AXP vs MA: American Express Company vs Mastercard Incorporated Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This AXP vs MA comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of American Express Company and Mastercard Incorporated side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how American Express Company and Mastercard Incorporated have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 20-year comparison period, American Express Company outperformed Mastercard Incorporated in 8 years, while Mastercard Incorporated outperformed American Express Company in 12 years.
AXP - American Express Company
MA - Mastercard Incorporated
Overall Winner: MA with an average annual return of 33.09% (vs 17.09% for AXP)
Understanding AXP vs MA Performance
When comparing American Express Company and Mastercard Incorporated, investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in American Express Company grew to $1,090,480, compared to $1,305,916 for Mastercard Incorporated over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | AXP Return | AXP Cumulative | MA Return | MA Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | +9.57% | $10,956.53 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1988 | -18.25% | $8,956.44 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | +14.24% | $10,231.90 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | +34.37% | $13,748.17 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | -38.53% | $8,450.96 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | +5.34% | $8,902.52 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | +23.90% | $11,030.27 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | +26.52% | $13,955.71 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1995 | +16.62% | $16,274.64 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1996 | +44.05% | $23,442.85 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1997 | +39.40% | $32,678.32 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1998 | +65.37% | $54,041.14 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1999 | +16.43% | $62,917.87 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2000 | +65.02% | $103,827.30 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2001 | +5.44% | $109,479.84 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2002 | -30.78% | $75,777.71 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2003 | -0.60% | $75,322.83 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2004 | +32.72% | $99,969.87 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2005 | +18.78% | $118,745.75 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2006 | +6.12% | $126,015.72 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2007 | +16.55% | $146,869.39 | +114.39% | $21,438.59 | -97.84% (MA) | MA |
| 2008 | -13.16% | $127,541.50 | +124.13% | $48,050.87 | -137.29% (MA) | MA |
| 2009 | -63.17% | $46,975.08 | -33.23% | $32,085.37 | -29.94% (MA) | MA |
| 2010 | +117.03% | $101,948.39 | +71.51% | $55,028.06 | +45.52% (AXP) | AXP |
| 2011 | +6.78% | $108,863.63 | -12.52% | $48,140.18 | +19.30% (AXP) | AXP |
| 2012 | +10.42% | $120,210.19 | +69.18% | $81,443.89 | -58.76% (MA) | MA |
| 2013 | +20.47% | $144,815.78 | +33.69% | $108,881.31 | -13.22% (MA) | MA |
| 2014 | +55.84% | $225,675.79 | +64.32% | $178,917.99 | -8.49% (MA) | MA |
| 2015 | +5.15% | $237,289.23 | +3.89% | $185,877.11 | +1.26% (AXP) | AXP |
| 2016 | -24.19% | $179,881.48 | +14.45% | $212,733.89 | -38.64% (MA) | MA |
| 2017 | +11.73% | $200,983.15 | +9.78% | $233,544.60 | +1.95% (AXP) | AXP |
| 2018 | +33.92% | $269,157.66 | +44.69% | $337,907.94 | -10.77% (MA) | MA |
| 2019 | -2.26% | $263,085.43 | +24.86% | $421,909.26 | -27.12% (MA) | MA |
| 2020 | +32.02% | $347,322.13 | +58.24% | $667,644.71 | -26.22% (MA) | MA |
| 2021 | -2.55% | $338,472.54 | +18.28% | $789,722.22 | -20.83% (MA) | MA |
| 2022 | +40.21% | $474,581.85 | +2.73% | $811,274.60 | +37.48% (AXP) | AXP |
| 2023 | -11.02% | $422,263.44 | -5.71% | $764,947.78 | -5.31% (MA) | MA |
| 2024 | +29.22% | $545,655.33 | +23.73% | $946,506.84 | +5.49% (AXP) | AXP |
| 2025 | +59.49% | $870,289.23 | +25.53% | $1,188,188.94 | +33.96% (AXP) | AXP |
| 2026 | +25.30% | $1,090,479.70 | +9.91% | $1,305,916.03 | +15.39% (AXP) | AXP |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means AXP outperformed MA that year.
Company Profiles
American Express Company
AXP
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Its major products and services include charge and credit cards, banking products, and travel-related services.
Key Innovations
- ✓Introduced the American Express Money Order, a precursor to modern money transfers.
- ✓Launched the American Express Travelers Cheque, revolutionizing travel payments.
- ✓Pioneered the charge card concept, offering a premium payment solution.
Business Segments
- U.S. Consumer ServicesProvides a variety of cards and services to consumers in the United States.
- Commercial ServicesProvides payment and expense management solutions to small and medium enterprises and large corporations.
- International Card ServicesProvides a variety of cards and services to consumers and businesses outside of the United States.
Mastercard Incorporated
MA
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. It connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses worldwide, enabling them to use electronic forms of payment.
Key Innovations
- ✓Mastercard Track Business Payment Service
- ✓Digital Enablement Service (MDES)
- ✓Crypto card programs
Business Segments
- Payment NetworkTransaction processing and payment facilitation.
- Value-Added ServicesCybersecurity, data analytics, and consulting.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.