Synchrony Financial (SYF) 10-Q 27 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 24, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Synchrony Financial
Entity Central Index Key	1,601,712
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		825,465,791

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 3,771	$ 3,379	$ 10,763	$ 9,685
Interest on investment securities	25	13	68	34
Total interest income	3,796	3,392	10,831	9,719
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits	188	159	539	442
Interest on third-party debt	64	76	210	229
Interest on related party debt	0	0	0	4
Total interest expense	315	289	929	834
Net interest income	3,481	3,103	9,902	8,885
Retailer share arrangements	(757)	(723)	(2,091)	(2,004)
Net interest income, after retailer share arrangements	2,724	2,380	7,811	6,881
Provision for loan losses (Note 4)	986	702	2,910	2,129
Net interest income, after retailer share arrangements and provision for loan losses	1,738	1,678	4,901	4,752
Other income:
Interchange revenue	154	135	435	358
Debt cancellation fees	67	61	194	187
Loyalty programs	(145)	(122)	(390)	(294)
Other	8	10	20	54
Total other income	84	84	259	305
Other expense:
Employee costs	311	268	892	757
Professional fees	174	162	474	480
Marketing and business development	92	115	293	305
Information processing	87	77	250	214
Other	195	221	589	638
Total other expense	859	843	2,498	2,394
Earnings before provision for income taxes	963	919	2,662	2,663
Provision for income taxes (Note 12)	359	345	987	996
Net earnings	$ 604	$ 574	$ 1,675	$ 1,667
Earnings per share
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.73	$ 0.69	$ 2.01	$ 2
Diluted (in usd per share)	0.73	0.69	2.01	2
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.13	$ 0	$ 0.13	$ 0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Interest expense:
Interest on borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	$ 63	$ 54	$ 180	$ 159

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 604	$ 574	$ 1,675	$ 1,667
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Investment securities	0	2	17	(1)
Currency translation adjustments	(4)	(5)	2	(10)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0	0	(2)	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4)	(3)	17	(10)
Comprehensive income	$ 600	$ 571	$ 1,692	$ 1,657

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and equivalents		$ 13,588	$ 12,325
Investment securities (Note 3)		3,356	3,142
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)	[1],[2]	70,644	68,290
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(4,115)	(3,497)
Loan receivables, net		66,529	64,793
Goodwill		949	949
Intangible assets, net (Note 6)		733	701
Other assets(a)	[3]	2,004	2,080
Total assets		87,159	83,990
Deposits: (Note 7)
Interest-bearing deposit accounts		49,611	43,215
Non-interest-bearing deposit accounts		204	152
Total deposits		49,815	43,367
Borrowings: (Notes 5 and 8)
Bank term loan		0	4,133
Senior unsecured notes		7,756	6,557
Long-term Debt	[4]	20,167	24,279
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		3,196	3,740
Total liabilities		73,178	71,386
Equity:
Common Stock, par share value $0.001 per share; 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, 833,984,684 and 833,828,340 shares issued at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, 825,464,400 and 833,828,340 shares outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively		1	1
Additional paid-in capital		9,381	9,351
Treasury Stock, Value		(238)	0
Retained earnings		4,861	3,293
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Investment securities		7	(10)
Currency translation adjustments		(17)	(19)
Other		(14)	(12)
Total equity		13,981	12,604
Total liabilities and equity		87,159	83,990
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		379	391
Restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities
Assets
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		23,127	25,464
Borrowings: (Notes 5 and 8)
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[4]	12,411	13,589
Unsecuritized Loans Held for Investment [Member]
Assets
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		$ 47,517	$ 42,826
[1]	At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $72 million and $63 million, respectively.
[2]	Total loan receivables include $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans.
[3]	Other assets include restricted cash and equivalents of $379 million and $391 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
[4]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance cost.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Statement (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock Shares Authorized	4,000,000,000	4,000,000,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	833,984,684	833,828,340
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	825,464,400	833,828,340
Treasury Stock, Shares	8,520,284	0

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		833,765,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 10,478	$ 1	$ 9,408	$ 1,079	$ (10)	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	1,667			1,667
Other comprehensive income	(10)				(10)
Other	(1)		(1)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015		833,824,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	12,158	$ 1	9,431	2,746	(20)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		59,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation and Exercise of Stock Options	24		24
Purchases of treasury stock	$ (238)					(238)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	833,828,340	833,828,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 12,604	$ 1	9,351	3,293	(41)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	1,675			1,675
Other comprehensive income	$ 17				17
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016	833,984,684	833,985,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 13,981	$ 1	9,381	4,861	$ (24)	$ (238)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		157,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation and Exercise of Stock Options	30		$ 30
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	$ (107)			$ (107)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows - operating activities
Net earnings	$ 1,675	$ 1,667
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities
Provision for loan losses	2,910	2,129
Deferred income taxes	47	(32)
Depreciation and amortization	164	127
(Increase) decrease in interest and fees receivable	(105)	(18)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	29	8
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	(321)	125
All other operating activities	388	289
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	4,787	4,295
Cash flows - investing activities
Maturity and redemption of investment securities	1,038	2,747
Purchases of investment securities	(1,241)	(4,747)
Acquisition of loan receivables	(54)	(1,056)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and equivalents	12	787
Proceeds from sale of loan receivables	0	392
Net (increase) decrease in loan receivables	(4,773)	(3,433)
All other investing activities	(133)	(300)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	(5,151)	(5,610)
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt	3,766	2,793
Maturities and repayment of securitized debt	(4,949)	(4,132)
Third-party debt
Proceeds from issuance of third-party debt	1,193	1,983
Maturities and repayment of third-party debt	(4,151)	(3,594)
Related party debt
Maturities and repayment of related party debt	0	(655)
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	6,119	5,364
Purchase of treasury stock	(238)	0
Dividends paid on common stock	(107)	0
All other financing activities	(6)	(1)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	1,627	1,758
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	1,263	443
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	12,325	11,828
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 13,588	$ 12,271

Business Description

Business Description	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description	BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Synchrony Financial (the “Company”) provides a range of credit products through programs it has established with a diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations and healthcare service providers. We offer private label and co-branded Dual Card credit cards, promotional financing and installment lending, loyalty programs and FDIC-insured savings products through Synchrony Bank (the “Bank”). In November 2015, Synchrony Financial became a stand-alone savings and loan holding company following the completion of General Electric Company’s (“GE”) exchange offer, in which GE exchanged shares of GE common stock for all of the shares of our common stock it owned (the “Separation”). References to the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to Synchrony Financial and its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires.

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates based on assumptions about current, and for some estimates future, economic and market conditions (for example, unemployment, housing, interest rates and market liquidity) which affect reported amounts and related disclosures in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Although our current estimates contemplate current conditions and how we expect them to change in the future, as appropriate, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Among other effects, such changes could result in incremental losses on loan receivables, future impairments of investment securities, goodwill and intangible assets, increases in reserves for contingencies, establishment of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and increases in our tax liabilities. We conduct our operations within the United States and Canada. Substantially all of our revenues are from U.S. customers. The operating activities conducted by our non-U.S. affiliates use the local currency as their functional currency. The effects of translating the financial statements of these non-U.S. affiliates to U.S. dollars are included in equity. Asset and liability accounts are translated at year-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the respective periods. Consolidated Basis of Presentation The Company’s financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis. Under this basis of presentation, our financial statements consolidate all of our subsidiaries – i.e., entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, most often because we hold a majority voting interest. To determine if we hold a controlling financial interest in an entity, we first evaluate if we are required to apply the variable interest entity (“VIE”) model to the entity, otherwise the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model. Where we hold current or potential rights that give us the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance (“power”) combined with a variable interest that gives us the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses (“significant economics”), we have a controlling financial interest in that VIE. Rights held by others to remove the party with power over the VIE are not considered unless one party can exercise those rights unilaterally. We consolidate certain securitization entities under the VIE model because we have both power and significant economics. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities . Interim Period Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are unaudited. These statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) that we considered necessary to present a fair statement of our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be considered as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 2015 annual consolidated and combined financial statements and the related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (our "2015 Form 10-K"). Summary of Significant Accounting Policies In January 2016, we adopted ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires the presentation of deferred issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. Accordingly, for issuance costs associated with our borrowings and certain brokered deposits, we have revised our presentation of other assets, borrowings and interest-bearing deposit accounts for each period presented to conform to the current period presentation. See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our 2015 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2015 Form 10-K, for additional information on our significant accounting policies.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	INVESTMENT SECURITIES All of our investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and are held to meet our liquidity objectives and to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act. Our investment securities consist of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross Gross Gross Gross Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated ($ in millions) cost gains losses fair value cost gains losses fair value Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 2,100 $ 1 $ — $ 2,101 $ 2,768 $ — $ (7 ) $ 2,761 State and municipal 47 2 — 49 51 1 (3 ) 49 Residential mortgage-backed (a) 1,183 9 (1 ) 1,191 323 1 (7 ) 317 Equity 15 — — 15 15 — — 15 Total $ 3,345 $ 12 $ (1 ) $ 3,356 $ 3,157 $ 2 $ (17 ) $ 3,142 _______________________ (a) All of our residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued by government-sponsored entities and are collateralized by U.S. mortgages. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , $370 million and $317 million, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances. The following table presents the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale investment securities: In loss position for Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Estimated unrealized Estimated unrealized ($ in millions) fair value losses fair value losses At September 30, 2016 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ — $ — $ — State and municipal 1 — 5 — Residential mortgage-backed 114 — 42 (1 ) Equity 1 — — — Total $ 116 $ — $ 47 $ (1 ) At December 31, 2015 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 2,611 $ (7 ) $ — $ — State and municipal 40 (3 ) — — Residential mortgage-backed 175 (3 ) 91 (4 ) Equity 1 — — — Total $ 2,827 $ (13 ) $ 91 $ (4 ) We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. We presently do not intend to sell our debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position and believe that it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of our amortized cost. There were no other-than-temporary impairments recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Contractual Maturities of Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities (excluding residential mortgage-backed securities) Amortized Estimated At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) cost fair value Due Within one year $ 2,100 $ 2,101 After one year through five years $ 1 $ 1 After five years through ten years $ 1 $ 1 After ten years $ 45 $ 47 We expect actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay certain obligations. There were no material realized gains or losses recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Although we generally do not have the intent to sell any specific securities held at September 30, 2016 , in the ordinary course of managing our investment securities portfolio, we may sell securities prior to their maturities for a variety of reasons, including diversification, credit quality, yield, liquidity requirements and funding obligations.

Loan Receivables and Allowance

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses	LOAN RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES ($ in millions) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Credit cards $ 67,858 $ 65,773 Consumer installment loans 1,361 1,154 Commercial credit products 1,385 1,323 Other 40 40 Total loan receivables, before allowance for losses (a)(b) $ 70,644 $ 68,290 _______________________ (a) Total loan receivables include $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans. (b) At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $72 million and $63 million , respectively. Allowance for Loan Losses ($ in millions) Balance at Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 3,800 $ 964 $ (919 ) $ 172 $ 4,017 Consumer installment loans 39 11 (11 ) 4 43 Commercial credit products 53 12 (13 ) 2 54 Other 2 (1 ) — — $ 1 Total $ 3,894 $ 986 $ (943 ) $ 178 $ 4,115 ($ in millions) Balance at Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at September 30, 2015 Credit cards $ 3,229 $ 691 $ (765 ) $ 147 $ 3,302 Consumer installment loans 23 6 (8 ) 2 23 Commercial credit products 49 5 (11 ) 2 45 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 3,302 $ 702 $ (784 ) $ 151 $ 3,371 ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2016 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 3,420 $ 2,836 $ (2,820 ) $ 581 $ 4,017 Consumer installment loans 26 38 (31 ) 10 43 Commercial credit products 50 36 (39 ) 7 54 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 3,497 $ 2,910 $ (2,890 ) $ 598 $ 4,115 ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 3,169 $ 2,083 $ (2,413 ) $ 463 $ 3,302 Consumer installment loans 22 15 (24 ) 10 23 Commercial credit products 45 30 (35 ) 5 45 Other — 1 — — 1 Total $ 3,236 $ 2,129 $ (2,472 ) $ 478 $ 3,371 Delinquent and Non-accrual Loans At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) 30-89 days delinquent 90 or more days delinquent Total past due 90 or more days delinquent and accruing Total non-accruing Credit cards $ 1,624 $ 1,315 $ 2,939 $ 1,315 $ — Consumer installment loans 18 3 21 — 3 Commercial credit products 32 16 48 16 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,674 $ 1,334 $ 3,008 $ 1,331 $ 3 Percentage of total loan receivables (a) 2.4 % 1.9 % 4.3 % 1.9 % — % At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 30-89 days delinquent 90 or more days delinquent Total past due 90 or more days delinquent and accruing Total non-accruing Credit cards $ 1,451 $ 1,257 $ 2,708 $ 1,257 $ — Consumer installment loans 16 3 19 — 3 Commercial credit products 32 13 45 13 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,499 $ 1,273 $ 2,772 $ 1,270 $ 3 Percentage of total loan receivables (a) 2.2 % 1.9 % 4.1 % 1.9 % — % ______________________ (a) Percentages are calculated based on period-end balances. Impaired Loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings Most of our non-accrual loan receivables are smaller balance loans evaluated collectively, by portfolio, for impairment and therefore are outside the scope of the disclosure requirements for impaired loans. Accordingly, impaired loans represent restructured smaller balance homogeneous loans meeting the definition of a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”). We use certain loan modification programs for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These loan modification programs include interest rate reductions and payment deferrals in excess of three months, which were not part of the terms of the original contract. We have both internal and external loan modification programs. The internal loan modification programs include both temporary and permanent programs. For our credit card customers, the temporary hardship program primarily consists of a reduced minimum payment and an interest rate reduction, both lasting for a period no longer than 12 months. The permanent workout program involves changing the structure of the loan to a fixed payment loan with a maturity no longer than 60 months and reducing the interest rate on the loan. The permanent program does not normally provide for the forgiveness of unpaid principal but may allow for the reversal of certain unpaid interest or fee assessments. We also make loan modifications for customers who request financial assistance through external sources, such as consumer credit counseling agency programs. These loans typically receive a reduced interest rate but continue to be subject to the original minimum payment terms and do not normally include waiver of unpaid principal, interest or fees. The following table provides information on loans that entered a loan modification program during the periods presented: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Credit cards $ 164 $ 135 $ 415 $ 362 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 1 1 2 4 Total $ 165 $ 136 $ 417 $ 366 Our allowance for loan losses on TDRs is generally measured based on the difference between the recorded loan receivable and the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate of the loan. Interest income from loans accounted for as TDRs is accounted for in the same manner as other accruing loans. The following table provides information about loans classified as TDRs and specific reserves. We do not evaluate credit card loans for impairment on an individual basis but instead estimate an allowance for loan losses on a collective basis. As a result, there are no impaired loans for which there is no allowance. At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 810 $ (281 ) $ 529 $ 713 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 6 (3 ) 3 6 Total $ 816 $ (284 ) $ 532 $ 719 At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 756 $ (256 ) $ 500 $ 659 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 7 (3 ) 4 6 Total $ 763 $ (259 ) $ 504 $ 665 Financial Effects of TDRs As part of our loan modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, we may provide multiple concessions to minimize our economic loss and improve long-term loan performance and collectability. The following table presents the types and financial effects of loans modified and accounted for as TDRs during the periods presented: Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Credit cards $ 12 $ 45 $ 793 $ 12 $ 38 $ 721 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 6 — — 7 Total $ 12 $ 46 $ 799 $ 12 $ 38 $ 728 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Credit cards $ 36 $ 130 $ 778 $ 37 $ 110 $ 718 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 6 — 1 8 Total $ 36 $ 131 $ 784 $ 37 $ 111 $ 726 Payment Defaults The following table presents the type, number and amount of loans accounted for as TDRs that enrolled in a modification plan within the previous 12 months and experienced a payment default during the periods presented. A customer defaults from a modification program after two consecutive missed payments. Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 14,779 $ 30 12,406 $ 24 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 34 — 49 1 Total 14,813 $ 30 12,455 $ 25 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 29,982 $ 61 24,692 $ 49 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 82 — 91 1 Total 30,064 $ 61 24,783 $ 50 Credit Quality Indicators Our loan receivables portfolio includes both secured and unsecured loans. Secured loan receivables are largely comprised of consumer installment loans secured by equipment. Unsecured loan receivables are largely comprised of our open-ended consumer and commercial revolving credit card loans. As part of our credit risk management activities, on an ongoing basis, we assess overall credit quality by reviewing information related to the performance of a customer’s account with us, as well as information from credit bureaus, such as a Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) or other credit scores, relating to the customer’s broader credit performance. FICO scores are generally obtained at origination of the account and are refreshed, at a minimum quarterly, but could be as often as weekly, to assist in predicting customer behavior. We categorize these credit scores into the following three credit score categories: (i) 661 or higher, which are considered the strongest credits; (ii) 601 to 660, considered moderate credit risk; and (iii) 600 or less, which are considered weaker credits. There are certain customer accounts for which a FICO score is not available where we use alternative sources to assess their credit and predict behavior. The following table provides the most recent FICO scores available for our customers at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, as a percentage of each class of loan receivable. The table below excludes 0.8% and 0.9% of our total loan receivables balances at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, which represents those customer accounts for which a FICO score is not available. September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 661 or 601 to 600 or 661 or 601 to 600 or higher 660 less higher 660 less Credit cards 72.8 % 19.8 % 7.4 % 73.0 % 19.8 % 7.2 % Consumer installment loans 78.3 % 16.2 % 5.5 % 77.7 % 16.6 % 5.7 % Commercial credit products 87.0 % 8.5 % 4.5 % 86.8 % 8.7 % 4.5 % Unfunded Lending Commitments We manage the potential risk in credit commitments by limiting the total amount of credit, both by individual customer and in total, by monitoring the size and maturity of our portfolios and by applying the same credit standards for all of our credit products. Unused credit card lines available to our customers totaled approximately $343 billion and $322 billion at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. While these amounts represented the total available unused credit card lines, we have not experienced and do not anticipate that all of our customers will access their entire available line at any given point in time. Interest Income by Product The following table provides additional information about our interest and fees on loans from our loan receivables, including held for sale: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Credit cards $ 3,705 $ 3,315 $ 10,573 $ 9,500 Consumer installment loans 31 27 86 78 Commercial credit products 35 36 103 106 Other — 1 1 1 Total $ 3,771 $ 3,379 $ 10,763 $ 9,685

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES We use VIEs to securitize loans and arrange asset-backed financing in the ordinary course of business. Investors in these entities only have recourse to the assets owned by the entity and not to our general credit. We do not have implicit support arrangements with any VIE and we did not provide non-contractual support for previously transferred loan receivables to any VIE in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Our VIEs are able to accept new loan receivables and arrange new asset-backed financings, consistent with the requirements and limitations on such activities placed on the VIE by existing investors. Once an account has been designated to a VIE, the contractual arrangements we have require all existing and future loans originated under such account to be transferred to the VIE. The amount of loan receivables held by our VIEs in excess of the minimum amount required under the asset-backed financing arrangements with investors may be removed by us under random removal of accounts provisions. All loan receivables held by a VIE are subject to claims of third-party investors. In evaluating whether we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, we consider the purpose for which the VIE was created, the importance of each of the activities in which it is engaged and our decision-making role, if any, in those activities that significantly determine the entity’s economic performance as compared to other economic interest holders. This evaluation requires consideration of all facts and circumstances relevant to decision-making that affects the entity’s future performance and the exercise of professional judgment in deciding which decision-making rights are most important. In determining whether we have the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to a VIE, we evaluate all of our economic interests in the entity, regardless of form (debt, equity, management and servicing fees, and other contractual arrangements). This evaluation considers all relevant factors of the entity’s design, including: the entity’s capital structure, contractual rights to earnings or losses, subordination of our interests relative to those of other investors, as well as any other contractual arrangements that might exist that could have the potential to be economically significant. The evaluation of each of these factors in reaching a conclusion about the potential significance of our economic interests is a matter that requires the exercise of professional judgment. We consolidate our VIEs because we have the power to direct the activities that significantly affect the VIEs' economic performance, typically because of our role as either servicer or administrator for the VIEs. The power to direct exists because of our role in the design and conduct of the servicing of the VIEs’ assets as well as directing certain affairs of the VIEs, including determining whether and on what terms debt of the VIEs will be issued. The loan receivables in these entities have risks and characteristics similar to our other financing receivables and were underwritten to the same standard. Accordingly, the performance of these assets has been similar to our other comparable loan receivables; however, the blended performance of the pools of receivables in these entities reflects the eligibility criteria that we apply to determine which receivables are selected for transfer. Contractually, the cash flows from these financing receivables must first be used to pay third-party debt holders, as well as other expenses of the entity. Excess cash flows, if any, are available to us. The creditors of these entities have no claim on our other assets. The table below summarizes the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs described above. ($ in millions) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Loan receivables, net (a) $ 22,041 $ 24,338 Other assets (b) 127 127 Total $ 22,168 $ 24,465 Liabilities Borrowings $ 12,411 $ 13,589 Other liabilities 20 30 Total $ 12,431 $ 13,619 _______________________ (a) Includes $1.1 billion of related allowance for loan losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (b) Includes $118 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, which are classified as restricted cash and equivalents and included as a component of other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The balances presented above are net of intercompany balances and transactions that are eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements. We provide servicing for all of our consolidated VIEs. Collections are required to be placed into segregated accounts owned by each VIE in amounts that meet contractually specified minimum levels. These segregated funds are invested in cash and cash equivalents and are restricted as to their use, principally to pay maturing principal and interest on debt and the related servicing fees. Collections above these minimum levels are remitted to us on a daily basis. Income (principally, interest and fees on loans) earned by our consolidated VIEs was $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provision for loan losses of $212 million and $191 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and interest expense of $63 million and $54 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Income (principally, interest and fees on loans) earned by our consolidated VIEs was $3.4 billion and $3.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provision for loan losses of $729 million and $713 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and interest expense of $180 million and $159 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These amounts do not include intercompany transactions, principally fees and interest, which are eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	INTANGIBLE ASSETS September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Weighted average useful life Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Customer-related 9 years $ 1,126 $ (591 ) $ 535 $ 1,045 $ (505 ) $ 540 Capitalized software 5 years 335 (137 ) 198 253 (92 ) 161 Total $ 1,461 $ (728 ) $ 733 $ 1,298 $ (597 ) $ 701 During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recorded additions to intangible assets subject to amortization of $163 million , primarily related to capitalized software expenditures related to the build of our stand-alone information technology infrastructure, as well as customer-related intangible assets. Customer-related intangible assets primarily relate to retail partner contract acquisitions and extensions, as well as purchased credit card relationships. Amortization expense related to retail partner contracts was $26 million and $21 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $76 million and $63 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively and is included as a component of marketing and business development expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. All other amortization expense was $18 million and $17 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $55 million and $42 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and is included as a component of other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Deposits

Deposits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Deposits	DEPOSITS September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Amount Average rate (a) Amount Average rate (a) Interest-bearing deposits $ 49,611 1.6 % $ 43,215 1.6 % Non-interest-bearing deposits 204 — 152 — Total deposits $ 49,815 $ 43,367 ____________________ (a) Based on interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 and average deposits balances. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , interest-bearing deposits included $14.0 billion and $11.9 billion , respectively, of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more. Of the total certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more, $4.3 billion and $3.6 billion were certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. At September 30, 2016 , our interest-bearing time deposits maturing for the remainder of 2016 and over the next four years and thereafter were as follows: ($ in millions) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Deposits $ 2,942 $ 13,921 $ 4,089 $ 4,141 $ 2,855 $ 4,051 The above maturity table excludes $15.3 billion of demand deposits with no defined maturity. In addition, at September 30, 2016 , we had $2.3 billion of broker network deposit sweeps procured through a program arranger who channels brokerage account deposits to us. Unless extended, the contracts associated with these broker network deposit sweeps will terminate between 2019 and 2021 .

Borrowings

Borrowings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Borrowings	BORROWINGS September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Maturity date Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Outstanding Amount (a) Outstanding Amount (a) Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities: Fixed securitized borrowings 2017 - 2021 1.35% - 4.47% 1.90 % $ 8,704 $ 6,383 Floating securitized borrowings 2017 - 2019 1.02% - 1.64% 1.32 % 3,707 7,206 Total borrowings of consolidated securitization entities 1.72 % 12,411 13,589 Senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2017 - 2026 1.87% - 4.50% 3.41 % 6,809 6,308 Floating senior unsecured notes 2017 - 2020 1.98% - 2.20% 2.14 % 947 249 Total senior unsecured notes 3.25 % 7,756 6,557 Bank term loan — 4,133 Total borrowings $ 20,167 $ 24,279 ___________________ (a) The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance cost. The following table summarizes the maturities of the principal amount of our borrowings of consolidated securitization entities and senior unsecured notes for the remainder of 2016 and over the next four years and thereafter: ($ in millions) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Borrowings $ — $ 4,377 $ 3,157 $ 6,435 $ 2,098 $ 4,158 Third-Party Debt Bank Term Loan During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we prepaid $4.1 billion representing all of the remaining outstanding indebtedness under the Bank Term Loan. Senior Unsecured Notes 2016 Issuances ($ in millions) : Issuance Date Principal Amount Maturity Interest Rate May 9, 2016 $ 500 2017 Floating rate (three-month LIBOR plus 1.40%) August 4, 2016 $ 500 2026 3.700% senior unsecured notes August 9, 2016 $ 200 2017 Floating rate (three-month LIBOR plus 1.40%) Credit Facilities As additional sources of liquidity, we have certain undrawn credit facilities, primarily related to our securitization program. In July 2016, we entered into a three -year unsecured revolving credit facility with private lenders (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which provides $0.5 billion of committed capacity. At September 30, 2016 , we had an aggregate of $6.6 billion of undrawn committed capacity under our securitization programs and all of the committed capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility was undrawn, subject to customary borrowing conditions.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS For a description of how we estimate fair value, see Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our 2015 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2015 Form 10-K. The following tables present our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Included in the tables are debt and equity securities. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following tables present our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 2,101 $ — $ 2,101 State and municipal — — 49 49 Residential mortgage-backed — 1,191 — 1,191 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 3,292 $ 49 $ 3,356 At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 2,761 $ — $ 2,761 State and municipal — — 49 49 Residential mortgage-backed — 317 — 317 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 3,078 $ 49 $ 3,142 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , there were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 or between Level 2 and Level 3. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we did not have any significant liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Our Level 3 recurring fair value measurements primarily relate to state and municipal debt instruments which are valued using non-binding broker quotes or other third-party sources. For a description of our process to evaluate third-party pricing servicers, see Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our 2015 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2015 Form 10-K. Our state and municipal debt securities are classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The following table presents the changes in our Level 3 debt instruments that are measured on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Changes in Level 3 Instruments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 49 $ 54 $ 49 $ 60 Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) 2 — 4 2 Purchases — — — — Sales — — — (6 ) Settlements (2 ) (4 ) (4 ) (6 ) Balance at end of period $ 49 $ 50 $ 49 $ 50 Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements We hold certain assets that have been measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and 2015 . These assets can include repossessed assets and cost method investments that are written down to fair value when they are impaired, as well as loan receivables held for sale. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs. The assets held by us that were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and the effects of the remeasurement to fair value were not material for all periods presented. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other than Fair Value Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value: Cash and equivalents (a) $ 13,588 $ 13,588 $ 13,388 $ 200 $ — Other assets (b) $ 379 $ 379 $ 379 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 66,529 $ 73,444 $ — $ — $ 73,444 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 49,815 $ 50,486 $ — $ 50,486 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 12,411 $ 12,507 $ — $ 9,248 $ 3,259 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,756 $ 8,057 $ — $ 8,057 $ — Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value: Cash and equivalents (a) $ 12,325 $ 12,325 $ 11,865 $ 460 $ — Other assets (b) $ 391 $ 391 $ 391 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 64,793 $ 71,386 $ — $ — $ 71,386 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 43,367 $ 43,840 $ — $ 43,840 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 13,589 $ 13,562 $ — $ 7,566 $ 5,996 Bank term loan $ 4,133 $ 4,125 $ — $ — $ 4,125 Senior unsecured notes $ 6,557 $ 6,574 $ — $ 6,574 $ — _______________________ (a) For cash and equivalents, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments. Cash equivalents classified as Level 2 represent U.S. Government and Federal Agency debt securities with original maturities of three months or less. (b) This balance relates to restricted cash and equivalents, which is included in other assets. (c) Under certain retail partner program agreements, the expected sales proceeds related to the sale of their credit card portfolio may be limited to the amounts owed by our customers, which may be less than the fair value indicated above.

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Regulatory and Capital Adequacy	REGULATORY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY As a savings and loan holding company, we are subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank is a federally chartered savings association. As such, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the OCC, which is its primary regulator, and by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). In addition, the Bank, as an insured depository institution, is supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Following the approval from the Federal Reserve Board to become a stand-alone savings and loan holding company, the Company is now subject to the capital requirements as prescribed by Basel III capital rules and the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and, possibly, additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could limit our business activities and have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of Total, Tier 1 and common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). For Synchrony Financial to be a well-capitalized savings and loan holding company, the Bank must be well-capitalized and Synchrony Financial must not be subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive issued by the Federal Reserve Board to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Synchrony Financial met all applicable requirements to be deemed well-capitalized pursuant to Federal Reserve Board regulations, and the Bank also met all applicable requirements to be deemed well-capitalized pursuant to OCC regulations and for purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. There are no conditions or events subsequent to September 30, 2016 that management believes have changed the Company's or the Bank’s capital category. The actual capital amounts, ratios and the applicable required minimums of the Company and the Bank are as follows: Synchrony Financial At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Total risk-based capital $ 13,794 19.5 % $ 5,653 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 12,871 18.2 % $ 4,240 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 12,871 15.3 % $ 3,356 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 12,871 18.2 % $ 3,180 4.5 % At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 12,531 18.1 % $ 5,538 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 11,633 16.8 % $ 4,153 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 11,633 14.4 % $ 3,236 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 11,633 16.8 % $ 3,115 4.5 % Synchrony Bank At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 9,559 17.4 % $ 4,407 8.0 % $ 5,509 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 8,836 16.0 % $ 3,306 6.0 % $ 4,407 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 8,836 13.3 % $ 2,659 4.0 % $ 3,324 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 8,836 16.0 % $ 2,479 4.5 % $ 3,581 6.5 % At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 8,442 16.6 % $ 4,064 8.0 % $ 5,080 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 7,781 15.3 % $ 3,048 6.0 % $ 4,064 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 7,781 13.1 % $ 2,384 4.0 % $ 2,980 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 7,781 15.3 % $ 2,286 4.5 % $ 3,302 6.5 % _______________________ (a) Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . (b) For calendar year 2016, Synchrony Financial and the Bank also must maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in excess of minimum risk-based capital ratios by at least 0.625 percent age points to avoid limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees. The Bank may pay dividends on its stock, with consent or non-objection from the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board, among other things, if its regulatory capital would not thereby be reduced below the applicable regulatory capital requirements.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in millions, except per share data) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net earnings $ 604 $ 574 $ 1,675 $ 1,667 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 828 834 832 834 Effect of dilutive securities 3 2 2 1 Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 831 836 834 835 Earnings per basic common share $ 0.73 $ 0.69 $ 2.01 $ 2.00 Earnings per diluted common share $ 0.73 $ 0.69 $ 2.01 $ 2.00 We have issued certain stock based awards under the Synchrony Financial 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan. A total of approximately 3 million and 1 million shares related to these awards were considered anti-dilutive and therefore were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES For periods up to and including the date of Separation, we were included in the consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns of GE, where applicable, but also filed certain separate state and foreign income tax returns. For periods after the date of Separation, we file separate consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns. The tax provision is presented on a separate company basis as if we were a separate filer for tax purposes for all periods presented. The effects of tax adjustments and settlements from taxing authorities are presented in our condensed consolidated financial statements in the period in which they occur. Our current obligations for taxes are settled with the relevant tax authority, or GE, as applicable, on an estimated basis and adjusted in later periods as appropriate and are reflected in our consolidated financial statements in the periods in which those settlements occur. We recognize the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in the financial statements using the provisions of the enacted tax laws. In calculating the provision for interim income taxes, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes , we apply an estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date ordinary income. At the end of each interim period, we estimate the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. See “ Management's Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Estimates ” in our 2015 Form 10-K, for a discussion of the significant judgments and estimates related to income taxes. For periods prior to separation, we are under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the tax authorities of various states as part of their audit of GE’s tax returns. The IRS is currently auditing GE's consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2012 and 2013. We are under examination in various states going back to 2008 as part of their audit of GE’s tax returns. We are not currently under audit with respect to any post-separation periods. We believe that there are no issues or claims that are likely to significantly impact our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We further believe that we have made adequate provision for all income tax uncertainties that could result from such examinations. Tax Sharing and Separation Agreement In connection with our initial public offering in August 2014 (“IPO”), we entered into a Tax Sharing and Separation Agreement (“TSSA”), which governs certain separation-related tax matters between the Company and GE following the IPO. The TSSA governs the allocation of the responsibilities for the taxes of the GE group between GE and the Company. The TSSA also allocates rights, obligations and responsibilities in connection with certain administrative matters relating to the preparation of tax returns and control of tax audits and other proceedings relating to taxes. See Note 14. Income Taxes to our 2015 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2015 Form 10-K for additional information on the TSSA. Unrecognized Tax Benefits ($ in millions) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest expense and penalties $ 167 $ 327 Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate (a) 90 79 Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits 10 3 Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits — — ____________________ (a) Includes gross state and local unrecognized tax benefits net of the effects of associated U.S. federal income taxes. Excludes amounts attributable to any related valuation allowances resulting from associated increases in deferred tax assets. We compute our unrecognized tax benefits on a separate return basis. For unrecognized tax benefits associated with periods prior to 2014, we will settle our liabilities, as required, in accordance with the TSSA. The amount of uncertain tax liabilities that may be resolved in the next twelve months is not expected to be material to our results of operations.

Legal Proceedings and Regulator

Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Matters	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY MATTERS In the normal course of business, from time to time, we have been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with our business activities. Certain of the legal actions include claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages, or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. We are also involved, from time to time, in reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental agencies regarding our business (collectively, “regulatory matters”), which could subject us to significant fines, penalties, obligations to change our business practices or other requirements resulting in increased expenses, diminished income and damage to our reputation. We contest liability and/or the amount of damages as appropriate in each pending matter. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish an accrued liability for legal and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies which are both probable and reasonably estimable. Legal proceedings and regulatory matters are subject to many uncertain factors that generally cannot be predicted with assurance, and we may be exposed to losses in excess of any amounts accrued. For some matters, we are able to determine that an estimated loss, while not probable, is reasonably possible. For other matters, including those that have not yet progressed through discovery and/or where important factual information and legal issues are unresolved, we are unable to make such an estimate. We currently estimate that the reasonably possible losses for legal proceedings and regulatory matters, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, and for which we are able to estimate a possible loss, are immaterial. This represents management’s estimate of possible loss with respect to these matters and is based on currently available information. This estimate of possible loss does not represent our maximum loss exposure. The legal proceedings and regulatory matters underlying the estimate will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from current estimates. Our estimate of reasonably possible losses involves significant judgment, given the varying stages of the proceedings, the existence of numerous yet to be resolved issues, the breadth of the claims (often spanning multiple years), unspecified damages and/or the novelty of the legal issues presented. Based on our current knowledge, we do not believe that we are a party to any pending legal proceeding or regulatory matters that would have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, the ultimate outcome of a particular matter could be material to our operating results for a particular period depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of our earnings for that period, and could adversely affect our business and reputation. Below is a description of certain of our regulatory matters and legal proceedings. Regulatory Matters On December 10, 2013, we entered into a Consent Order with the CFPB relating to our CareCredit platform, which required us to pay up to $34.1 million to qualifying customers and change certain business practices. Some of the business practice changes required by the Consent Order are similar to requirements in an Assurance of Discontinuance that we entered into with the Attorney General for the State of New York on June 3, 2013. The payments required by the Consent Order were completed in 2015. Our settlements with the CFPB and the New York State Attorney General do not preclude other regulators or state attorneys general from seeking additional monetary or injunctive relief with respect to CareCredit. On June 19, 2014, we entered into a Consent Order with the CFPB (the “2014 CFPB Consent Order”) related to the CFPB’s review of the Bank’s debt cancellation products and its marketing practices in its telesales channel related to those products. The 2014 CFPB Consent Order required us to refund $56 million to cardholders who enrolled in a debt cancellation product over the telephone from January 2010 to October 2012 ( $11 million of which was refunded prior to the 2014 CFPB Consent Order), pay civil money penalties of $3.5 million and change certain business practices. In 2015, we completed the consumer refunds. The 2014 CFPB Consent Order also resolved a separate CFPB investigation related to potential violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act as a result of the Bank’s omission of certain Spanish-speaking customers and customers residing in Puerto Rico from certain statement credit and settlement offers that were made to certain delinquent customers. The Bank identified this issue through an audit of its collection operations, reported it to the CFPB and initiated a remediation program. In 2015, we completed our consumer remediation program, which consisted of approximately $185 million of balance credits and waivers to previously charged-off accounts and approximately $15 million of other credits or payments. This remediation program included $132 million of voluntary remediation completed prior to the 2014 CFPB Consent Order. In addition to the consumer remediation, the 2014 CFPB Consent Order required us to implement a fair lending compliance plan (including fair lending reviews, audits and training). Although we do not believe that the 2014 CFPB Consent Order itself will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations going forward, we cannot be sure whether the 2014 CFPB Consent Order will have an adverse impact on our reputation or whether any similar actions will be brought by state attorneys general or others, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us. On October 30, 2014, the United States Trustee, which is part of the DOJ, filed an application in In re Nyree Belton , a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case pending in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York for orders authorizing discovery of the Bank pursuant to Rule 2004 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, related to an investigation of the Bank’s credit reporting. The discovery, which is ongoing, concerns allegations made in Belton et al. v. GE Capital Consumer Lending , a putative class action adversary proceeding pending in the same Bankruptcy Court. In the Belton adversary proceeding, which was filed on April 30, 2014, plaintiff alleges that the Bank violates the discharge injunction under Section 524(a)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code by attempting to collect discharged debts and by failing to update and correct credit information to credit reporting agencies to show that such debts are no longer due and owing because they have been discharged in bankruptcy. Plaintiff seeks declaratory judgment, injunctive relief and an unspecified amount of damages. On December 15, 2014, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order staying the adversary proceeding pending an appeal to the District Court of the Bankruptcy Court’s order denying the Bank’s motion to compel arbitration. On October 14, 2015, the District Court reversed the Bankruptcy Court and on November 4, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court granted the Bank's motion to compel arbitration. On October 15, 2015, the Bank received a Civil Investigative Demand from the CFPB seeking information related to the Bank’s credit bureau reporting with respect to sold accounts. The information sought by the CFPB generally relates to the allegations made in Belton et al. v. GE Capital Consumer Lending. On May 9, 2016, the Bank received a NORA (Notice of Opportunity to Respond and Advise) letter from the CFPB indicating that the CFPB Office of Enforcement is considering whether to recommend that the CFPB take legal action relating to this matter. Other Matters The Bank or the Company is or has been a defendant in a number of putative class actions alleging claims under the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) as a result of phone calls made by the Bank. The complaints generally have alleged that the Bank or the Company placed calls to consumers by an automated telephone dialing system or using a pre-recorded message or automated voice without their consent and seek up to $1,500 for each violation, without specifying an aggregate amount. There is presently only one case outstanding, Abdeljalil et al. v. GE Capital Retail Bank , which was filed on August 22, 2012 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. In Abdeljalil , the plaintiffs assert that they received calls on their cellular telephones relating to accounts not belonging to them. On March 26, 2015, the Court entered an order granting class certification under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(b)(3) (for damages) and denying class certification under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(b)(2) (for injunctive relief). In the first quarter of 2016, the Bank entered an agreement to resolve the Abdeljalil action on a class basis. Pursuant to the agreement, a related case ( Hofer et al. v. Synchrony Bank , which was filed on November 4, 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri), was dismissed on February 11, 2016. On June 16, 2016, the Court entered an order preliminarily approving the settlement. In addition to the Abdeljalil and Hofer matters discussed above , the Bank has resolved ten other putative class actions that made similar claims under the TCPA on an individual basis with the class representative. Travaglio et al. v. GE Capital Retail Bank and Allied Interstate LLC was filed on January 17, 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and dismissed on October 9, 2014. Fitzhenry v. Lowe’s Companies Inc. and GE Capital Retail Bank was filed on May 29, 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina and dismissed on October 20, 2014. Cowan v. GE Capital Retail Bank was filed on May 14, 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut and dismissed on July 8, 2015. Pittman et al. v. GE Capital d/b/a GE Capital Retail Bank was filed on July 29, 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and dismissed on August 20, 2015. Dubanoski et al. v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., for which the Bank indemnified the defendant, was filed on February 27, 2015 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and dismissed on September 1, 2015. Mintz et al v. Synchrony Bank was filed on December 28, 2015 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and dismissed on May 11, 2016. Deutsche et al. v. Synchrony Bank et al. was filed on March 27, 2016 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and dismissed on June 27, 2016. Ciotti et al. v. Synchrony Financial et al. was filed on April 27, 2016 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California and dismissed on June 2, 2016. Johnson et al. v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Synchrony Financial was filed on April 22, 2016 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and dismissed on September 8, 2016. Anand v. Synchrony Bank and Synchrony Financial was filed on June 22, 2016 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and dismissed on September 15, 2016. In addition to the TCPA class action lawsuits related to phone calls, the Company is a defendant in a putative class action lawsuit alleging claims under the TCPA relating to facsimiles. In Michael W. Kincaid, DDS et al. v. Synchrony Financial , plaintiff alleges that the Company violated the TCPA by sending fax advertisements without consent and without required notices, and seeks up to $1,500 for each violation. The amount of damages sought in the aggregate is unspecified. The original complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 20, 2016. On August 11, 2016, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss based on the lack of personal jurisdiction. On August 15, 2016, the plaintiff re-filed the case in the Southern District of Ohio.

Basis of Presentation and Sum21

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates based on assumptions about current, and for some estimates future, economic and market conditions (for example, unemployment, housing, interest rates and market liquidity) which affect reported amounts and related disclosures in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Although our current estimates contemplate current conditions and how we expect them to change in the future, as appropriate, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Among other effects, such changes could result in incremental losses on loan receivables, future impairments of investment securities, goodwill and intangible assets, increases in reserves for contingencies, establishment of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and increases in our tax liabilities. We conduct our operations within the United States and Canada. Substantially all of our revenues are from U.S. customers. The operating activities conducted by our non-U.S. affiliates use the local currency as their functional currency. The effects of translating the financial statements of these non-U.S. affiliates to U.S. dollars are included in equity. Asset and liability accounts are translated at year-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the respective periods. Consolidated Basis of Presentation The Company’s financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis. Under this basis of presentation, our financial statements consolidate all of our subsidiaries – i.e., entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, most often because we hold a majority voting interest. To determine if we hold a controlling financial interest in an entity, we first evaluate if we are required to apply the variable interest entity (“VIE”) model to the entity, otherwise the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model. Where we hold current or potential rights that give us the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance (“power”) combined with a variable interest that gives us the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses (“significant economics”), we have a controlling financial interest in that VIE. Rights held by others to remove the party with power over the VIE are not considered unless one party can exercise those rights unilaterally. We consolidate certain securitization entities under the VIE model because we have both power and significant economics. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities .
Interim Period Presentation	Interim Period Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are unaudited. These statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) that we considered necessary to present a fair statement of our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be considered as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 2015 annual consolidated and combined financial statements and the related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (our "2015 Form 10-K").

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	Our investment securities consist of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross Gross Gross Gross Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated ($ in millions) cost gains losses fair value cost gains losses fair value Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 2,100 $ 1 $ — $ 2,101 $ 2,768 $ — $ (7 ) $ 2,761 State and municipal 47 2 — 49 51 1 (3 ) 49 Residential mortgage-backed (a) 1,183 9 (1 ) 1,191 323 1 (7 ) 317 Equity 15 — — 15 15 — — 15 Total $ 3,345 $ 12 $ (1 ) $ 3,356 $ 3,157 $ 2 $ (17 ) $ 3,142 _______________________ (a) All of our residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued by government-sponsored entities and are collateralized by U.S. mortgages. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , $370 million and $317 million, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances.
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table presents the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale investment securities: In loss position for Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Estimated unrealized Estimated unrealized ($ in millions) fair value losses fair value losses At September 30, 2016 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ — $ — $ — State and municipal 1 — 5 — Residential mortgage-backed 114 — 42 (1 ) Equity 1 — — — Total $ 116 $ — $ 47 $ (1 ) At December 31, 2015 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 2,611 $ (7 ) $ — $ — State and municipal 40 (3 ) — — Residential mortgage-backed 175 (3 ) 91 (4 ) Equity 1 — — — Total $ 2,827 $ (13 ) $ 91 $ (4 )
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Contractual Maturities of Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities (excluding residential mortgage-backed securities) Amortized Estimated At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) cost fair value Due Within one year $ 2,100 $ 2,101 After one year through five years $ 1 $ 1 After five years through ten years $ 1 $ 1 After ten years $ 45 $ 47

Loan Receivables and Allowanc23

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	($ in millions) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Credit cards $ 67,858 $ 65,773 Consumer installment loans 1,361 1,154 Commercial credit products 1,385 1,323 Other 40 40 Total loan receivables, before allowance for losses (a)(b) $ 70,644 $ 68,290 _______________________ (a) Total loan receivables include $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans. (b) At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $72 million and $63 million , respectively.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	Allowance for Loan Losses ($ in millions) Balance at Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 3,800 $ 964 $ (919 ) $ 172 $ 4,017 Consumer installment loans 39 11 (11 ) 4 43 Commercial credit products 53 12 (13 ) 2 54 Other 2 (1 ) — — $ 1 Total $ 3,894 $ 986 $ (943 ) $ 178 $ 4,115 ($ in millions) Balance at Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at September 30, 2015 Credit cards $ 3,229 $ 691 $ (765 ) $ 147 $ 3,302 Consumer installment loans 23 6 (8 ) 2 23 Commercial credit products 49 5 (11 ) 2 45 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 3,302 $ 702 $ (784 ) $ 151 $ 3,371 ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2016 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 3,420 $ 2,836 $ (2,820 ) $ 581 $ 4,017 Consumer installment loans 26 38 (31 ) 10 43 Commercial credit products 50 36 (39 ) 7 54 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 3,497 $ 2,910 $ (2,890 ) $ 598 $ 4,115 ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 3,169 $ 2,083 $ (2,413 ) $ 463 $ 3,302 Consumer installment loans 22 15 (24 ) 10 23 Commercial credit products 45 30 (35 ) 5 45 Other — 1 — — 1 Total $ 3,236 $ 2,129 $ (2,472 ) $ 478 $ 3,371
Past Due Financing Receivables	Delinquent and Non-accrual Loans At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) 30-89 days delinquent 90 or more days delinquent Total past due 90 or more days delinquent and accruing Total non-accruing Credit cards $ 1,624 $ 1,315 $ 2,939 $ 1,315 $ — Consumer installment loans 18 3 21 — 3 Commercial credit products 32 16 48 16 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,674 $ 1,334 $ 3,008 $ 1,331 $ 3 Percentage of total loan receivables (a) 2.4 % 1.9 % 4.3 % 1.9 % — % At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) 30-89 days delinquent 90 or more days delinquent Total past due 90 or more days delinquent and accruing Total non-accruing Credit cards $ 1,451 $ 1,257 $ 2,708 $ 1,257 $ — Consumer installment loans 16 3 19 — 3 Commercial credit products 32 13 45 13 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,499 $ 1,273 $ 2,772 $ 1,270 $ 3 Percentage of total loan receivables (a) 2.2 % 1.9 % 4.1 % 1.9 % — % ______________________ (a) Percentages are calculated based on period-end balances
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables	The following table provides information on loans that entered a loan modification program during the periods presented: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Credit cards $ 164 $ 135 $ 415 $ 362 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 1 1 2 4 Total $ 165 $ 136 $ 417 $ 366
Impaired Financing Receivables	The following table provides information about loans classified as TDRs and specific reserves. We do not evaluate credit card loans for impairment on an individual basis but instead estimate an allowance for loan losses on a collective basis. As a result, there are no impaired loans for which there is no allowance. At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 810 $ (281 ) $ 529 $ 713 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 6 (3 ) 3 6 Total $ 816 $ (284 ) $ 532 $ 719 At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 756 $ (256 ) $ 500 $ 659 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 7 (3 ) 4 6 Total $ 763 $ (259 ) $ 504 $ 665 The following table presents the types and financial effects of loans modified and accounted for as TDRs during the periods presented: Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Credit cards $ 12 $ 45 $ 793 $ 12 $ 38 $ 721 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 6 — — 7 Total $ 12 $ 46 $ 799 $ 12 $ 38 $ 728 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Credit cards $ 36 $ 130 $ 778 $ 37 $ 110 $ 718 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 6 — 1 8 Total $ 36 $ 131 $ 784 $ 37 $ 111 $ 726
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables, Subsequent Default	The following table presents the type, number and amount of loans accounted for as TDRs that enrolled in a modification plan within the previous 12 months and experienced a payment default during the periods presented. A customer defaults from a modification program after two consecutive missed payments. Three months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 14,779 $ 30 12,406 $ 24 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 34 — 49 1 Total 14,813 $ 30 12,455 $ 25 Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 29,982 $ 61 24,692 $ 49 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 82 — 91 1 Total 30,064 $ 61 24,783 $ 50
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	The following table provides the most recent FICO scores available for our customers at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, as a percentage of each class of loan receivable. The table below excludes 0.8% and 0.9% of our total loan receivables balances at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, which represents those customer accounts for which a FICO score is not available. September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 661 or 601 to 600 or 661 or 601 to 600 or higher 660 less higher 660 less Credit cards 72.8 % 19.8 % 7.4 % 73.0 % 19.8 % 7.2 % Consumer installment loans 78.3 % 16.2 % 5.5 % 77.7 % 16.6 % 5.7 % Commercial credit products 87.0 % 8.5 % 4.5 % 86.8 % 8.7 % 4.5 %
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure	The following table provides additional information about our interest and fees on loans from our loan receivables, including held for sale: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Credit cards $ 3,705 $ 3,315 $ 10,573 $ 9,500 Consumer installment loans 31 27 86 78 Commercial credit products 35 36 103 106 Other — 1 1 1 Total $ 3,771 $ 3,379 $ 10,763 $ 9,685

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The table below summarizes the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs described above. ($ in millions) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Loan receivables, net (a) $ 22,041 $ 24,338 Other assets (b) 127 127 Total $ 22,168 $ 24,465 Liabilities Borrowings $ 12,411 $ 13,589 Other liabilities 20 30 Total $ 12,431 $ 13,619 _______________________ (a) Includes $1.1 billion of related allowance for loan losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. (b) Includes $118 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, which are classified as restricted cash and equivalents and included as a component of other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Weighted average useful life Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Customer-related 9 years $ 1,126 $ (591 ) $ 535 $ 1,045 $ (505 ) $ 540 Capitalized software 5 years 335 (137 ) 198 253 (92 ) 161 Total $ 1,461 $ (728 ) $ 733 $ 1,298 $ (597 ) $ 701

Deposits (Tables)

Deposits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Deposit Liabilities	September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Amount Average rate (a) Amount Average rate (a) Interest-bearing deposits $ 49,611 1.6 % $ 43,215 1.6 % Non-interest-bearing deposits 204 — 152 — Total deposits $ 49,815 $ 43,367 ____________________ (a) Based on interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 and average deposits balances.
Schedule of Maturities of Deposit Liabilities	At September 30, 2016 , our interest-bearing time deposits maturing for the remainder of 2016 and over the next four years and thereafter were as follows: ($ in millions) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Deposits $ 2,942 $ 13,921 $ 4,089 $ 4,141 $ 2,855 $ 4,051

Borrowings (Tables)

Borrowings (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Maturity date Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Outstanding Amount (a) Outstanding Amount (a) Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities: Fixed securitized borrowings 2017 - 2021 1.35% - 4.47% 1.90 % $ 8,704 $ 6,383 Floating securitized borrowings 2017 - 2019 1.02% - 1.64% 1.32 % 3,707 7,206 Total borrowings of consolidated securitization entities 1.72 % 12,411 13,589 Senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2017 - 2026 1.87% - 4.50% 3.41 % 6,809 6,308 Floating senior unsecured notes 2017 - 2020 1.98% - 2.20% 2.14 % 947 249 Total senior unsecured notes 3.25 % 7,756 6,557 Bank term loan — 4,133 Total borrowings $ 20,167 $ 24,279 ___________________ (a) The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance cost.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	the maturities of the principal amount of our borrowings of consolidated securitization entities and senior unsecured notes for the remainder of 2016 and over the next four years and thereafter: ($ in millions) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Borrowings $ — $ 4,377 $ 3,157 $ 6,435 $ 2,098 $ 4,158

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables present our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 2,101 $ — $ 2,101 State and municipal — — 49 49 Residential mortgage-backed — 1,191 — 1,191 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 3,292 $ 49 $ 3,356 At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 2,761 $ — $ 2,761 State and municipal — — 49 49 Residential mortgage-backed — 317 — 317 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 3,078 $ 49 $ 3,142
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table presents the changes in our Level 3 debt instruments that are measured on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Changes in Level 3 Instruments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 49 $ 54 $ 49 $ 60 Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) 2 — 4 2 Purchases — — — — Sales — — — (6 ) Settlements (2 ) (4 ) (4 ) (6 ) Balance at end of period $ 49 $ 50 $ 49 $ 50
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other than Fair Value Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value: Cash and equivalents (a) $ 13,588 $ 13,588 $ 13,388 $ 200 $ — Other assets (b) $ 379 $ 379 $ 379 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 66,529 $ 73,444 $ — $ — $ 73,444 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 49,815 $ 50,486 $ — $ 50,486 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 12,411 $ 12,507 $ — $ 9,248 $ 3,259 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,756 $ 8,057 $ — $ 8,057 $ — Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value: Cash and equivalents (a) $ 12,325 $ 12,325 $ 11,865 $ 460 $ — Other assets (b) $ 391 $ 391 $ 391 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 64,793 $ 71,386 $ — $ — $ 71,386 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 43,367 $ 43,840 $ — $ 43,840 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 13,589 $ 13,562 $ — $ 7,566 $ 5,996 Bank term loan $ 4,133 $ 4,125 $ — $ — $ 4,125 Senior unsecured notes $ 6,557 $ 6,574 $ — $ 6,574 $ — _______________________ (a) For cash and equivalents, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments. Cash equivalents classified as Level 2 represent U.S. Government and Federal Agency debt securities with original maturities of three months or less. (b) This balance relates to restricted cash and equivalents, which is included in other assets. (c) Under certain retail partner program agreements, the expected sales proceeds related to the sale of their credit card portfolio may be limited to the amounts owed by our customers, which may be less than the fair value indicated above.

Regulatory and Capital Adequa29

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations	The actual capital amounts, ratios and the applicable required minimums of the Company and the Bank are as follows: Synchrony Financial At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Total risk-based capital $ 13,794 19.5 % $ 5,653 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 12,871 18.2 % $ 4,240 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 12,871 15.3 % $ 3,356 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 12,871 18.2 % $ 3,180 4.5 % At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 12,531 18.1 % $ 5,538 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 11,633 16.8 % $ 4,153 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 11,633 14.4 % $ 3,236 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 11,633 16.8 % $ 3,115 4.5 % Synchrony Bank At September 30, 2016 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 9,559 17.4 % $ 4,407 8.0 % $ 5,509 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 8,836 16.0 % $ 3,306 6.0 % $ 4,407 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 8,836 13.3 % $ 2,659 4.0 % $ 3,324 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 8,836 16.0 % $ 2,479 4.5 % $ 3,581 6.5 % At December 31, 2015 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 8,442 16.6 % $ 4,064 8.0 % $ 5,080 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 7,781 15.3 % $ 3,048 6.0 % $ 4,064 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 7,781 13.1 % $ 2,384 4.0 % $ 2,980 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 7,781 15.3 % $ 2,286 4.5 % $ 3,302 6.5 % _______________________ (a) Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . (b) For calendar year 2016, Synchrony Financial and the Bank also must maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in excess of minimum risk-based capital ratios by at least 0.625 percent age points to avoid limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in millions, except per share data) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net earnings $ 604 $ 574 $ 1,675 $ 1,667 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 828 834 832 834 Effect of dilutive securities 3 2 2 1 Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 831 836 834 835 Earnings per basic common share $ 0.73 $ 0.69 $ 2.01 $ 2.00 Earnings per diluted common share $ 0.73 $ 0.69 $ 2.01 $ 2.00

Incomes Taxes (Tables)

Incomes Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	($ in millions) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest expense and penalties $ 167 $ 327 Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate (a) 90 79 Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits 10 3 Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits — — ____________________ (a) Includes gross state and local unrecognized tax benefits net of the effects of associated U.S. federal income taxes. Excludes amounts attributable to any related valuation allowances resulting from associated increases in deferred tax assets.

Investment Securities - Schedul

Investment Securities - Schedule of Available for Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity
Amortized cost		$ 15	$ 15
Gross unrealized gains		0	0
Gross unrealized losses		0	0
Estimated fair value		15	15
Total
Amortized cost		3,345	3,157
Gross unrealized gains		12	2
Gross unrealized losses		(1)	(17)
Estimated fair value		3,356	3,142
U.S. Government and Federal Agency
Debt
Amortized cost		2,100	2,768
Gross unrealized gains		1	0
Gross unrealized losses		0	(7)
Estimated fair value		2,101	2,761
State and municipal
Debt
Amortized cost		47	51
Gross unrealized gains		2	1
Gross unrealized losses		0	(3)
Estimated fair value		49	49
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve		370	317
Debt
Amortized cost	[1]	1,183	323
Gross unrealized gains	[1]	9	1
Gross unrealized losses	[1]	(1)	(7)
Estimated fair value	[1]	$ 1,191	$ 317
[1]	At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $370 million and $317 million, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances.

Investment Securities - Continu

Investment Securities - Continuous Unrealized Losses (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other than temporary impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	116,000,000		116,000,000		$ 2,827,000,000
12 months or more	47,000,000		47,000,000		91,000,000
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0		0		(13,000,000)
12 months or more	(1,000,000)		(1,000,000)		(4,000,000)
U.S. Government and Federal Agency
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	0		0		2,611,000,000
12 months or more	0		0		0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0		0		(7,000,000)
12 months or more	0		0		0
State and municipal
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	1,000,000		1,000,000		40,000,000
12 months or more	5,000,000		5,000,000		0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0		0		(3,000,000)
12 months or more	0		0		0
Residential mortgage-backed
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	114,000,000		114,000,000		175,000,000
12 months or more	42,000,000		42,000,000		91,000,000
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0		0		(3,000,000)
12 months or more	(1,000,000)		(1,000,000)		(4,000,000)
Equity Securities [Member]
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	1,000,000		1,000,000		1,000,000
12 months or more	0		0		0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0		0		0
12 months or more	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Investment Securities - Contrac

Investment Securities - Contractual Maturities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities and US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities
Amortized Cost
Within one year	2,100,000,000		2,100,000,000
After one year through five years	1,000,000		1,000,000
After five years through ten years	1,000,000		1,000,000
After ten years	45,000,000		45,000,000
Estimated Fair Value
Within one year	2,101,000,000		2,101,000,000
After one year through five years	1,000,000		1,000,000
After five years through ten years	1,000,000		1,000,000
After ten years	$ 47,000,000		$ 47,000,000

Loan Receivables and Allowanc35

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Loan Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired		$ 12	$ 12	$ 36	$ 37
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)	[1],[2]	70,644		70,644		$ 68,290
Loans receivables, deferred income		72		72		63
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired		12	12	36	37
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		67,858		67,858		65,773
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired		0	0	0	0
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		1,361		1,361		1,154
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired		0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		1,385		1,385		1,323
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		40		40		40
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		$ 23,100		$ 23,100		$ 25,500
[1]	At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $72 million and $63 million, respectively.
[2]	Total loan receivables include $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans.

Loan Receivables and Allowanc36

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,894	$ 3,302	$ 3,497	$ 3,236
Provision for loan losses	986	702	2,910	2,129
Gross charge-offs	(943)	(784)	(2,890)	(2,472)
Recoveries	178	151	598	478
Ending Balance	4,115	3,371	4,115	3,371
Credit cards
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,800	3,229	3,420	3,169
Provision for loan losses	964	691	2,836	2,083
Gross charge-offs	(919)	(765)	(2,820)	(2,413)
Recoveries	172	147	581	463
Ending Balance	4,017	3,302	4,017	3,302
Consumer installment loans
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	39	23	26	22
Provision for loan losses	11	6	38	15
Gross charge-offs	(11)	(8)	(31)	(24)
Recoveries	4	2	10	10
Ending Balance	43	23	43	23
Commercial credit products
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	53	49	50	45
Provision for loan losses	12	5	36	30
Gross charge-offs	(13)	(11)	(39)	(35)
Recoveries	2	2	7	5
Ending Balance	54	45	54	45
Other
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2	1	1	0
Provision for loan losses	(1)	0	0	1
Gross charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

Loan Receivables and Allowanc37

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Delinquent and Non Accrual Status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		$ 3,008	$ 2,772
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		1,331	1,270
Total non-accruing		$ 3	$ 3
Financing Receivable, Percentage of Total Loan Receivables
Percentage of total loan receivables, 30-89 days delinquent	[1]	2.40%	2.20%
Percentage of total loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent	[1]	1.90%	1.90%
Percentage of total loan receivables, Past due	[1]	4.30%	4.10%
Percentage of total loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing	[1]	1.90%	1.90%
Percentage of total loan receivables, Total non-accruing	[1]	0.00%	0.00%
Credit cards
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		$ 2,939	$ 2,708
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		1,315	1,257
Total non-accruing		0	0
Consumer installment loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		21	19
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		0	0
Total non-accruing		3	3
Commercial credit products
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		48	45
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		16	13
Total non-accruing		0	0
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		1,674	1,499
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Credit cards
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		1,624	1,451
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Consumer installment loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		18	16
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Commercial credit products
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		32	32
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		1,334	1,273
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Credit cards
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		1,315	1,257
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Consumer installment loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		3	3
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Commercial credit products
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due		$ 16	$ 13
[1]	Percentages are calculated based on period-end balances.

Loan Receivables and Allowanc38

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Loans Entered into a Loan Modification Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	$ 165	$ 136	$ 417	$ 366
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	164	135	415	362
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	0	0	0	0
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	$ 1	$ 1	$ 2	$ 4

Loan Receivables and Allowanc39

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Classified as TDRs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	$ 816	$ 763
Related allowance	(284)	(259)
Net recorded investment	532	504
Unpaid principal balance	719	665
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	810	756
Related allowance	(281)	(256)
Net recorded investment	529	500
Unpaid principal balance	713	659
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	0	0
Related allowance	0	0
Net recorded investment	0	0
Unpaid principal balance	0	0
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	6	7
Related allowance	(3)	(3)
Net recorded investment	3	4
Unpaid principal balance	$ 6	$ 6

Loan Receivables and Allowanc40

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Financial Effects of TDRs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	$ 12	$ 12	$ 36	$ 37
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	46	38	131	111
Average recorded investment	799	728	784	726
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	12	12	36	37
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	45	38	130	110
Average recorded investment	793	721	778	718
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	0	0	0	0
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	0	0	0	0
Average recorded investment	0	0	0	0
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	0	0	0	0
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	1	0	1	1
Average recorded investment	$ 6	$ 7	$ 6	$ 8

Loan Receivables and Allowanc41

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Payment Defaults (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)contract
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	14,813	12,455	30,064	24,783
Loans defaulted | $	$ 30	$ 25	$ 61	$ 50
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	14,779	12,406	29,982	24,692
Loans defaulted | $	$ 30	$ 24	$ 61	$ 49
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	0	0	0	0
Loans defaulted | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	34	49	82	91
Loans defaulted | $	$ 0	$ 1	$ 0	$ 1

Loan Receivables and Allowanc42

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Credit Quality Indicators (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
661 or higher | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	72.80%	73.00%
661 or higher | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	78.30%	77.70%
661 or higher | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	87.00%	86.80%
601 to 660 | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	19.80%	19.80%
601 to 660 | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	16.20%	16.60%
601 to 660 | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	8.50%	8.70%
600 or less | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	7.40%	7.20%
600 or less | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	5.50%	5.70%
600 or less | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	4.50%	4.50%

Loan Receivables and Allowanc43

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Interest Income by Product (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 3,771	$ 3,379	$ 10,763	$ 9,685
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	3,705	3,315	10,573	9,500
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	31	27	86	78
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	35	36	103	106
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 0	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

Loan Receivables and Allowanc44

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of loan receivable with no FICO score	0.80%	0.90%
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unused line of credit	$ 343	$ 322

Variable Interest Entities - Su

Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan receivables, net		$ 66,529		$ 64,793
Other assets(b)	[1]	2,004		2,080
Total assets		87,159		83,990
Total liabilities		73,178		71,386
Allowance for loan losses		(4,115)	$ (3,894)	(3,497)	$ (3,371)	$ (3,302)	$ (3,236)
Loan receivable, before allowance for losses	[2],[3]	70,644		68,290
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan receivables, net	[4]	22,041		24,338
Other assets(b)	[5]	127		127
Total assets		22,168		24,465
Borrowings		12,411		13,589
Other liabilities		20		30
Total liabilities		12,431		13,619
Allowance for loan losses		(1,100)		(1,100)
Loan receivable, before allowance for losses		23,100		25,500
Other Assets [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		$ 118		$ 118
[1]	Other assets include restricted cash and equivalents of $379 million and $391 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
[2]	At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $72 million and $63 million, respectively.
[3]	Total loan receivables include $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans.
[4]	Includes $1.1 billion of related allowance for loan losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $23.1 billion and $25.5 billion at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
[5]	Includes $118 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are classified as restricted cash and equivalents and included as a component of other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Variable Interest Entities - Na

Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ 4,115	$ 3,371	$ 4,115	$ 3,371	$ 3,894	$ 3,497	$ 3,302	$ 3,236
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	3,771	3,379	10,763	9,685
Provision for loan losses	986	702	2,910	2,129
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	1,100		1,100			$ 1,100
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	1,100	1,200	3,400	3,700
Provision for loan losses	212	191	729	713
Interest on borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	$ 63	$ 54	$ 180	$ 159

Intangible Assets - Schedule of

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,461	$ 1,298
Accumulated amortization	(728)	(597)
Net	$ 733	701
Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	9 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,126	1,045
Accumulated amortization	(591)	(505)
Net	$ 535	540
Capitalized software
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 335	253
Accumulated amortization	(137)	(92)
Net	$ 198	$ 161

Intangible Assets Narrative (De

Intangible Assets Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 163
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] | Retail Partner Contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 26	$ 21	76	$ 63
Other Expense | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Excluding Retail Partner Contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 18	$ 17	$ 55	$ 42

Deposits - Schedule of Deposit

Deposits - Schedule of Deposit Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Interest-bearing deposits, amount		$ 49,611	$ 43,215
Average Rate Domestic Deposits	[1]	1.60%	1.60%
Non-interest-bearing deposits, amount		$ 204	$ 152
Total deposits		$ 49,815	$ 43,367
[1]	Based on interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 and average deposits balances.

Deposits - Maturity Schedule (D

Deposits - Maturity Schedule (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
2,016	$ 2,942
2,017	13,921
2,018	4,089
2,019	4,141
2,020	2,855
Thereafter	$ 4,051

Deposits - Narrative (Details)

Deposits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Deposits [Line Items]
Interest bearing deposits with certificates of $100,000 or more	$ 14	$ 11.9
Time Deposit, $100,000 or More, Portion That is $250,000 or More	4.3	$ 3.6
Program Arranger
Schedule of Deposits [Line Items]
Broker network deposit sweeps	2.3
Demand deposits
Schedule of Deposits [Line Items]
Demand deposits	$ 15.3

Borrowings - Borrowings Schedul

Borrowings - Borrowings Schedule (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amount
Unsecured debt		$ 0	$ 4,133
Long-term Debt	[1]	20,167	24,279
Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 7,756	6,557
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.25%
New Bank Term Loan Facility [Member]
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 0	4,133
Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 6,809	6,308
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.41%
Floating Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 947	249
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		2.14%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		1.72%
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 12,411	13,589
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Fixed Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		1.90%
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 8,704	6,383
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Floating Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		1.32%
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 3,707	$ 7,206
Minimum [Member] | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.87%
Minimum [Member] | Floating Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.98%
Minimum [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Fixed Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.35%
Minimum [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Floating Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.02%
Maximum [Member] | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.50%
Maximum [Member] | Floating Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.20%
Maximum [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Fixed Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.47%
Maximum [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Floating Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.64%
[1]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance cost.

Borrowings - Borrowings Maturit

Borrowings - Borrowings Maturity Schedule (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
2,016	$ 0
2,017	4,377
2,018	3,157
2,019	6,435
2,020	2,098
Thereafter	$ 4,158

Borrowings - Narrative (Details

Borrowings - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 09, 2016	May 09, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Aug. 04, 2016
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining undrawn capacity				$ 6,600
Senior Notes | Floating Rate Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 200	$ 500
Senior Notes | Fixed Rate Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 500
Stated interest rate					3.70%
Unsecured Debt | Bank Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of third party debt				4,100
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Senior Notes | Floating Rate Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.40%	1.40%
Revolving Credit Facility | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period			3 years
Undrawn capacity				$ 500

Fair Value Measurement - Recurr

Fair Value Measurement - Recurring Fair Value Measurements(Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities		$ 15	$ 15
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities		15	15
Total		3,356	3,142
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities		15	15
Total		15	15
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities		0	0
Total		3,292	3,078
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities		0	0
Total		49	49
U.S. Government and Federal Agency
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		2,101	2,761
U.S. Government and Federal Agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		2,101	2,761
U.S. Government and Federal Agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		0	0
U.S. Government and Federal Agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		2,101	2,761
U.S. Government and Federal Agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		0	0
State and municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		49	49
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		49	49
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		0	0
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		0	0
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		49	49
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	[1]	1,191	317
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		1,191	317
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		0	0
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		1,191	317
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $370 million and $317 million, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances.

Fair Value Measurement - Change

Fair Value Measurement - Changes in Level 3 Instruments (Details) - Level 3 - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 49	$ 54	$ 49	$ 60
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses)	2	0	4	2
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	(6)
Settlements	(2)	(4)	(4)	(6)
Balance at end of period	$ 49	$ 50	$ 49	$ 50

Fair Value Measurement - Fair V

Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value Asset and Liabilities Carried at Other than Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	$ 13,588	$ 12,325
Other assets	[2]	379	391
Loan receivables, net	[3]	73,444	71,386
Deposits		50,486	43,840
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	13,588	12,325
Other assets	[2]	379	391
Loan receivables, net	[3]	66,529	64,793
Deposits		49,815	43,367
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	13,388	11,865
Other assets	[2]	379	391
Loan receivables, net	[3]	0	0
Deposits		0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	200	460
Other assets	[2]	0	0
Loan receivables, net	[3]	0	0
Deposits		50,486	43,840
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	0	0
Other assets	[2]	0	0
Loan receivables, net	[3]	73,444	71,386
Deposits		0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		12,507	13,562
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		12,411	13,589
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		9,248	7,566
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		3,259	5,996
Bank Term Loan
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure			4,125
Bank Term Loan | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure			4,133
Bank Term Loan | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Bank Term Loan | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Bank Term Loan | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure			4,125
Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure		8,057	6,574
Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure		7,756	6,557
Senior Notes | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure		0	0
Senior Notes | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure		8,057	6,574
Senior Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	For cash and equivalents, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments. Cash equivalents classified as Level 2 represent U.S. Government and Federal Agency debt securities with original maturities of three months or less.
[2]	This balance relates to restricted cash and equivalents, which is included in other assets.
[3]	Under certain retail partner program agreements, the expected sales proceeds related to the sale of their credit card portfolio may be limited to the amounts owed by our customers, which may be less than the fair value indicated above.

Regulatory and Capital Adequa58

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy (Capital Amounts and Ratios) (Details) - Basel III - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Capital conservation buffer		0.625%
Common equity Tier I capital
Common equity, actual		$ 8,836		$ 7,781
Common equity, actual (percent)	[1]	16.00%		15.30%
Common equity, minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 2,479		$ 2,286
Common equity, minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		4.50%	[2]	4.50%
Common equity, minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 3,581		$ 3,302
Common equity, minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		6.50%		6.50%
Total risk-based capital
Actual		$ 9,559		$ 8,442
Actual (percent)	[1]	17.40%		16.60%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 4,407		$ 4,064
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		8.00%	[2]	8.00%
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 5,509		$ 5,080
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		10.00%		10.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital
Tier One Risk Based Capital		$ 8,836		$ 7,781
Actual (percent)	[1]	16.00%		15.30%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,306		$ 3,048
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		6.00%	[2]	6.00%
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 4,407		$ 4,064
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		8.00%		8.00%
Tier 1 leverage
Tier One Leverage Capital		$ 8,836		$ 7,781
Actual (percent)	[1]	13.30%		13.10%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 2,659		$ 2,384
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		4.00%	[2]	4.00%
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 3,324		$ 2,980
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		5.00%		5.00%
Parent Company
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Capital conservation buffer		0.625%
Common equity Tier I capital
Common equity, actual		$ 12,871		$ 11,633
Common equity, actual (percent)	[1]	18.20%		16.80%
Common equity, minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,180		$ 3,115
Common equity, minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		4.50%	[2]	4.50%
Total risk-based capital
Actual		$ 13,794		$ 12,531
Actual (percent)	[1]	19.50%		18.10%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 5,653		$ 5,538
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		8.00%	[2]	8.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital
Tier One Risk Based Capital		$ 12,871		$ 11,633
Actual (percent)	[1]	18.20%		16.80%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 4,240		$ 4,153
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		6.00%	[2]	6.00%
Tier 1 leverage
Tier One Leverage Capital		$ 12,871		$ 11,633
Actual (percent)	[1]	15.30%		14.40%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,356		$ 3,236
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		4.00%	[2]	4.00%
[1]	Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015
[2]	For calendar year 2016, Synchrony Financial and the Bank also must maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in excess of minimum risk-based capital ratios by at least 0.625 percentage points to avoid limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees.

Earnings Per Share - Basic and

Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 604	$ 574	$ 1,675	$ 1,667
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	828	834	832	834
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	3	2	2	1
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive (in shares)	831	836	834	835
Earnings per basic common share (in usd per share)	$ 0.73	$ 0.69	$ 2.01	$ 2
Earnings per diluted common share (in usd per share)	$ 0.73	$ 0.69	$ 2.01	$ 2

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount less than	3,000,000	1,000,000	3,000,000	1,000,000

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest expense and penalties	$ 167	$ 327
Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate	90	79
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits	10	3
Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0

Legal Proceedings and Regulat62

Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Matters (Details)	Jun. 19, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 17, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016putative_class_action	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 10, 2013USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of putative class actions | putative_class_action			1
Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number | putative_class_action			10
CareCredit CFPB Consent Order | Customer Refund
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount of settlement	$ 56,000,000
2014 CFPB Consent Order
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Remediation, Amount Refunded Prior to Settlement	11,000,000
Payment of civil money penalties	$ 3,500,000
2014 CFPB and DOJ Consent Order
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Remediation, Amount Refunded Prior to Settlement				$ 132,000,000
Amount of settlement that consists of balance credits and waivers to previously charged-off account				185,000,000
Other Credits or Payments				$ 15,000,000
Travaglio et al. v. GE Capital Retail Bank and Allied Interstate LLC
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought per violation		$ 1,500
Abdeljalil et al. v. GE Capital Retail Bank [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought per violation		$ 1,500
Maximum [Member] | CareCredit CFPB Consent Order
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss					$ 34,100,000