SmarterDividends

CASH vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 30, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MA offers the higher yield at 0.57%, CASH has the higher dividend-safety score, and CASH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 102% above its share price).

Key facts: CASH vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 30, 2026, Mastercard Incorporated (MA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.57%, versus 0.26% for Pathward Financial, Inc. (CASH).
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CASH's dividend safety A (98/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CASH has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, CASH pays out 3% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 30, 2026, CASH's fair-value estimate is 102% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so CASH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "CASH vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cash-vs-ma

MetricCASHMA
Forward yield0.26%0.57%
Annual dividend$0.20$3.48
Payout ratio3%18%
Years of growth0 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth0.0%13.7%
5-yr total return26%103%
Dividend safety score98 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$154.66$483.05
Upside to fair value+102%-24%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$1.6B$556.9B
P/E ratio9.435.0

Higher yield

MA

0.57%

Safer dividend

CASH

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

CASH

+102% upside

CASH vs MA — FAQ

Is CASH or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MA offers the higher yield (0.57%), while CASH has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, CASH or MA?

MA has the higher forward dividend yield at 0.57%, versus 0.26% for CASH.

Is CASH or MA safer?

CASH has the higher dividend-safety score (98/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is CASH or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 30, 2026, CASH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 102% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.

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