How to buy Mastercard stock (MA)—5 steps to invest
Fact Checked: Amy Tokic
Updated: January 14, 2025
Mastercard is a global financial institution best known for its credit cards. Today, it’s used in over 210 countries and territories, serving consumers, businesses, governments, enterprises, banks and credit unions. This company is driven by three main priorities1: Expanding payments, extending services and embracing new networks in a commitment to future growth. It’s also a popular way to invest, with many new investors wondering how to buy Mastercard stock so they can get in on the earnings. All it takes is five quick steps.
How to buy Mastercard stock
When you know how to buy Mastercard stock, trading can be simple. Just follow these five quick steps, and you will be on your way.
- 1.
Choose where to buy. In order to trade, you will need to have an active account. You cannot buy shares from Mastercard directly, so instead, consider a brokerage.
- 2.
Open a new account. After you choose a broker, complete the application for a new account. You will need to provide some information, including your personal details and investment preferences. Account approval can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on your brokerage.
- 3.
Fund your account. Next, add funds to your account so you can begin trading. Most brokerages offer an online platform or mobile app for added convenience. However, there may be a minimum that you are required to deposit into your account.
- 4.
Buy Mastercard stock. Use the NYSE symbol MA to buy Mastercard stock and add the number of shares you want to buy. Specify where you want a market order, where you buy at market price, or a limit order, where you specify the price you are willing to pay.
- 5.
Track market performance. Once you know how to buy Mastercard stock, it’s important to monitor your investment so you can maximize your earnings. Many brokerages offer a watchlist feature you can use to easily track the market and receive notifications about changes to your investments. This will help you determine whether to buy, sell or hold your Mastercard shares.
Top brokers for stock investing
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About Mastercard Inc.
Founded in 1966 as InterBank Card Association (ICA)2, today Mastercard is a household name. It’s a global company, having gone international in 1968 when it combined forces with Banco Nacional in Mexico to expand its services. Mastercard then went on to expand throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
It grew even further with the acquisition of the Cirrus ATM network in 1985, and it merged with Europay International in 2002. In 2006, it made its initial public offering (IPO). Its continued acquisitions over the years include companies like Orbiscom, DataCash, Trevica and Truaxis, strengthening its overall holdings and making it a more attractive buy for investors.
Is Mastercard a good stock to buy?
Mastercard has shown stable growth over the years, with revenues growing from $15 billion with an adjusted EPS of $6.49 in 20183, compared to $25.1 billion revenue and an adjusted EPS of $12.26 in 2023. Mastercard’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Business Update shows roughly $74 billion returned to shareholders since its IPO in 2006.
The last year, in particular, has been marked by steady growth. At the end of December 2024, the share price was $532.204, with a 52 week high of $537.70 and a low of $416.53. Annualized dividends were $2.64 with a current yield of 0.5 percent. Its market cap stands at over $488 billion.
Mastercard is marred by a high valuation that may turn off some investors. However, don’t rule Mastercard out just yet. It has shown itself over the years to be a stable company with consistent returns that pay off over time.
Pros and cons of buying Mastercard stock
Pros
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Steady earnings
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Continued growth through new acquisitions
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Global presence
Cons
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High valuation
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Strong market competition
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Regulatory challenges
FAQs

Lena Muhtadi Borrelli brings over 20 years of experience in the finance industry. She began her career at Morgan Stanley before transitioning over to media. As a finance writer, she has served as an authority for several respected outlets, including Forbes, TIME, Newsweek, Bankrate, Investopedia, Insurance.com, and InvestorPlace. No matter what she is writing, Lena has a unique ability to simplify complex topics, making finance more approachable and relatable to the average reader. When she is not writing or scanning the news for the latest headlines, she is happiest spending time in the Florida sunshine with her husband and two pups.
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