COF 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. COF offers the higher yield at 1.55%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and COF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 13% above its share price).
Key facts: COF vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Capital One Financial Corporation (COF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.55%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COF's dividend safety B (73/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, COF has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COF pays out 20% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, COF's fair-value estimate is 13% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so COF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COF vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cof-vs-ma
| Metric | COF | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.55% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $3.20 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 20% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 21.1% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 46% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 73 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $232.56 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +13% | -25% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $123.4B | $578.5B |
| P/E ratio | 12.6 | 34.7 |
Higher yield
COF
1.55%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
COF
21.1%
Better value
COF
+13% upside
COF vs MA — FAQ
Is COF or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). COF offers the higher yield (1.55%), 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, COF or MA?
COF has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.55%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is COF or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 73/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COF or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, COF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 13% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.