Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
AXP vs MA
American Express Company versus Mastercard Incorporated — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
MA wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but AXP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
AXP or MA — which is better?
MA wins this comparison 2–1 across 6 dimensions. MA yields 0.61% — lower than AXP's 1.19% — and carries a 8.3/10 dividend safety score (Strong) vs 8.3/10 for AXP (Strong). MA wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but AXP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, AXP generates 1.19% vs 0.61% — a 0.58% difference that translates to $580 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | AXP | MA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.19% | 0.61% | AXP wins |
| Dividend safety | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | +0.09% vs 5y | +0.07% vs 5y | Tie |
| Volatility (beta) | 1.06 | 0.73 | MA wins |
| Scale | $216.5B | $502.0B | MA wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 2 wins | MA wins |
Dimension by dimension
AXP wins on yield (1.19% vs 0.61%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $58 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
AXP's higher yield (1.19%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus MA's 0.61% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (8.3/10 vs 8.3/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
Yield trends are similar
Both tickers' current yields sit close to their 5-year averages, suggesting comparable dividend-vs-price trajectories.
MA is less volatile (beta 0.73 vs 1.06)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
MA is 2.3× larger by market cap
Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Full breakdown per ticker: are AXP dividends qualified and are MA dividends qualified — each with the after-tax income at every federal bracket.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice. Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
AXP or MA — which is better?
MA is better on our scoring, winning 2–1 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. MA wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but AXP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, AXP or MA?
MA wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but AXP can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
AXP vs MA: which has a higher dividend yield?
AXP yields 1.19% and MA yields 0.61%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $58 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is AXP or MA a safer dividend in 2026?
AXP scores 8.3/10 (Strong) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. MA scores 8.3/10 (Strong). Both have comparable safety scores.
Which has better dividend growth, AXP or MA?
Both tickers' current yields sit close to their 5-year averages, suggesting comparable dividend-vs-price trajectories.
AXP vs MA: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put AXP and MA into the free analyzer with the rest of your portfolio. You'll see what each one contributes to your annual income, your weighted safety score, and whether adding MA diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.