ASX dividend stocks are companies that pay shareholders a regular cash dividend.
From banks to telcos, infrastructure and even mining, there are lots of different types of dividend stocks depending on your risk appetite.
But if you want to find an ASX dividend stock that will pay a reliable passive income for years to come, you'd need to look at established and stable companies.
Here are two that fit the bill.
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APA Group (ASX: APA)
APA is one of the most stable dividend shares listed on the ASX. The energy infrastructure business is well-known for paying strong, consistent dividends, with revenue derived from long-term contracted infrastructure assets.
APA has paid two partially franked or unfranked dividends a year, in March and September, since 2016. The company has a history of paying dividends since 2008.
Not only has APA paid reliable dividends for a long period of time, but it has also hiked its payout every year for the past 20 years.
Its yield is usually much higher than that of other ASX dividend stocks, too, which makes it an appealing option for investors who want a passive income for years to come.
The company paid an interim dividend of 27.5 cents in the first half of FY26 and is guiding a full-year dividend of 58 cents per security. That translates to a forward distribution yield of 5.8%, partially franked, at the time of writing.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
The great thing about telecommunications provider Telstra is that it is a classic defensive asset. That means that regardless of how high inflation or the cost of living gets, or how severe global uncertainty becomes, the company's offerings will remain a high priority for Australians.
This type of stock is also perfect for investors who want to hedge against potential volatility elsewhere in their portfolio.
As a reliable and consistent ASX dividend stock, Telstra is able to offer a great passive income to investors. In fact, its dividend payout ratio is close to 100% of its earnings.
Telstra has paid investors two dividends per year, in March and September, since 2016, and sometimes with additional special dividend payments. The telco has a history of paying its shareholders dividends dating back to 2004.
Last month, investors were paid an interim dividend of 10.5 cents, 90.48% franked. Telstra has forecast to pay a 20-cent dividend for FY26.
For FY25, the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share. At the time of writing, that translates to a dividend yield of around 3.5%.
