MA vs USB: 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. USB offers the higher yield at 3.54%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and USB looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 46% above its share price).
Key facts: MA vs USB
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, U.S. Bancorp (USB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.54%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and USB's A (86/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and USB for 15.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and USB pays out 42%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price and USB's fair-value estimate is 46% above its share price, so USB looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs USB: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-usb
| Metric | MA | USB |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.52% | 3.54% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.16 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 42% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 4.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 103% | 7% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 86 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $499.25 | $87.63 |
| Upside to fair value | -25% | +46% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $578.5B | $93.8B |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 11.7 |
Higher yield
USB
3.54%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
USB
+46% upside
MA vs USB — FAQ
Is MA or USB a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). USB offers the higher yield (3.54%), 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, MA or USB?
USB has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.54%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is MA or USB safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 86/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or USB better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, USB looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 46% 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.