TheCircle opens with a welcoming color palette and just a few tabs for easy navigation. The simplicity of the site is one of its strengths, offering only a few reading options, unlike other sites that can overwhelm new users with too many choices. However, behind this friendly appearance lies a site that is more interested in profit than customer service. They clearly sell customer data and edit reader reviews.
Pros
- Relatively affordable compared to other online fortune teller sites
- Over 15 years of experience
- Accepts PayPal
Cons
- 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 misleading. 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 psychics even charge more for their chat readings than for phone calls, which is odd since most users tend to find live phone conversations more valuable.
Uploading an invoice a few minutes before the reading may offer a better price than paying the psychic right away, but this is not clearly explained 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 psychics go through a “rigorous vetting and verification process” that eliminates 90% of applicants, but there’s no information about this process on the website.
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 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 that connects psychics and clients, and psychics do not work directly for the company. While this gives fortune tellers more freedom, it also means the site can disclaim any liability if an incident occurs.
How do users feel about TheCircle?
While TheCircle’s website may give the impression that the company and the majority of its readers are on good terms, 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 reviews reflect a very divided opinion 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 with TheCircle is super easy. Simply enter your email address and password, personal information, and payment details to chat with a fortune teller directly.
What personal information do you have to provide?
In addition to your email address and payment details, TheCircle also requires your date of birth, address, and other information; please see the 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?
There is no need to deposit money before choosing a fortune teller.
TheCircle Features and Tools
- Get a reading over the phone or in chat.
- The site includes articles and horoscopes, although it does not verify whether the user is the author.
- Money back guarantee, but only if the reading takes less than 5 minutes.
- A basic ability to evaluate psychics with reading skills. For example, soul reading, natal chart reading, astrology, or topics such as love and relationships, family and home, and career.
- User-friendly site, but with limited resources.
TheCircle Features and Tools
Types of readings at TheCircle
TheCircle offers a limited range of reading types compared to other sites.
- Mental tarot (e.g., the 22nd major arcana)
- Partial readings
- Astrology
- Clairvoyance
- Angels
Alternatively, you can choose thematic readings such as love and relationships, family and home, or career.
What type of reader information is available?
TheCircle only provides a basic profile for each psychic. Most psychics are very short, which suggests a lack of professional dedication. The profile includes seven sections (Style, Gifts, Experience, Specialties, Tools, Hobbies, My Mantra) that offer a general overview of the psychic, but the answers are one or a few words. Overall, the psychic pages seem to lack substance.
Each psychic’s page also lists the days and times they are typically available, which can be helpful if you’re interested in a repeat reading.
Are there customer reviews of readers?
Yes. On their pages, you’ll find customer reviews and ratings, including the total number of reviews, the number of readings they’ve done, and their average 5-star rating. The ratings are displayed in star ratings, which is a nice feature. However, the widespread criticism of TheCircle’s handling of editing and removing negative reviews is not encouraging.
How easy is it to book a reading?
Booking a reading with TheCircle is pretty straightforward. Once you’ve set up your account, simply select your payment plan. You’ll then receive a call from TheCircle, or you can simply start a chat reading. Since TheCircle always calls the user, the response is usually immediate. However, there’s no indication of what will happen if the reader you’ve chosen isn’t available.
How can you connect to a TheCircle advisor?
TheCircle offers readings by phone or chat. Both options are easily accessible from the reader’s page or thumbnail. Fees vary depending on the type of reading, so the appropriate price is displayed next to the option you’ve selected.
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 a 5-star rating for your reader. However, TheCircle reserves the right to edit or remove any rating or comment at its sole discretion. The removal of negative reviews has always been a concern for users on third-party review sites, and TheCircle also notes that only the most recent rating/review for each reader is stored on the site.
Can you create a favorite list?
Yes. You can create a favorites list to return to readers you have enjoyed in the past. TheCircle also allows users to enable availability notifications for each reader. Most reading sites combine these features, so this seems to give users a little 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 on-the-go consultations, TheCircle also has an app for Android and iOS. This allows users to optimize their reading experience via phone and chat. Reviews on the App Store and Google Play Store are generally positive, but a significant portion of users have not had a good experience.
The apps seem to lack some of the features of the website, such as displaying the psychic’s PIN or the ability to view previously used psychics. Other reviews mention technical issues: the app crashes or doesn’t accept coupon codes. 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 app functions as a website, allowing users to contact psychics via phone or live chat. Those looking for the full range of TheCircle services will likely find the website to be the best option.
Help and Support
TheCircle’s customer service is second to none compared to other online psychic services. Their help page focuses primarily on advertising and customer use to grow TheCircle’s customer base, rather than helping customers with issues.
However, TheCircle offers users three customer support options: live chat (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM GMT), phone, or email. This is a better range of options than you’ll find on other sites, which is a plus. On the other hand, their customer service reviews aren’t great, so the experience seems 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 5 withdrawals and have only 1 hour to request a refund, much stricter restrictions 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’ll have the option to connect with a new psychic or get a refund to your original payment method. All requests are subject to verification and, again, only apply to readings lasting less than 5 minutes.
How long does it take to get a refund?
TheCircle does not specify how long it may take to process a refund request.
TheCircle vs. Keen
TheCircle offers much more competitive pricing than Keen. Consultations range from $3.46 to $6.40 per minute, as opposed to $1.99 for 30 minutes. However, 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 other platforms, although this can be an advantage for those who are overwhelmed by too many options. Both offer standard consultations over the phone and via text message, but what really sets them apart is that TheCircle may sell user data and edit reviews, making it the less trustworthy of the two platforms.
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 initial offer, it becomes a much better option. 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 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 price, as its maximum rate of $6.40 per minute is lower than California Psychics’ $15. While both platforms are at the lower end of the competitive price range, TheCircle offers a starting rate of $0.59/minute (up to 10 minutes) compared to California Psychics’ $1-$4. While both offer the same services, California Psychics offers more reading styles and a much greater commitment to customer service.
Bottom Line
, while there may be some 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 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 psychic will be charged, and there may also be hidden fees on your bill.
This opaque pricing model can be forgiven, as TheCircle informs users of the exact rate before the call begins. However, the most concerning aspect is the reliability of TheCircle’s review and rating system, as well as its privacy policy.
Some fortune tellers even come across as merely a comforting presence for the client, someone who seeks to reassure rather than guide. If that’s what the client wants or needs, then fine. But for those looking for a genuine fortune teller, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.
