How often are dividends paid?

Quarterly is the norm in the US. A typical dividend-paying company announces a payment every three months, and the payments arrive on a regular rhythm, say the middle of February, May, August and November. Over a year, a portfolio of a few dozen such companies produces a fairly steady drip of cash.

Some investments pay monthly. Certain ETFs, real estate investment trusts and bond funds distribute every month, which appeals to people using the income for expenses. A handful of companies do too, though they are the exception.

Outside the US, twice-yearly is common in the UK and much of Europe, and once a year is standard in some countries. If you own a foreign company or an international fund, expect a different rhythm.

Beyond regular dividends, companies occasionally pay a special dividend, a one-off payment when they have excess cash. Those are announced separately and are not part of the schedule. For any specific stock, the investor relations page lists the dividend history and upcoming dates.