By Michael Calia 

MasterCard Inc. said Tuesday that its board increased the credit-card company's dividend and approved a new share-buyback program.

The company said it boosted its dividend by 45% to 16 cents a share, putting the yield at about 0.7%.

MasterCard's new buyback program is pegged at $3.75 billion. It will take effect once the company's existing $3.5 billion plan winds down. The company said it had about $275 million remaining on the plan as of Dec. 1.

The move comes as the company, along with rival Visa Inc., has delivered stronger financial performances lately, as more consumers rely on credit cards over cash payment options.

MasterCard in October posted profit and revenue that topped analysts' expectations, driven by a surge in purchase volume.

The company's shares have risen about 25% since mid-October.

Write to Michael Calia at michael.calia@wsj.com

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