle makes it incredibly easy to sign up. Simply enter your email address and password, personal information, and payment information to start talking to a psychic 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. 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?
No deposit is required before choosing a psychic.
TheCircle Features and Tools
- Get a reading over the phone or in chat.
- The site includes articles and horoscopes, although it does not verify the user’s identity.
- Money back guarantee, but only if the reading lasts no more than 5 minutes.
- Basic ability to choose a psychic with reading skills. For example, readings on the soul, natal chart, astrology, or love and relationships, family and home, and career topics.
- Easy to use site, but lacks resources.
How to Choose a Reader at TheCircle
Types of readings at TheCircle
TheCircle offers a limited range of reading types compared to other sites.
Alternatively, you can read on the topic of love and relationships, family and home, or career.
What type of reader information is available?
TheCircle provides only a basic profile of each reader. Most psychic biographies are just a few sentences long, which shows a lack of professional dedication to the craft. There are seven headings on the profile (Style, Gifts, Experience, Professions, Tools, Hobbies, My Mantra) that give a general idea of the reader, but these are only one or a few word answers. Overall, reader profiles seem to lack substance.
Each reader’s page also lists the times and days of the week 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 readers’ reviews/ratings on their pages, including the total number of reviews, the number of readings given, and their average 5-star rating. Their ratings are broken down into stars, which is a nice feature. However, the frequent criticism of TheCircle’s ability to edit and delete unfavorable 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 simply start a reading in chat. Since always calls the user, the response will likely be immediate. However, there is no indication of what will happen if the selected reader is not available.
How can you connect to a TheCircle advisor?
TheCircle allows for phone or chat consultations. Both are easily accessible from the advisor’s profile or thumbnail. Each type of consultation is priced differently, so the corresponding price appears 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 receive a 5-star rating from 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 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 revisit readers you’ve previously liked. 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. There is no guarantee that readers will respond to these messages.
Does TheCircle Have an App?
For readings on the go, TheCircle also has an app for Android and iOS. This allows users to optimize their reading experience on their phone and in chat. Reviews on the Apple Store and Google Play Store are generally positive, but there are a number of 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 mention 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 acts as a website that allows users to connect with readers via phone or live chat. Those looking for TheCircle’s full range of services will likely find this site ideal.
Help and Support
TheCircle’s customer service is second to none compared to other online psychic services. Its help page focuses mostly on advertising and customer service to expand TheCircle’s customer base, rather than helping customers who are in trouble.
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 than you’ll find on other sites, which is a plus. On the other hand, reviews of their customer service are not great, so it seems like a mixed bag.
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 readings 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 \main phone number to request a refund within an hour of your consultation. There, you’ll have the option to connect with a new reader or get a refund to your 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 for 10 minutes instead of $5.90. TheCircle also doesn’t have the wide range of psychic services offered by many other sites, although this can be a plus for those who feel overwhelmed by the number of 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 per minute rate of $6.40, 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 the only area where TheCircle has an edge over Psychic Source is price. 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 edge over California Psychics in terms of pricing, as its maximum per minute price of $6.40 is lower than California Psychics’ $15. While both remain at the lower end of the competitive pricing spectrum, TheCircle has a good introductory price 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 a reader will be charged, and there may also be hidden fees associated with your account.
This no-upfront pricing model is understandable, as TheCircle informs users exactly how much a fortune teller will cost before the call begins. More concerning, however, is the reliability of TheCircle’s rating/rating system and its privacy policy.
Some readers even come across as simply a comforter for the client, someone who is there to reassure them rather than guide them. If this is what the client ultimately wants or needs, that’s perfectly fine. But for those looking for a true psychic, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.
