If you have $100,000 to invest in CDs, you can put it all into one jumbo CD or spread it across several traditional CDs. Jumbo CDs work much like traditional CDs, where you deposit money for a specified term in exchange for a fixed annual percentage yield (APY). Withdrawing money before the CD matures can trigger an early withdrawal penalty.

The main difference is the deposit requirement. Traditionally, $100,000 has been a common threshold for jumbo CDs, although requirements vary by financial institution.

Having more money to deposit doesn't automatically mean you'll get a better rate, though. Some of today's regular CDs compete with, and occasionally beat, jumbo CD rates. That means it's worth comparing both before locking up a six-figure sum, especially if putting the full $100,000 into one CD would leave you with less financial flexibility.

From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance

Become a smarter, better informed investor.…