SmarterDividends

AXP vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Nov 5, 2026, AXP (American Express Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AXP offers the higher yield at 1.14%, AXP has the higher dividend-safety score, and AXP looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price).

Key facts: AXP vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Nov 5, 2026, American Express Company (AXP) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.14%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AXP's dividend safety A (96/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, AXP has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, AXP pays out 15% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Nov 5, 2026, AXP's fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so AXP looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "AXP vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/axp-vs-ma

MetricAXPMA
Forward yield1.14%0.52%
Annual dividend$3.80$3.48
Payout ratio15%18%
Years of growth4 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth12.9%13.7%
5-yr total return110%103%
Dividend safety score96 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$463.72$499.25
Upside to fair value+41%-25%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$220.2B$578.5B
P/E ratio18.534.7

Higher yield

AXP

1.14%

Safer dividend

AXP

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

AXP

+41% upside

AXP vs MA — FAQ

Is AXP or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, AXP wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). AXP offers the higher yield (1.14%), while AXP has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, AXP or MA?

AXP has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.14%, versus 0.52% for MA.

Is AXP or MA safer?

AXP has the higher dividend-safety score (96/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is AXP or MA better value right now?

As of Nov 5, 2026, AXP looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 41% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.