Westpac, ANZ, NAB or CBA shares? Which ASX bank stock should I buy for $5,000 a year in passive income?

Are ANZ, NAB, Westpac, or CBA shares a better buy for a $5,000 annual passive income?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

If you're looking to bank an extra $5,000 a year in passive income, should you buy National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), or Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares?

All of the big four S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stocks have a lengthy history of paying twice-yearly dividends. But there are some marked differences in both the yields you might expect, as well as the level of franking credits you may receive.

We'll look at the past year's share price moves and passive income payouts from CBA, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac shares below.

Just bear in mind that the yields you generally see quoted are trailing yields. Future yields may be higher or lower depending on a range of macroeconomic and company-specific factors.

With that in mind…

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.

Image source: Getty Images

Tapping the ASX 200 banks for $5,000 in passive income

Kicking off with the biggest ASX 200 bank stock, CBA shares closed on Monday trading for $154.97 each. That sees the CBA share price down 8.3% over the last 12 months.

On the passive income front, CBA paid (or shortly will pay) two fully-franked dividends totalling $5.05 a share over the full year. CBA shares trade ex-dividend on 19 August. Eligible stockholders will receive the final dividend on 29 September.

At Monday's closing price, then, CBA trades on a fully-franked dividend yield of 3.3%.

Moving on, NAB shares closed yesterday at $38.72 each, putting the NAB share price down 11.6% over 12 months.

Over the time, NAB paid two fully-franked dividends totalling $1.70 a share. This sees NAB trading on a fully-franked dividend yield of 4.4%.

Next up, ANZ shares ended Monday trading for $37.54. Unlike the other big four ASX 200 bank stocks, ANZ shares have gained 13.8% over the past 12 months. Over this period, ANZ paid two dividends (franked at 70% and 75%), totalling $1.66 a share.

At Monday's close, ANZ shares trade on a partly franked dividend yield of 4.4%.

And last up, Westpac shares closed on Monday at $34.53 each, which sees the ASX bank stock down 10.9% over 12 months.

As for that passive income, Westpac paid two fully-franked dividends over the full year, totalling $1.54 a share. Westpac stock trades on a fully-franked 4.5% trailing dividend yield.

Which ASX 200 bank stock to buy?

While all four ASX 200 banks offer reliable dividend payments, Westpac is well ahead of CBA and edges out ANZ and NAB shares with the best yield. And it provides full franking credits.

For $5,000 a year in passive income, based on the trailing yield, you'd need to buy 3,247 Westpac shares today.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Dividend Investing

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.
Dividend Investing

Are Telstra shares a good buy for passive income?

The telco offers its shareholders much more than just a potential share price upside.

Read more »

Stacks of Australian dollar currency banknotes.
Superannuation

How much passive income can I earn investing $400,000 of my superannuation buying ASX shares?

If you were to invest $400,000 of superannuation savings into ASX dividend shares, how much passive income could you earn…

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

How many BHP shares do I need to buy to earn $100 a week in passive income?

With BHP’s dividends surging 42% this year, how many shares do I need to buy for a $100 weekly passive…

Read more »

View of a business man's hand passing a $100 note to another with a bank in the background.
Dividend Investing

If I invest $10,000 in BHP shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

The ASX mining giant pays dividends to its shareholders twice per year.

Read more »

Elderly couple cosily walking together outside.
Dividend Investing

My top ASX passive income stocks for the next 10 years

These four businesses give me several different sources of income rather than depending too heavily on one part of the…

Read more »

Young ASX share investor excitedly throwing hands up in front of savings jar.
Dividend Investing

The ASX share I just bought for my child

I think this stock can offer investors of every age pleasing positives.

Read more »

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Dividend Investing

1 ASX dividend stock down 39% I'd buy right now

This business looks great value and offers good dividends.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Dividend Investing

Looking to bank the final Qantas dividend? You'd better hurry!

Here’s what you need to know to bank the final Qantas dividend.

Read more »