With the growing popularity of online psychics, you might be curious about booking a session. However, it’s common to feel wary about online psychics or mediums due to the prevalence of scams. It’s essential to understand the average cost of a reading and what factors influence the price.
To ensure your safety, I recommend comparing prices between established and credible platforms. This approach protects you and increases your chances of receiving legitimate insights. To save you time and worry, I’ve shortlisted the most popular and trustworthy online psychic and medium platforms for you to explore.
If you’re in a hurry and looking for an affordable platform with credible readers, consider Purple Garden. It’s my go-to platform for its affordable packages and satisfaction guarantee. From my experience, you can expect fair rates, high-quality insights, and peace of mind.
Why Do Psychic & Medium Readings Vary in Price?
Many factors can influence how much a psychic or medium charges, and rates can fluctuate, just like in any profession. While price doesn’t always reflect quality, it typically reflects the psychics’ experience, skills, and popularity. However, there can also be other factors influencing a psychic’s price that you may not realize.
1. Experience
A psychic’s experience level is one of the most important considerations for clients, and with reason. Regardless of profession, those with more experience are regarded as more skilled and can charge more. This is reflected in the psychic industry since readers with decades of experience are typically more expensive.
A lengthy track record can also show that a psychic has had exposure to all types of situations. This is great for complex client scenarios because an experienced psychic will understand how to help you. The added layer of trust you have with experienced psychics also warrants the higher fees.
You can easily find a psychic’s experience level if they’re on a credible site, as they must disclose how long they’ve been in the industry and on the platform itself. But the best way to gauge a psychic’s experience is to check out their profile, as some psychics will have plenty of experience but are new to the site.
2. Specialized Skills
Most credible psychics are constantly developing their skills further and will be lifelong students. Since being a good psychic doesn’t come easy, those who invest more into their skill sets typically charge higher fees. For some psychics, charging more reflects their investment to ensure their clients leave happy.
Additionally, many psychics incorporate other tools into their sessions, such as Tarot, Astrology, and Numerology. These skills take years to master and can add much more depth to your reading. So, the more tools and skills a psychic can incorporate into a session, the more it will influence the final price.
Nowadays, most psychic sites have filter options to help you narrow down particular skill sets. Simply select the skills you’d like to search for and browse through the psychics that come up. This will save you from having to search manually and ensure you don’t end up with a psychic not for you.
3. Popularity
If a particular psychic is very popular, it’s only logical that their fees will be much higher. Popular psychics tend to have a high demand for their services, so they need to accommodate the demand by charging higher fees. Otherwise, they would have too many clients and insufficient time to help them all.
Prices can also be higher with popular psychics because they have reached a certain level of prestige. Many popular and high-ticket psychics make appearances on radio and television, so this reputation lets them charge more. Much like A-list celebrities, their time and energy become more valuable, and their fees reflect it.
A psychic’s popularity is typically reflected by the number of readings they’ve done, star ratings, and reviews. You should pay the most attention to the number and quality of reviews because this indicates how well-liked the psychic is. Reviews can also give you an idea of what to expect.
4. Reading Length
While all psychics charge different rates, it’s a rule of thumb that the lengthier the reading, the more you’ll pay. You get far more information from a lengthier reading than you would from a quick 15-minute session. So, if you can ask multiple questions in one session, you should expect to pay a price that reflects that.
Getting a psychic reading can be similar to having a session with a therapist, where you pay a higher fee for more assistance. This also makes sense because if we assume the psychic has multiple clients waiting for help, a lengthier session needs to be worth their time. All in all, it’s a give-and-take interaction that should be fair for both parties.
5. Website
Psychic readings can vary in price depending on the website you use. Some sites are well-established and known for their exceptional roster of psychics, so they can get away with higher prices. Since you’re normally insulated in the event you don’t feel satisfied, the website can charge more since they’d be on the hook for resolving it.
Additionally, it depends on how the site chooses to structure payment rates. Most credible psychic sites charge a per-minute rate, but the rates can vary from site to site. Some psychics charge per session, but if you take less than the duration of a normal session, you’d be stuck paying the full amount.
Best Psychic Sites for Affordable Readings
If you stick to credible psychic platforms, rates will vary, but generally, they all work the same. I’ve put together this list based on the most trustworthy, high-quality, and affordable psychic sites in the market. This way, you can receive credible advice while having the option for more affordable rates.
1. Purple Garden — Text, Call, or Video Readings Start at $0.99 Per Minute
- $10 credit for first timers
- Free readings for referrals
- Rates start at $0.99 per minute
- Text, call, & video readings
On Purple Garden, you can receive a $10 credit for your first reading.
Purple Garden has a competitive starting rate of only $0.99 per minute. Starting rates on the platform can go up to $17.99 per minute, but this is rare. On average, you can expect to pay $5 per minute for an experienced psychic. This is a reasonable price considering the overwhelmingly positive reviews about its top readers.
A minor drawback to using Purple Garden is that it doesn’t have a formal rewards program, but I find its unique features make up for this. It’s one of the few platforms that offer text, call, and video readings, making it great for added flexibility. If you prefer video readings, you can receive the heartfelt advice you’re after on Purple Garden.
2. Keen — Speak with Compassionate Psychics for $1.99 Per Minute
- 5 minutes for $1
- Earn points on every dollar spent
- Starting rate of $1.99 per minute
- Credits for unsatisfactory readings
- User-friendly app interface
If you want to keep costs low, you can make use of Keen’s introductory offer of 5 minutes for $1. This introductory offer will allow you to test out high-cost psychics for a quarter of the price before you commit to the full price. I enjoy this introductory offer because it lets you test out high-ticket psychics you wouldn’t normally try.
Keen is a highly popular psychic site that has managed to maintain affordable rates. Its starting rate without any promotions is $1.99 per minute with the maximum being $15 per minute. While $15 per minute is up there, the psychics that charge this much are typically renowned and highly sought after for their work.
Luckily, Keen has a rewards program that allows you to earn points on every dollar spent. You can even earn points for free by setting up push notifications or by logging into the Keen app. It’s a great program because you can eventually receive free readings and use the free credits on psychics that are out of your budget.
3. California Psychics — Expert Psychics From $1 Per Minute
- $1, $2, and $4 per minute packages
- Satisfaction guarantee
- $20 Karma rewards credit
- Starting rate of $4 per minute
- Only accepts 2% of applicants
California Psychics has several introductory offers that gives you generous savings. Newbies can choose between the $1, $2, or $4 per minute packages, which is an excellent way to test the waters. And since the site has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, it can reimburse you with credits if you didn’t enjoy your reading.
Without any promotions or introductory packages, California Psychics’ starting rate ranges from $4 to $15 per minute. Some can even pay between $60 and $100 for a session, but of course, you don’t have to. While it may seem expensive, this starting rate is fair, considering it only accepts 2% of all applicants and reflects the quality of its services.
You can join the Karma rewards program for additional savings and long-term rewards. By joining this program, you’ll receive a $20 credit and a free Astrology report while earning points with every purchase. I find this program worthwhile because you get various benefits in addition to short and long-term savings.
4. Psychic Source — $0.66 Per Minute Rates & Additional Savings
- $0.66 a minute & 5 minutes free
- Starting rate of $4.99 per minute
- Price protection program
- Full money back guarantee
- Highly-experienced psychics
The introductory offers on Psychic Source are some of the most competitive since you can receive up to 30 minutes for only $19.80. In addition to that, you can also enjoy 5 minutes for free. If you’re after a lengthier reading, you can lock into this low price while still enjoying a substantial session with a high-end psychic.
Psychic Source has been in business for over 30 years and has psychics that have been with them the entire time. Due to the high levels of expertise, the starting rates vary from $4.99 to $19.99 per minute. The plus side is that it’s one of the few sites offering a 100% money-back guarantee, so you’re protected if something goes wrong.
You can even earn additional savings and rewards with its membership program. You’ll receive 3% back on each reading and can even earn up to $50 a month, depending on how many sessions you have. Its program also locks in the normal rate of your psychic in case they raise prices, helping you avoid any surprises with cost.
5. PathForward — Vetted Psychics for Only $0.83 Per Minute
- $0.83 per minute for newbies
- Starting rate of $5 per minute
- 3% money back on readings
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Strict vetting of psychics
By using PathForward, it’s possible to benefit from its offer of $0.83 per minute with a bonus 5 minutes free. That means you can get a 30-minute reading for a little over $24 and receive substantial insights without spending a fortune. I recommend checking out this offer if you’re on a budget but need ongoing back-and-forth advice.
PathForward is unique in its pricing because the majority of its psychics charge a $5 per minute rate. This is a great steal if you connect with a high-quality psychic that would normally charge double on other platforms. Its rates are competitive while allowing you to receive credible advice for a fraction of the cost.
You should note that there are limited psychics on PathForward, but there’s less space to go wrong since its vetting process is strict. Having a smaller selection of choices makes it easy to find the best reader without the high cost that usually accompanies it. This is handy if you easily get overwhelmed by choice and don’t have time to browse.
Comparison: The Average Costs of Psychic Readings?
| Starting per minute rate | Introductory Offer | Satisfaction Guarantee? | Reward Program? | |
| Purple Garden | $0.99 per
minute |
$10 credit | No | No |
| Keen | $1.99 per
minute |
5 minutes for $1 or $1.99 for 10 minutes | Yes | Yes |
| California Psychics | $4.00 per
minute |
$1, $2, or $4 per minute | Yes | Yes |
| Psychic Source | $4.99 per minute | 10, 20, or 30 minutes for $0.66 per minute & 5 free minutes | Yes | Yes |
| Path Forward | $5.00 per
minute |
$0.83 per minute & 5 minutes free | Yes | Yes |
5 Tips to Save Money on Your Psychic Reading
While psychic guidance can provide unparalleled insights, prolonged sessions can become costly. To maximize the benefits of your psychic readings while minimizing expenditure, refer to the following set of tips curated for optimum results. It is advisable to go through this section prior to investing in an online psychic or medium reading.
1. Look for Promotions
In order to optimize your savings, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for introductory offers. All platforms on my list provide competitive promotions for new clients, enabling substantial savings on your first session. I advise trying out each platform to save cash and gain direct experience of their services.
The best promotions usually include a mix of free minutes and significant reductions in per-minute rates, allowing for longer readings at no additional cost. However, it’s important to exercise judgement when selecting a promotion, as one may suit your needs better than another.
2. Join Reward Programs
If you intend to purchase additional readings, you should carefully consider the benefits of a platform’s rewards program. Some platforms will offer free credits, discounts, cashback, and even free services for signing up for its reward program. These are great for long-term savings and for getting promotions you would otherwise miss out on.
The task requires understanding different reward programs and deciding which one best fits your needs. Cashback programs are suggested for long-term savings, whereas sign-up bonuses may be more attractive for short-term gains. Reward programs that provide extensive benefits and opportunities are highly recommended.
3. Have A Set Budget
To ensure you’re maintaining a balanced approach and not straining your finances, I suggest setting up a budget before finalizing a reading. This budget will assist you in locating psychics that align with your price range, and it will provide a clear understanding of the extent of a reading that you can afford. This process will then enable you to decide if an adjustment to your budget is necessary.
Establishing a defined budget will assist you in determining the most suitable psychic platform for your needs. Given the varying costs associated with these platforms, you will easily find one that aligns with your budget. For your peace of mind, consider setting a timer at the start of your reading. This way, you can keep track of your expenses and ensure you stay within your budget.
4. Think About Your Questions
With per-minute rates, time is money, so going into the session prepared is essential. To save time during your session, you should already have a set of questions beforehand. You can organize your inquiries by topic and from the most pressing questions to the least important ones. This way, you can prioritize the questions you need urgently answered.
Also, having questions prepared will save time from having to think. This will help you get straight to the point at the beginning of the reading to avoid unnecessary chatting. For text readings, it’s best to have all significant questions typed out beforehand so you can copy and paste. This will save you time and money if you’re a slow typer.
5. Check the Site’s Refund Policy
Checking your preferred site’s refund policy lets you safeguard yourself while ensuring you’re getting the best value for your dollar. This is because a refund policy for unsatisfactory experiences will prevent you from wasting money on a bad reading. Typically you can expect to get a full refund or be connected with a new psychic for free.
If you’re not keen on spending hours sorting through reviews, your best bet is to stick to platforms with a satisfaction guarantee. Otherwise, you’ll have to take your time in deciding if the psychic you’re choosing is credible and worthwhile. Although you should always be considerate with your choice, a satisfaction guarantee can safeguard you.
FAQs on Psychic Readings Costs
How much do mediums cost?
The cost of a medium session depends on the platform, experience, and popularity of the medium since it relies on the same criteria as a general psychic. As a result, you can expect to pay more or less than the average rate depending on your personal preferences. On credible psychic sites, you can find more standard rates across the board for mediumship readings.
There are usually valid reasons why some mediums charge more. For example, you can expect higher costs with a trance medium that allows spirits to use them as a vessel. Since trance mediumship is more specialized than regular mediumship, it makes sense for the cost to be higher.
How do I know I’ll get my money’s worth with an online psychic?
Getting an online psychic reading can feel like a gamble, but you can insulate yourself in a few ways. Firstly, you should always vet your psychic’s profile before committing to a full reading. Check the star ratings, details of their description, and any relevant reviews to ensure your reader is credible and sought after.
Secondly, stick to sites with a satisfaction guarantee policy to get your money’s worth. At the very least, if you don’t assess your psychic properly before the reading and end up disappointed, you can get a refund or connect to a new psychic. This is one of the only ways to guarantee you get your money’s worth.
Should I trust online psychics with low rates?
It depends because low rates can sometimes indicate poor skills or an outright scam, but this is not always the case. Many credible sites offer low rates to incentivize you to try out their psychics since they understand promotions help build trust. So, don’t feel discouraged if you see low rates.
Additionally, some credible psychics offer low rates because they may not have as much experience or may be new to the site they’re on. Lower rates tend to attract more traffic, so if a psychic is looking to build a presence, offering affordable prices can help. You shouldn’t let this deter you but always be mindful of your preferences.
One of the best ways to determine if a low-priced psychic is worthwhile is by checking out their reviews. Even if they don’t have many, the quality of their reviews will give you an idea of how good they are.
How can I avoid online psychic scams?
The best way to avoid online psychic scams is to only use credible platforms recommended by a trusted source. They will go through the process of getting a reading much like a client would, so their experience will be authentic and first-hand. So if they find anything fishy, they can disclose it to you beforehand.
Apart from that, you can tell if a platform is trustworthy by checking its history, offers, and psychic roster. Credible psychic sites usually have satisfaction guarantees and accessible customer support, in addition to top-notch services. Remember that scam offers will feel informal and demanding compared to genuine ones.
Bottom Line
When you’re unfamiliar with online psychics, it can feel daunting to put your money in the hands of a stranger. But by knowing the average industry price and vetting a psychic’s credibility, you can reap the benefits of a psychic reading without spending a fortune. This can also help you determine if a certain service fits your budget and needs.
By consulting my list of credible platforms, you can make the most of your money and stand clear of illegitimate sites. I suggest you test multiple platforms and use their introductory offers before getting diving right in. That way, you can get an idea of which platform suits you best without paying full price.
As previously mentioned, Purple Garden is my go-to site because of the quality and affordability it delivers. If you’re eager to get your reading but want to make sure you choose the right one, try Purple Garden. You’ll be able to get unmatched and affordable insights from some of the best psychics in the industry.
