BCS vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BCS offers the higher yield at 2.60%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and BCS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 75% above its share price).
Key facts: BCS vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Barclays PLC (BCS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.60%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BCS's dividend safety B (67/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, BCS has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BCS pays out 23% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BCS's fair-value estimate is 75% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so BCS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BCS vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bcs-vs-ma
| Metric | BCS | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.60% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $0.62 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 23% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 4 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -7.0% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 125% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 67 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $40.19 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +75% | -25% |
| Frequency | semiannual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $76.2B | $578.5B |
| P/E ratio | 8.5 | 34.7 |
Higher yield
BCS
2.60%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
BCS
+75% upside
BCS vs MA — FAQ
Is BCS or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). BCS offers the higher yield (2.60%), 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, BCS or MA?
BCS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.60%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is BCS or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 67/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BCS or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, BCS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 75% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.