Dividends are one of the best reasons to invest in ASX shares. After all, dividend income is passive income in its purest form. And this passive income can help any Australian build financial security, wealth, and prepare for a better retirement. But choosing the right ASX dividend stocks to buy is easier said than done. Particularly in 2026, a year that has seen the dividend yields on many popular ASX shares continue to edge lower.
So today, let's talk about three ASX dividend stocks that I think are worth considering if one wants to build a winning income portfolio. All three come with a trailing dividend yield of at least 4%.
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3 ASX dividend stocks to consider for 2026
Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)
Woodside is the ASX's largest oil and gas company and a formidable dividend stock. Like most ASX energy shares, Woodside has had a phenomenal year so far, share price-wise, for obvious reasons. Yet the company still trades on a compelling dividend yield of well over 4% at recent pricing.
No dividend is ever guaranteed to continue from one year to the next, particularly that of an energy stock. But with oil prices continuing to trend higher, I think Woodside could be a valuable source of income, as part of a diversified income portfolio, for a while yet.
National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)
ASX bank stocks have always been lucrative sources of dividend income. Right now, I think NAB is the pick of the bunch. This ASX dividend stock's superlative business banking dominance has always given it a bit of an edge against the other banks in my eyes, anyway. And, unlike Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares, NAB still offers a dividend yield without a '2' at the front. It's currently well over 4%.
Investors can thank the near-20% drop NAB shares have endured over the past three months or so for that rather decent dividend. Unlike ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares, NAB's dividends still come with full franking credits attached as an added bonus.
BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (ASX: AAA)
As most Australians would know, interest rates are rising, and, if the markets are to be believed, seem set to keep rising. Yes, this is painful for mortgage-holders. But there's a silver lining to the cloud of higher rates in the form of greater returns on cash investments. Unlike ASX shares, cash investments are effectively risk-free. Investors can use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to take advantage of that.
One such fund is the BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF. AAA units represent investments in cash deposits at major Australian banks. According to the provider, this ETF is currently yielding a competitive 4.19%. That's a dividend-like return (albeit without franking) without the risks of an ASX share. Or the potential growth, to be fair. Even so, I'd wager that many ASX dividend stock investors looking for reliable income in 2026 will appreciate it.
