With inflation pinching budgets, you might be looking for places to store your cash to outpace it. And one risk-free option to consider is a jumbo CD.
CD rates have dipped slightly, following the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates three times in 2024. However, the Fed didn't continue its rate-cutting campaign into 2025, refraining from cutting rates at both their January and March meetings.
While more rate cuts might be on the way later this year, for now, savers have some time to lock in an excellent rate.
And the best part about CDs? They come with fixed interest rates. So even if you do lock one in and the Fed lowers rates, it won't impact you.
As you can see from the Bankrate tool, you can earn excellent rates on CDs:
What is a jumbo CD?
Depending on how much cash you're looking to invest, you could be eligible to open a jumbo CD account. A jumbo CD account is practically the same as a regular CD account, with one main difference — jumbo CD accounts require a higher minimum deposit to open.
Typically, most banks require a deposit of $100,000, but this number varies from bank to bank.
How do you find the best jumbo CD rates?
To find the best jumbo CD rate, you need to follow a few steps, including choosing the right bank and deciding what factors work best for you.
- Choose an online bank: Typically, online banks offer more competitive rates than those found at traditional banks. For this reason, you’ll likely have to forgo a brick-and-mortar bank for an online one if you’re looking to open one of the top-earning CD accounts available.
- Make sure your cash is secure: Make sure your account is FDIC or NCUA insured, so your money stays safe even if your bank or credit union fails. The FDIC protects up to $250,000 in individual deposit accounts, and the NCUA protects up to $250,000 per credit union member.
- Compare APY across accounts: While many jumbo CD accounts offer impressive rates, you could potentially find higher yields among other CD accounts, with varying deposit requirements and term lengths.
- Choose the right term: If you withdraw funds from your CD account before the term is through, you'll likely be charged a withdrawal fee that can offset any interest you’ve earned on your savings (unless you have a no-penalty CD). Therefore, when choosing an account, make sure you won't have to access your cash until the CD matures.
Here are some of the top-earning jumbo CD accounts available for a range of term lengths:
Bottom line on jumbo CD rates
Jumbo CDs are an excellent option for risk-averse savers. You'll earn a guaranteed rate of return, and even if the Fed lowers rates in the future, if you lock one in now, it won't impact you.
Just remember that if you need your money before your term expires, banks charge penalties for closing your CD before your maturity date. Therefore, only do this if you're confident you won't need the money before the term expires.
