3 ASX dividend shares I'd buy for passive income right now

The ASX is well known for its abundance of high-quality dividend shares.

Investors chasing reliable, fully franked income have plenty to choose from on the ASX right now.

Here are three shares worth a look for a passive income portfolio.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

National Australia Bank is one of the big four lenders and remains a core income holding for many Australian portfolios.

The bank pays a fully franked dividend of 4.3% (not including franking credits). What's more, its valuation typically sits at a discount to sector leader Commonwealth Bank.

This gives income investors a comparatively attractive entry point among the majors.

NAB's earnings are underpinned by home lending, business banking, and a large deposit base. All of these support a stable dividend through most parts of the economic cycle.

Bank dividends can come under pressure during a serious credit downturn, so investors should keep an eye on bad debt trends and net interest margins.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is the classic Australian dividend share, built on the country's largest mobile and fixed line network.

The telco generates highly predictable, subscription-style revenue from millions of customers. This has historically supported a consistent, largely franked dividend.

Currently, Telstra's dividend yield stands at 4.10% (not including franking credits).  

Telstra has also been investing in infrastructure monetisation, including its InfraCo assets.

Management has flagged as a way to unlock further shareholder value over time.

The main risks are intense mobile competition from Optus and TPG, and the capital intensity of maintaining and upgrading network infrastructure.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers owns a portfolio of well-known Australian retail and industrial brands, including Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks.

Bunnings in particular has proven remarkably resilient through multiple economic cycles, giving the group a defensive earnings base that supports steady dividend growth.

Wesfarmers has also been diversifying into lithium and healthcare, adding growth optionality alongside its retail core.

The shares typically trade at a premium multiple given the quality of the underlying businesses. Investors are therefore paying up for that consistency rather than buying deep value.

Foolish Takeaway for ASX dividend shares

NAB, Telstra, and Wesfarmers each offer a different flavour of passive income, from banking to telecommunications to retail.

Combining shares from different sectors can help smooth out portfolio income if one industry hits a rough patch. Meanwhile, franking credits add a further boost for local investors.

For ASX investors looking to generate substantial passive income through ASX dividend shares, they should look no further than these three Aussie companies.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares I'd buy for passive income right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026