BAC vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 16, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BAC offers the higher yield at 2.48%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 16, 2026, Bank of America Corporation (BAC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.48%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 16, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (86/100) and MA's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 16, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 16, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-ma
| Metric | BAC | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.48% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.16 | $3.37 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 14% | 76% |
| Dividend safety score | 86 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $65.09 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +26% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $361.5B | $539.9B |
| P/E ratio | 12.3 | 33.9 |
Higher yield
BAC
2.48%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
BAC
+26% upside
BAC vs MA — FAQ
Is BAC or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). BAC offers the higher yield (2.48%), while MA has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BAC or MA?
BAC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.48%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is BAC or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 86/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 16, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.