Synchrony Financial (SYF) 10-Q 26 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 23, 2017
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, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		782,591,569

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 4,182	$ 3,771	$ 11,986	$ 10,763
Interest on investment securities	51	25	130	68
Total interest income	4,233	3,796	12,116	10,831
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits	219	188	615	539
Interest on third-party debt	73	64	208	210
Total interest expense	357	315	1,016	929
Net interest income	3,876	3,481	11,100	9,902
Retailer share arrangements	(805)	(757)	(2,158)	(2,091)
Net interest income, after retailer share arrangements	3,071	2,724	8,942	7,811
Provision for loan losses (Note 4)	1,310	986	3,942	2,910
Net interest income, after retailer share arrangements and provision for loan losses	1,761	1,738	5,000	4,901
Other income:
Interchange revenue	164	154	474	435
Debt cancellation fees	67	67	203	194
Loyalty programs	(168)	(145)	(511)	(390)
Other	13	8	60	20
Total other income	76	84	226	259
Other expense:
Employee costs	335	311	981	892
Professional fees	161	174	470	474
Marketing and business development	124	92	342	293
Information processing	96	87	274	250
Other	242	195	710	589
Total other expense	958	859	2,777	2,498
Earnings before provision for income taxes	879	963	2,449	2,662
Provision for income taxes (Note 12)	324	359	899	987
Net earnings	$ 555	$ 604	$ 1,550	$ 1,675
Earnings per share
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.73	$ 1.93	$ 2.01
Diluted (in usd per share)	0.70	0.73	1.93	2.01
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.15	$ 0.13	$ 0.41	$ 0.13
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 1,000	$ 1,100	$ 3,100	$ 3,400
Interest expense:
Interest on borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	65	63	193	180
Provision for loan losses (Note 4)	$ 303	$ 212	$ 904	$ 729

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 555	$ 604	$ 1,550	$ 1,675
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Investment securities	3	0	6	17
Currency translation adjustments	6	(4)	7	2
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent	0	0	0	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	9	(4)	13	17
Comprehensive income	$ 564	$ 600	$ 1,563	$ 1,692

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and equivalents		$ 13,915	$ 9,321
Investment securities (Note 3)		3,317	5,110
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)	[1],[2]	76,928	76,337
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(5,361)	(4,344)
Loan receivables, net		71,567	71,993
Goodwill		991	949
Intangible assets, net (Note 6)		772	712
Other assets(a)	[3]	1,986	2,122
Total assets		92,548	90,207
Deposits: (Note 7)
Interest-bearing deposit accounts		54,232	51,896
Non-interest-bearing deposit accounts		222	159
Total deposits		54,454	52,055
Borrowings: (Notes 5 and 8)
Senior unsecured notes		8,008	7,759
Long-term Debt	[4]	19,899	20,147
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		3,793	3,809
Total liabilities		78,146	76,011
Equity:
Common Stock, par share value $0.001 per share; 4,000,000,000 shares authorized; 833,984,684 shares issued at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016; 782,584,050 and 817,352,328 shares outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively		1	1
Additional paid-in capital		9,429	9,393
Retained earnings		6,543	5,330
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Investment securities		(12)	(18)
Currency translation adjustments		(13)	(20)
Other		(15)	(15)
Treasury Stock, Value		(1,531)	(475)
Total equity		14,402	14,196
Total liabilities and equity		92,548	90,207
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		173	347
Restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities
Assets
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		22,931	24,005
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(1,300)	(1,100)
Loan receivables, net	[5]	21,667	22,892
Other assets(a)	[6]	56	107
Total assets		21,723	22,999
Borrowings: (Notes 5 and 8)
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[4]	11,891	12,388
Total liabilities		11,911	12,409
Unsecuritized Loans Held for Investment [Member]
Assets
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		$ 53,997	$ 52,332
[1]	At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $95 million and $82 million, respectively.
[2]	Total loan receivables include $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans.
[3]	Other assets include restricted cash and equivalents of $173 million and $347 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
[4]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance cost.
[5]	Includes $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion of related allowance for loan losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
[6]	Includes $51 million and $100 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Statement (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	833,984,684
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	782,584,050	817,352,328
Treasury Stock, Shares	51,400,634	16,632,356

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, 2015		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
Purchases of treasury stock	(238)					238
Stock-based compensation (in shares)		157,000
Stock-based compensation	30		30
Dividends - common stock	(107)			(107)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		833,985,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 13,981	$ 1	9,381	4,861	(24)	(238)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	833,984,684	833,985,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 14,196	$ 1	9,393	5,330	(53)	(475)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	1,550			1,550
Other comprehensive income	13				13
Purchases of treasury stock	(1,066)					(1,066)
Stock-based compensation (in shares)		0
Stock-based compensation	37		36
Treasury Stock Reissued at Lower than Repurchase Price				(9)
Stock-based compensation, treasury stock issued						10
Dividends - common stock	$ (328)			(328)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017	833,984,684	833,985,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 14,402	$ 1	$ 9,429	$ 6,543	$ (40)	$ (1,531)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows - operating activities
Net earnings	$ 1,550	$ 1,675
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities
Provision for loan losses	3,942	2,910
Deferred income taxes	186	47
Depreciation and amortization	187	164
(Increase) decrease in interest and fees receivable	(110)	(105)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(79)	29
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	282	(321)
All other operating activities	488	388
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	6,446	4,787
Cash flows - investing activities
Maturity and redemption of investment securities	2,987	1,038
Purchases of investment securities	(1,247)	(1,241)
Acquisition of loan receivables	(73)	(54)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and equivalents	174	12
Net (increase) decrease in loan receivables	(3,706)	(4,773)
All other investing activities	(383)	(133)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(2,248)	(5,151)
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt	2,381	3,766
Maturities and repayment of securitized debt	(2,884)	(4,949)
Third-party debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt	741	1,193
Maturities and repayment of third-party debt	(500)	(4,151)
Related party debt
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	2,060	6,119
Purchases of treasury stock	(1,066)	(238)
Dividends paid on common stock	(328)	(107)
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	(8)	(6)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	396	1,627
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	4,594	1,263
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	9,321	12,325
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 13,915	$ 13,588

Business Description

Business Description	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 primarily offer private label, Dual Card and general purpose co-branded credit cards, promotional financing and installment lending, loyalty programs and FDIC-insured savings products through Synchrony Bank (the “Bank”). References to the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to Synchrony Financial and its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires. 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 remaining shares of our common stock it owned (the “Separation”).

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 primarily 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 period-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 2016 annual consolidated and combined financial statements and the related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (our "2016 Form 10-K"). Summary of Significant Accounting Policies In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of this standard, with a revised effective date for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The scope of ASU 2014-09 excludes interest and fee income on loans and gains and losses on investment securities, derivatives and the sales of financial instruments, and as a result, the majority of our revenue will not be affected by the ASU. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective (cumulative effect) transition method. We do not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the timing or measurement of the Company’s revenues. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU replaces the existing incurred loss impairment guidance with a new impairment model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model, which is based on expected credit losses. The CECL model requires, upon origination of a loan, the recognition of all expected credit losses over the life of the loan based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments in this standard will be recognized through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. While we are evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, this standard is expected to result in an increase to our allowance for loan losses given the change to expected losses for the estimated life of the financial asset. The extent of the increase will depend on the asset quality of the portfolio, and economic conditions and forecasts at adoption. See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our 2016 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2016 Form 10-K, for additional information on our significant accounting policies.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 or to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act. Our investment securities consist of the following: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 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 $ 1,725 $ 1 $ (1 ) $ 1,725 $ 3,676 $ 1 $ (1 ) $ 3,676 State and municipal 44 — — 44 47 — (1 ) 46 Residential mortgage-backed (a) 1,321 2 (21 ) 1,302 1,400 2 (29 ) 1,373 Asset-backed (b) 231 — — 231 — — — — Equity 15 — — 15 15 — — 15 Total $ 3,336 $ 3 $ (22 ) $ 3,317 $ 5,138 $ 3 $ (31 ) $ 5,110 _______________________ (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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , $362 million and $363 million, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances. (b) All of our asset-backed securities are collateralized by credit card loans. The following table presents the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale investment securities: In loss position for Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Estimated unrealized Estimated unrealized ($ in millions) fair value losses fair value losses At September 30, 2017 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 1,450 $ (1 ) $ — $ — State and municipal 25 — 5 — Residential mortgage-backed 330 (5 ) 831 (16 ) Asset-backed 129 — — — Equity — — — — Total $ 1,934 $ (6 ) $ 836 $ (16 ) At December 31, 2016 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 1,701 $ (1 ) $ — $ — State and municipal 35 (1 ) 4 — Residential mortgage-backed 1,235 (28 ) 35 (1 ) Equity 14 — 1 — Total $ 2,985 $ (30 ) $ 40 $ (1 ) 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, 2017 and 2016 . Contractual Maturities of Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Amortized Estimated At September 30, 2017 ($ in millions) cost fair value Due Within one year $ 1,611 $ 1,610 After one year through five years $ 346 $ 346 After five years through ten years $ 2 $ 2 After ten years $ 1,362 $ 1,344 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, 2017 and 2016 . Although we generally do not have the intent to sell any specific securities held at September 30, 2017 , 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, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses	LOAN RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES ($ in millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Credit cards $ 73,946 $ 73,580 Consumer installment loans 1,561 1,384 Commercial credit products 1,384 1,333 Other 37 40 Total loan receivables, before allowance for losses (a)(b) $ 76,928 $ 76,337 _______________________ (a) Total loan receivables include $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans. (b) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $95 million and $82 million , respectively. Allowance for Loan Losses ($ in millions) Balance at July 1, 2017 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 4,906 $ 1,287 $ (1,140 ) $ 211 $ 5,264 Consumer installment loans 34 14 (12 ) 3 39 Commercial credit products 60 9 (14 ) 2 57 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 5,001 $ 1,310 $ (1,166 ) $ 216 $ 5,361 ($ in millions) Balance at July 1, 2016 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 January 1, 2017 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at September 30, 2017 Credit cards $ 4,254 $ 3,866 $ (3,518 ) $ 662 $ 5,264 Consumer installment loans 37 28 (37 ) 11 39 Commercial credit products 52 48 (48 ) 5 57 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 4,344 $ 3,942 $ (3,603 ) $ 678 $ 5,361 ($ 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 Delinquent and Non-accrual Loans At September 30, 2017 ($ 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 $ 1,936 $ 1,688 $ 3,624 $ 1,688 $ — Consumer installment loans 21 4 25 — 4 Commercial credit products 30 15 45 15 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,987 $ 1,707 $ 3,694 $ 1,703 $ 4 Percentage of total loan receivables 2.6 % 2.2 % 4.8 % 2.2 % — % At December 31, 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 $ 1,695 $ 1,524 $ 3,219 $ 1,524 $ — Consumer installment loans 19 4 23 — 4 Commercial credit products 35 18 53 18 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,749 $ 1,546 $ 3,295 $ 1,542 $ 4 Percentage of total loan receivables 2.3 % 2.0 % 4.3 % 2.0 % — % 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. We use long-term modification programs for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as a loss mitigation strategy to improve long-term collectability of the loans that are classified as TDRs. The long-term 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 long-term 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Credit cards $ 210 $ 164 $ 557 $ 415 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 1 1 3 2 Total $ 211 $ 165 $ 560 $ 417 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, 2017 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 981 $ (388 ) $ 593 $ 872 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 5 (2 ) 3 5 Total $ 986 $ (390 ) $ 596 $ 877 At December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 862 $ (321 ) $ 541 $ 761 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 6 (3 ) 3 5 Total $ 868 $ (324 ) $ 544 $ 766 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, 2017 2016 ($ 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 $ 13 $ 57 $ 954 $ 12 $ 45 $ 793 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 5 — 1 6 Total $ 13 $ 58 $ 959 $ 12 $ 46 $ 799 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 ($ 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 $ 161 $ 916 $ 36 $ 130 $ 778 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 6 — 1 6 Total $ 36 $ 162 $ 922 $ 36 $ 131 $ 784 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 from the applicable balance sheet date 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, 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 19,466 $ 41 14,779 $ 30 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 58 — 34 — Total 19,524 $ 41 14,813 $ 30 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 42,569 $ 90 29,982 $ 61 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 124 1 82 — Total 42,693 $ 91 30,064 $ 61 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, as a percentage of each class of loan receivable. The table below excludes 0.7% , 0.7% and 0.8% of our total loan receivables balance at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively, which represents those customer accounts for which a FICO score is not available. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 661 or 601 to 600 or 661 or 601 to 600 or 661 or 601 to 600 or higher 660 less higher 660 less higher 660 less Credit cards 73 % 19 % 8 % 73 % 20 % 7 % 73 % 20 % 7 % Consumer installment loans 79 % 15 % 6 % 78 % 16 % 6 % 78 % 16 % 6 % Commercial credit products 88 % 7 % 5 % 87 % 9 % 4 % 87 % 8 % 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 $366 billion and $348 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. While these amounts represented the total available unused credit card lines, we have not experienced and do not anticipate that all of our customers will access their entire available line at any given point in time. Interest Income by Product The following table provides additional information about our interest and fees on loans from our loan receivables, including held for sale: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Credit cards $ 4,111 $ 3,705 $ 11,780 $ 10,573 Consumer installment loans 35 31 101 86 Commercial credit products 36 35 104 103 Other — — 1 1 Total $ 4,182 $ 3,771 $ 11,986 $ 10,763

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 . 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 VIEs where 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, and 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, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets Loan receivables, net (a) $ 21,667 $ 22,892 Other assets (b) 56 107 Total $ 21,723 $ 22,999 Liabilities Borrowings $ 11,891 $ 12,388 Other liabilities 20 21 Total $ 11,911 $ 12,409 _______________________ (a) Includes $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion of related allowance for loan losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (b) Includes $51 million and $100 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provision for loan losses of $303 million and $212 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and interest expense of $65 million and $63 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Income (principally, interest and fees on loans) earned by our consolidated VIEs was $3.1 billion and $3.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provision for loan losses of $904 million and $729 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and interest expense of $193 million and $180 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	INTANGIBLE ASSETS September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Customer-related $ 1,232 $ (648 ) $ 584 $ 1,069 $ (560 ) $ 509 Capitalized software 357 (169 ) 188 318 (115 ) 203 Total $ 1,589 $ (817 ) $ 772 $ 1,387 $ (675 ) $ 712 During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we recorded additions to intangible assets subject to amortization of $215 million , primarily related to customer-related intangible assets, as well as capitalized software expenditures. Customer-related intangible assets primarily relate to retail partner contract acquisitions and extensions, as well as purchased credit card relationships. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we recorded additions to customer-related intangible assets subject to amortization of $175 million and $81 million , respectively, primarily related to payments made to acquire and extend certain retail partner relationships. These additions had a weighted average amortizable life of 10 years and 7 years for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Amortization expense related to retail partner contracts was $28 million and $26 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $83 million and $76 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 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 $25 million and $18 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively and $63 million and $55 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and is included as a component of other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Deposits

Deposits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Deposits	DEPOSITS September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Amount Average rate (a) Amount Average rate (a) Interest-bearing deposits $ 54,232 1.6 % $ 51,896 1.5 % Non-interest-bearing deposits 222 — 159 — Total deposits $ 54,454 $ 52,055 ____________________ (a) Based on interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 and average deposits balances. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , interest-bearing deposits included $15.8 billion and $14.2 billion of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more, respectively. Of the total certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more, $5.1 billion and $4.4 billion were certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. At September 30, 2017 , our interest-bearing time deposits maturing for the remainder of 2017 and over the next four years and thereafter were as follows: ($ in millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Deposits $ 2,956 $ 15,665 $ 5,758 $ 3,212 $ 2,288 $ 3,795 The above maturity table excludes $17.6 billion of demand deposits with no defined maturity, of which $15.9 billion are savings accounts. In addition, at September 30, 2017 , we had $3.0 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, 2017
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Borrowings	BORROWINGS September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ 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% - 2.64% 1.90 % $ 8,241 $ 8,731 Floating securitized borrowings 2018 - 2020 1.95% - 2.16% 2.03 % 3,650 3,657 Total borrowings of consolidated securitization entities 1.94 % 11,891 12,388 Synchrony Financial senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2019 - 2026 2.60% - 4.50% 3.53 % 6,317 6,811 Floating senior unsecured notes 2017 - 2020 2.54% - 2.72% 2.67 % 949 948 Synchrony Bank senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2022 3.00 % 3.00 % 742 — Total senior unsecured notes 3.38 % 8,008 7,759 Total borrowings $ 19,899 $ 20,147 ___________________ (a) The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance cost. Debt Maturities 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 2017 and over the next four years and thereafter: ($ in millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Borrowings $ 1,526 $ 2,232 $ 7,227 $ 4,058 $ 1,408 $ 3,500 Third-Party Debt Senior Unsecured Notes On June 12, 2017, the Bank issued a total of $750 million principal amount of 3.000% senior unsecured notes due 2022. Credit Facilities As additional sources of liquidity, we have undrawn committed capacity under credit facilities, primarily related to our securitization programs. At September 30, 2017 , we had an aggregate of $5.1 billion of undrawn committed capacity under our securitization financings, subject to customary borrowing conditions, from private lenders under our two existing securitization programs, and an aggregate of $0.5 billion of undrawn committed capacity under our unsecured revolving credit facility with private lenders.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 2016 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2016 Form 10-K. The following tables present our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following tables present our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. At September 30, 2017 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 1,725 $ — $ 1,725 State and municipal — — 44 44 Residential mortgage-backed — 1,302 — 1,302 Asset-backed — 231 — 231 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 3,258 $ 44 $ 3,317 At December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 3,676 $ — $ 3,676 State and municipal — — 46 46 Residential mortgage-backed — 1,373 — 1,373 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 5,049 $ 46 $ 5,110 For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , there were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 or between Level 2 and Level 3. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 2016 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2016 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, 2017 and 2016 . Changes in Level 3 Instruments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 44 $ 49 $ 46 $ 49 Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) 1 2 1 4 Purchases 1 — 2 — Settlements (2 ) (2 ) (5 ) (4 ) Balance at end of period $ 44 $ 49 $ 44 $ 49 Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements We hold certain assets that have been measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2017 and 2016 . 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, 2017 ($ 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) $ 13,915 $ 13,915 $ 13,315 $ 600 $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 173 $ 173 $ 173 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 71,567 $ 80,248 $ — $ — $ 80,248 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 54,454 $ 54,877 $ — $ 54,877 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 11,891 $ 11,904 $ — $ 8,250 $ 3,654 Senior unsecured notes $ 8,008 $ 8,197 $ — $ 8,197 $ — Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 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) $ 9,321 $ 9,321 $ 9,321 $ — $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 347 $ 347 $ 347 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 71,993 $ 79,566 $ — $ — $ 79,566 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 52,055 $ 52,507 $ — $ 52,507 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 12,388 $ 12,402 $ — $ 9,191 $ 3,211 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,759 $ 7,875 $ — $ 7,875 $ — _______________________ (a) For cash and equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments. (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, 2017
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Regulatory and Capital Adequacy	REGULATORY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY As a savings and loan holding company and, as of June 2017, a financial holding company, we are subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board and subject to the capital requirements as prescribed by Basel III capital rules and the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Bank is a federally chartered savings association. As such, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the U.S. Treasury (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. 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 table below) 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , Synchrony Financial met all applicable requirements to be deemed well-capitalized pursuant to Federal Reserve Board regulations. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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, 2017 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, 2017 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 14,126 18.7 % $ 6,058 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,125 17.3 % $ 4,544 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,125 14.6 % $ 3,593 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 13,125 17.3 % $ 3,408 4.5 % At December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 14,129 18.5 % $ 6,094 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,135 17.2 % $ 4,571 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,135 15.0 % $ 3,508 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 13,135 17.2 % $ 3,428 4.5 % Synchrony Bank At September 30, 2017 ($ 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 $ 10,364 16.7 % $ 4,968 8.0 % $ 6,210 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 9,540 15.4 % $ 3,726 6.0 % $ 4,968 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 9,540 13.0 % $ 2,929 4.0 % $ 3,661 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 9,540 15.4 % $ 2,795 4.5 % $ 4,037 6.5 % At December 31, 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 $ 10,101 16.7 % $ 4,825 8.0 % $ 6,031 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 9,312 15.4 % $ 3,619 6.0 % $ 4,825 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 9,312 13.2 % $ 2,816 4.0 % $ 3,520 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 9,312 15.4 % $ 2,714 4.5 % $ 3,920 6.5 % _______________________ (a) Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . (b) At September 30, 2017 and at December 31, 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 1.25 percent age points and 0.625 percent age points, respectively, 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, 2017
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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net earnings $ 555 $ 604 $ 1,550 $ 1,675 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 787.3 828.4 801.3 832.1 Effect of dilutive securities 3.6 2.2 3.7 2.0 Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 790.9 830.6 805.0 834.1 Earnings per basic common share $ 0.70 $ 0.73 $ 1.93 $ 2.01 Earnings per diluted common share $ 0.70 $ 0.73 $ 1.93 $ 2.01 We have issued certain stock based awards under the Synchrony Financial 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan. A total of 4 million and 3 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 3 million shares for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , related to these awards, were considered anti-dilutive and therefore were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES We now file consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns separate and apart from GE. 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. 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 period income taxes, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes, we estimate the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year and apply that estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date ordinary income. Adjustments to tax expense are made for year-to-date discrete items. See “ Management's Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Estimates ” in our 2016 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 to 2015. 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 2016 annual consolidated and combined financial statements in our 2016 Form 10-K for additional information on the TSSA. Unrecognized Tax Benefits ($ in millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest expense and penalties $ 166 $ 150 Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate (a) 111 99 Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits 11 6 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 unrecognized tax benefits 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, 2017
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 October 30, 2014, the United States Trustee, which is part of the Department of Justice, 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. On May 9, 2017, the Bank received a Civil Investigative Demand from the CFPB seeking information related to the marketing and servicing of deferred interest promotions. Other Matters The Bank or the Company is, or has been, defending 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. Campbell et al. v. Synchrony Bank was filed on January 25, 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. The original complaint named only J.C. Penney Company, Inc. and J.C. Penney Corporation, Inc. as the defendants but was amended on April 7, 2017 to replace those defendants with the Bank. Neal et al. v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Synchrony Bank , for which the Bank is indemnifying Wal-Mart, was filed on January 17, 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The original complaint named only Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. as a defendant but was amended on March 30, 2017 to add Synchrony Bank as an additional defendant. 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, 2017
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 primarily 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 period-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 2016 annual consolidated and combined financial statements and the related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (our "2016 Form 10-K").

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	Our investment securities consist of the following: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 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 $ 1,725 $ 1 $ (1 ) $ 1,725 $ 3,676 $ 1 $ (1 ) $ 3,676 State and municipal 44 — — 44 47 — (1 ) 46 Residential mortgage-backed (a) 1,321 2 (21 ) 1,302 1,400 2 (29 ) 1,373 Asset-backed (b) 231 — — 231 — — — — Equity 15 — — 15 15 — — 15 Total $ 3,336 $ 3 $ (22 ) $ 3,317 $ 5,138 $ 3 $ (31 ) $ 5,110 _______________________ (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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , $362 million and $363 million, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances.
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table presents the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale investment securities: In loss position for Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Estimated unrealized Estimated unrealized ($ in millions) fair value losses fair value losses At September 30, 2017 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 1,450 $ (1 ) $ — $ — State and municipal 25 — 5 — Residential mortgage-backed 330 (5 ) 831 (16 ) Asset-backed 129 — — — Equity — — — — Total $ 1,934 $ (6 ) $ 836 $ (16 ) At December 31, 2016 Debt U.S. government and federal agency $ 1,701 $ (1 ) $ — $ — State and municipal 35 (1 ) 4 — Residential mortgage-backed 1,235 (28 ) 35 (1 ) Equity 14 — 1 — Total $ 2,985 $ (30 ) $ 40 $ (1 )
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Contractual Maturities of Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Amortized Estimated At September 30, 2017 ($ in millions) cost fair value Due Within one year $ 1,611 $ 1,610 After one year through five years $ 346 $ 346 After five years through ten years $ 2 $ 2 After ten years $ 1,362 $ 1,344

Loan Receivables and Allowanc23

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	($ in millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Credit cards $ 73,946 $ 73,580 Consumer installment loans 1,561 1,384 Commercial credit products 1,384 1,333 Other 37 40 Total loan receivables, before allowance for losses (a)(b) $ 76,928 $ 76,337 _______________________ (a) Total loan receivables include $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans. (b) At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $95 million and $82 million , respectively.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	Allowance for Loan Losses ($ in millions) Balance at July 1, 2017 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at Credit cards $ 4,906 $ 1,287 $ (1,140 ) $ 211 $ 5,264 Consumer installment loans 34 14 (12 ) 3 39 Commercial credit products 60 9 (14 ) 2 57 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 5,001 $ 1,310 $ (1,166 ) $ 216 $ 5,361 ($ in millions) Balance at July 1, 2016 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 January 1, 2017 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at September 30, 2017 Credit cards $ 4,254 $ 3,866 $ (3,518 ) $ 662 $ 5,264 Consumer installment loans 37 28 (37 ) 11 39 Commercial credit products 52 48 (48 ) 5 57 Other 1 — — — $ 1 Total $ 4,344 $ 3,942 $ (3,603 ) $ 678 $ 5,361 ($ 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
Past Due Financing Receivables	Delinquent and Non-accrual Loans At September 30, 2017 ($ 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 $ 1,936 $ 1,688 $ 3,624 $ 1,688 $ — Consumer installment loans 21 4 25 — 4 Commercial credit products 30 15 45 15 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,987 $ 1,707 $ 3,694 $ 1,703 $ 4 Percentage of total loan receivables 2.6 % 2.2 % 4.8 % 2.2 % — % At December 31, 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 $ 1,695 $ 1,524 $ 3,219 $ 1,524 $ — Consumer installment loans 19 4 23 — 4 Commercial credit products 35 18 53 18 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,749 $ 1,546 $ 3,295 $ 1,542 $ 4 Percentage of total loan receivables 2.3 % 2.0 % 4.3 % 2.0 % — %
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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Credit cards $ 210 $ 164 $ 557 $ 415 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 1 1 3 2 Total $ 211 $ 165 $ 560 $ 417
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, 2017 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 981 $ (388 ) $ 593 $ 872 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 5 (2 ) 3 5 Total $ 986 $ (390 ) $ 596 $ 877 At December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Total recorded investment Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 862 $ (321 ) $ 541 $ 761 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 6 (3 ) 3 5 Total $ 868 $ (324 ) $ 544 $ 766 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, 2017 2016 ($ 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 $ 13 $ 57 $ 954 $ 12 $ 45 $ 793 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 5 — 1 6 Total $ 13 $ 58 $ 959 $ 12 $ 46 $ 799 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 ($ 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 $ 161 $ 916 $ 36 $ 130 $ 778 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 6 — 1 6 Total $ 36 $ 162 $ 922 $ 36 $ 131 $ 784
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 from the applicable balance sheet date 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, 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 19,466 $ 41 14,779 $ 30 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 58 — 34 — Total 19,524 $ 41 14,813 $ 30 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 42,569 $ 90 29,982 $ 61 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 124 1 82 — Total 42,693 $ 91 30,064 $ 61
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	The following table provides the most recent FICO scores available for our customers at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, as a percentage of each class of loan receivable. The table below excludes 0.7% , 0.7% and 0.8% of our total loan receivables balance at September 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively, which represents those customer accounts for which a FICO score is not available. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 661 or 601 to 600 or 661 or 601 to 600 or 661 or 601 to 600 or higher 660 less higher 660 less higher 660 less Credit cards 73 % 19 % 8 % 73 % 20 % 7 % 73 % 20 % 7 % Consumer installment loans 79 % 15 % 6 % 78 % 16 % 6 % 78 % 16 % 6 % Commercial credit products 88 % 7 % 5 % 87 % 9 % 4 % 87 % 8 % 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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Credit cards $ 4,111 $ 3,705 $ 11,780 $ 10,573 Consumer installment loans 35 31 101 86 Commercial credit products 36 35 104 103 Other — — 1 1 Total $ 4,182 $ 3,771 $ 11,986 $ 10,763

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets Loan receivables, net (a) $ 21,667 $ 22,892 Other assets (b) 56 107 Total $ 21,723 $ 22,999 Liabilities Borrowings $ 11,891 $ 12,388 Other liabilities 20 21 Total $ 11,911 $ 12,409 _______________________ (a) Includes $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion of related allowance for loan losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. (b) Includes $51 million and $100 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Customer-related $ 1,232 $ (648 ) $ 584 $ 1,069 $ (560 ) $ 509 Capitalized software 357 (169 ) 188 318 (115 ) 203 Total $ 1,589 $ (817 ) $ 772 $ 1,387 $ (675 ) $ 712

Deposits (Tables)

Deposits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Deposit Liabilities	September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Amount Average rate (a) Amount Average rate (a) Interest-bearing deposits $ 54,232 1.6 % $ 51,896 1.5 % Non-interest-bearing deposits 222 — 159 — Total deposits $ 54,454 $ 52,055 ____________________ (a) Based on interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 and average deposits balances.
Schedule of Maturities of Deposit Liabilities	At September 30, 2017 , our interest-bearing time deposits maturing for the remainder of 2017 and over the next four years and thereafter were as follows: ($ in millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Deposits $ 2,956 $ 15,665 $ 5,758 $ 3,212 $ 2,288 $ 3,795

Borrowings (Tables)

Borrowings (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ 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% - 2.64% 1.90 % $ 8,241 $ 8,731 Floating securitized borrowings 2018 - 2020 1.95% - 2.16% 2.03 % 3,650 3,657 Total borrowings of consolidated securitization entities 1.94 % 11,891 12,388 Synchrony Financial senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2019 - 2026 2.60% - 4.50% 3.53 % 6,317 6,811 Floating senior unsecured notes 2017 - 2020 2.54% - 2.72% 2.67 % 949 948 Synchrony Bank senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2022 3.00 % 3.00 % 742 — Total senior unsecured notes 3.38 % 8,008 7,759 Total borrowings $ 19,899 $ 20,147 ___________________ (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 2017 and over the next four years and thereafter: ($ in millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Borrowings $ 1,526 $ 2,232 $ 7,227 $ 4,058 $ 1,408 $ 3,500

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 1,725 $ — $ 1,725 State and municipal — — 44 44 Residential mortgage-backed — 1,302 — 1,302 Asset-backed — 231 — 231 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 3,258 $ 44 $ 3,317 At December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Assets Investment securities Debt U.S. Government and Federal Agency $ — $ 3,676 $ — $ 3,676 State and municipal — — 46 46 Residential mortgage-backed — 1,373 — 1,373 Equity 15 — — 15 Total $ 15 $ 5,049 $ 46 $ 5,110
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, 2017 and 2016 . Changes in Level 3 Instruments Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 44 $ 49 $ 46 $ 49 Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) 1 2 1 4 Purchases 1 — 2 — Settlements (2 ) (2 ) (5 ) (4 ) Balance at end of period $ 44 $ 49 $ 44 $ 49
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, 2017 ($ 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) $ 13,915 $ 13,915 $ 13,315 $ 600 $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 173 $ 173 $ 173 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 71,567 $ 80,248 $ — $ — $ 80,248 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 54,454 $ 54,877 $ — $ 54,877 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 11,891 $ 11,904 $ — $ 8,250 $ 3,654 Senior unsecured notes $ 8,008 $ 8,197 $ — $ 8,197 $ — Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 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) $ 9,321 $ 9,321 $ 9,321 $ — $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 347 $ 347 $ 347 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 71,993 $ 79,566 $ — $ — $ 79,566 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 52,055 $ 52,507 $ — $ 52,507 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 12,388 $ 12,402 $ — $ 9,191 $ 3,211 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,759 $ 7,875 $ — $ 7,875 $ — _______________________ (a) For cash and equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments. (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, 2017
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, 2017 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 14,126 18.7 % $ 6,058 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,125 17.3 % $ 4,544 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,125 14.6 % $ 3,593 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 13,125 17.3 % $ 3,408 4.5 % At December 31, 2016 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 14,129 18.5 % $ 6,094 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,135 17.2 % $ 4,571 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,135 15.0 % $ 3,508 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 Capital $ 13,135 17.2 % $ 3,428 4.5 % Synchrony Bank At September 30, 2017 ($ 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 $ 10,364 16.7 % $ 4,968 8.0 % $ 6,210 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 9,540 15.4 % $ 3,726 6.0 % $ 4,968 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 9,540 13.0 % $ 2,929 4.0 % $ 3,661 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 9,540 15.4 % $ 2,795 4.5 % $ 4,037 6.5 % At December 31, 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 $ 10,101 16.7 % $ 4,825 8.0 % $ 6,031 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 9,312 15.4 % $ 3,619 6.0 % $ 4,825 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 9,312 13.2 % $ 2,816 4.0 % $ 3,520 5.0 % Common equity Tier I capital $ 9,312 15.4 % $ 2,714 4.5 % $ 3,920 6.5 % _______________________ (a) Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . (b) At September 30, 2017 and at December 31, 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 1.25 percent age points and 0.625 percent age points, respectively, 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, 2017
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) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net earnings $ 555 $ 604 $ 1,550 $ 1,675 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 787.3 828.4 801.3 832.1 Effect of dilutive securities 3.6 2.2 3.7 2.0 Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 790.9 830.6 805.0 834.1 Earnings per basic common share $ 0.70 $ 0.73 $ 1.93 $ 2.01 Earnings per diluted common share $ 0.70 $ 0.73 $ 1.93 $ 2.01

Incomes Taxes (Tables)

Incomes Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	($ in millions) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest expense and penalties $ 166 $ 150 Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate (a) 111 99 Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits 11 6 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 ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Equity
Amortized cost		15,000,000		15,000,000		$ 15,000,000
Gross unrealized gains		0		0		0
Gross unrealized losses		0		0		0
Estimated fair value		15,000,000		15,000,000		15,000,000
Total
Amortized cost		3,336,000,000		3,336,000,000		5,138,000,000
Gross unrealized gains		3,000,000		3,000,000		3,000,000
Gross unrealized losses		(22,000,000)		(22,000,000)		(31,000,000)
Estimated fair value		3,317,000,000		3,317,000,000		5,110,000,000
U.S. Government and Federal Agency
Debt
Amortized cost		1,725,000,000		1,725,000,000		3,676,000,000
Gross unrealized gains		1,000,000		1,000,000		1,000,000
Gross unrealized losses		(1,000,000)		(1,000,000)		(1,000,000)
Estimated fair value		1,725,000,000		1,725,000,000		3,676,000,000
State and municipal
Debt
Amortized cost		44,000,000		44,000,000		47,000,000
Gross unrealized gains		0		0		0
Gross unrealized losses		0		0		(1,000,000)
Estimated fair value		44,000,000		44,000,000		46,000,000
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve		362,000,000		362,000,000		363,000,000
Debt
Amortized cost	[1]	1,321,000,000		1,321,000,000		1,400,000,000
Gross unrealized gains	[1]	2,000,000		2,000,000		2,000,000
Gross unrealized losses	[1]	(21,000,000)		(21,000,000)		(29,000,000)
Estimated fair value	[1]	1,302,000,000		1,302,000,000		1,373,000,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt
Amortized cost	[1]	231,000,000		231,000,000		0
Gross unrealized gains	[1]	0		0		0
Gross unrealized losses	[1]	0		0		0
Estimated fair value	[1]	$ 231,000,000		$ 231,000,000		$ 0
[1]	At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $362 million and $363 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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other than temporary impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	1,934,000,000		1,934,000,000		$ 2,985,000,000
12 months or more	836,000,000		836,000,000		40,000,000
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(6,000,000)		(6,000,000)		(30,000,000)
12 months or more	(16,000,000)		(16,000,000)		(1,000,000)
U.S. Government and Federal Agency
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	1,450,000,000		1,450,000,000		1,701,000,000
12 months or more	0		0		0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(1,000,000)		(1,000,000)		(1,000,000)
12 months or more	0		0		0
State and municipal
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	25,000,000		25,000,000		35,000,000
12 months or more	5,000,000		5,000,000		4,000,000
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0		0		(1,000,000)
12 months or more	0		0		0
Residential mortgage-backed
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	330,000,000		330,000,000		1,235,000,000
12 months or more	831,000,000		831,000,000		35,000,000
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(5,000,000)		(5,000,000)		(28,000,000)
12 months or more	(16,000,000)		(16,000,000)		(1,000,000)
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	129,000,000		129,000,000
12 months or more	0		0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0		0
12 months or more	0		0
Equity Securities [Member]
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	0		0		14,000,000
12 months or more	0		0		1,000,000
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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Amortized Cost
Within one year	1,611,000,000		1,611,000,000
After one year through five years	346,000,000		346,000,000
After five years through ten years	2,000,000		2,000,000
After ten years	1,362,000,000		1,362,000,000
Estimated Fair Value
Within one year	1,610,000,000		1,610,000,000
After one year through five years	346,000,000		346,000,000
After five years through ten years	2,000,000		2,000,000
After ten years	$ 1,344,000,000		$ 1,344,000,000

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired		$ 13	$ 12	$ 36	$ 36
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)	[1],[2]	76,928		76,928		$ 76,337
Loans receivables, deferred income		95		95		82
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired		13	12	36	36
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		73,946		73,946		73,580
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)		1,561		1,561		1,384
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)		1,384		1,384		1,333
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		37		37		40
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		$ 22,931		$ 22,931		$ 24,005
[1]	At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $95 million and $82 million, respectively.
[2]	Total loan receivables include $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 5,001	$ 3,894	$ 4,344	$ 3,497
Provision for loan losses	1,310	986	3,942	2,910
Gross charge-offs	(1,166)	(943)	(3,603)	(2,890)
Recoveries	216	178	678	598
Ending Balance	5,361	4,115	5,361	4,115
Credit cards
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,906	3,800	4,254	3,420
Provision for loan losses	1,287	964	3,866	2,836
Gross charge-offs	(1,140)	(919)	(3,518)	(2,820)
Recoveries	211	172	662	581
Ending Balance	5,264	4,017	5,264	4,017
Consumer installment loans
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	34	39	37	26
Provision for loan losses	14	11	28	38
Gross charge-offs	(12)	(11)	(37)	(31)
Recoveries	3	4	11	10
Ending Balance	39	43	39	43
Commercial credit products
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	60	53	52	50
Provision for loan losses	9	12	48	36
Gross charge-offs	(14)	(13)	(48)	(39)
Recoveries	2	2	5	7
Ending Balance	57	54	57	54
Other
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1	2	1	1
Provision for loan losses	0	(1)	0	0
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Maximum Maturity Period for Loans in Permanent Modification Program	60 months
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	$ 3,694	$ 3,295
90 or more days delinquent and accruing	1,703	1,542
Total non-accruing	$ 4	$ 4
Financing Receivable, Percentage of Total Loan Receivables
Percentage of total loan receivables, 30-89 days delinquent	2.60%	2.30%
Percentage of total loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent	2.20%	2.00%
Percentage of total loan receivables, Past due	4.80%	4.30%
Percentage of total loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing	2.20%	2.00%
Percentage of total loan receivables, Total non-accruing	0.00%	0.00%
Credit cards
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	$ 3,624	$ 3,219
90 or more days delinquent and accruing	1,688	1,524
Total non-accruing	0	0
Consumer installment loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	25	23
90 or more days delinquent and accruing	0	0
Total non-accruing	4	4
Commercial credit products
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	45	53
90 or more days delinquent and accruing	15	18
Total non-accruing	0	0
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	1,987	1,749
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Credit cards
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	1,936	1,695
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Consumer installment loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	21	19
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Commercial credit products
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	30	35
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	1,707	1,546
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Credit cards
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	1,688	1,524
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Consumer installment loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	4	4
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Commercial credit products
Financing Receivable, Past Due Amount
Total past due	$ 15	$ 18

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	$ 211	$ 165	$ 560	$ 417
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	210	164	557	415
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	$ 3	$ 2

Loan Receivables and Allowanc39

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Classified as TDRs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	$ 986	$ 868
Related allowance	(390)	(324)
Net recorded investment	596	544
Unpaid principal balance	877	766
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	981	862
Related allowance	(388)	(321)
Net recorded investment	593	541
Unpaid principal balance	872	761
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	5	6
Related allowance	(2)	(3)
Net recorded investment	3	3
Unpaid principal balance	$ 5	$ 5

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	$ 13	$ 12	$ 36	$ 36
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	58	46	162	131
Average recorded investment	959	799	922	784
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	13	12	36	36
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	57	45	161	130
Average recorded investment	954	793	916	778
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	1	1	1
Average recorded investment	$ 5	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6

Loan Receivables and Allowanc41

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Payment Defaults (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)contract
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	19,524	14,813	42,693	30,064
Loans defaulted | $	$ 41	$ 30	$ 91	$ 61
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	19,466	14,779	42,569	29,982
Loans defaulted | $	$ 41	$ 30	$ 90	$ 61
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	58	34	124	82
Loans defaulted | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1	$ 0

Loan Receivables and Allowanc42

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Credit Quality Indicators (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
661 or higher | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	73.00%	73.00%	73.00%
661 or higher | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	79.00%	78.00%	78.00%
661 or higher | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	88.00%	87.00%	87.00%
601 to 660 | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	19.00%	20.00%	20.00%
601 to 660 | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	15.00%	16.00%	16.00%
601 to 660 | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	7.00%	9.00%	8.00%
600 or less | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	8.00%	7.00%	7.00%
600 or less | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
600 or less | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	5.00%	4.00%	5.00%

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 4,182	$ 3,771	$ 11,986	$ 10,763
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	4,111	3,705	11,780	10,573
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	35	31	101	86
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	36	35	104	103
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1	$ 1

Loan Receivables and Allowanc44

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of loan receivable with no FICO score	0.70%	0.70%	0.80%
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unused Commitments to Extend Credit	$ 366	$ 348

Variable Interest Entities - Su

Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan receivables, net		$ 71,567		$ 71,993
Other assets(b)	[1]	1,986		2,122
Total assets		92,548		90,207
Total liabilities		78,146		76,011
Allowance for loan losses		(5,361)	$ (5,001)	(4,344)	$ (4,115)	$ (3,894)	$ (3,497)
Loan receivable, before allowance for losses	[2],[3]	76,928		76,337
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan receivables, net	[4]	21,667		22,892
Other assets(b)	[5]	56		107
Total assets		21,723		22,999
Borrowings	[6]	11,891		12,388
Other liabilities		20		21
Total liabilities		11,911		12,409
Allowance for loan losses		(1,300)		(1,100)
Loan receivable, before allowance for losses		22,931		24,005
Other Assets [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		$ 51		$ 100
[1]	Other assets include restricted cash and equivalents of $173 million and $347 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
[2]	At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loan receivables included deferred expense, net of deferred income, of $95 million and $82 million, respectively.
[3]	Total loan receivables include $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans.
[4]	Includes $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion of related allowance for loan losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $22.9 billion and $24.0 billion at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
[5]	Includes $51 million and $100 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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.
[6]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance cost.

Variable Interest Entities - Na

Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ 5,361	$ 4,115	$ 5,361	$ 4,115	$ 5,001	$ 4,344	$ 3,894	$ 3,497
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	4,182	3,771	11,986	10,763
Provision for loan losses	1,310	986	3,942	2,910
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	1,300		1,300			1,100
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	1,000	1,100	3,100	3,400
Provision for loan losses	303	212	904	729
Interest on borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	65	$ 63	193	$ 180
Other Assets [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities	$ 51		$ 51			$ 100

Intangible Assets - Schedule of

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,589		$ 1,387
Accumulated amortization	(817)		(675)
Net	$ 772		712
Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years	7 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,232		1,069
Accumulated amortization	(648)		(560)
Net	584		509
Capitalized software
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	357		318
Accumulated amortization	(169)		(115)
Net	$ 188		$ 203

Intangible Assets Narrative (De

Intangible Assets Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 215
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 175	$ 81
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			10 years	7 years
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] | Retail Partner Contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 28	$ 26	$ 83	$ 76
Other Expense | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Excluding Retail Partner Contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 25	$ 18	$ 63	$ 55

Deposits - Schedule of Deposit

Deposits - Schedule of Deposit Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Interest-bearing deposits, amount		$ 54,232	$ 51,896
Average Rate Domestic Deposits	[1]	1.60%	1.50%
Non-interest-bearing deposits, amount		$ 222	$ 159
Total deposits		$ 54,454	$ 52,055
[1]	Based on interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 and average deposits balances.

Deposits - Maturity Schedule (D

Deposits - Maturity Schedule (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
2,017	$ 2,956
2,018	15,665
2,019	5,758
2,020	3,212
2,021	2,288
Thereafter	$ 3,795

Deposits - Narrative (Details)

Deposits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Deposits [Line Items]
Interest bearing deposits with certificates of $100,000 or more	$ 15.8	$ 14.2
Deposits, Savings Deposits	15.9
Time Deposit, $100,000 or More, Portion That is $250,000 or More	5.1	$ 4.4
Program Arranger
Schedule of Deposits [Line Items]
Broker network deposit sweeps	3
Demand deposits
Schedule of Deposits [Line Items]
Demand deposits	$ 17.6

Borrowings - Borrowings Schedul

Borrowings - Borrowings Schedule (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amount
Long-term Debt	[1]	$ 19,899	$ 20,147
Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 8,008	7,759
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.38%
Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 6,317	6,811
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.53%
Floating Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 949	948
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		2.67%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		1.94%
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 11,891	12,388
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Fixed Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		1.90%
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 8,241	8,731
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Floating Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		2.03%
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 3,650	3,657
Subsidiaries [Member] | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 742	$ 0
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.00%
Minimum [Member] | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.60%
Minimum [Member] | Floating Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Senior unsecured notes
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.54%
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		1.95%
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		2.72%
Maximum [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Fixed Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.64%
Maximum [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Floating Securitized Borrowings [Member]
Average rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.16%
[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, 2017USD ($)
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
2,017	$ 1,526
2,018	2,232
2,019	7,227
2,020	4,058
2,021	1,408
Thereafter	$ 3,500

Borrowings - Narrative (Details

Borrowings - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 12, 2017
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining undrawn capacity	$ 5,100
Senior Notes | Fixed Rate Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 750
Stated interest rate		3.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn capacity	$ 500

Fair Value Measurement - Recurr

Fair Value Measurement - Recurring Fair Value Measurements(Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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		3,317	5,110
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		3,258	5,049
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities		0	0
Total		44	46
U.S. Government and Federal Agency
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		1,725	3,676
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		1,725	3,676
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		1,725	3,676
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		44	46
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		44	46
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		44	46
Residential mortgage-backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	[1]	1,302	1,373
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		1,302	1,373
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		1,302	1,373
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
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	[1]	231	$ 0
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		231
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		0
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		231
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities		$ 0
[1]	At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $362 million and $363 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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses)	$ 1	$ 2	$ 1	$ 4
Purchases	1	0	2	0
Settlements	(2)	(2)	(5)	(4)
Balance at end of period	44	49	44	49
Balance at beginning of period	$ 44	$ 49	$ 46	$ 49

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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	$ 13,915	$ 9,321
Other assets	[2]	173	347
Loan receivables, net	[3]	80,248	79,566
Deposits		54,877	52,507
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	13,915	9,321
Other assets	[2]	173	347
Loan receivables, net	[3]	71,567	71,993
Deposits		54,454	52,055
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	13,315	9,321
Other assets	[2]	173	347
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]	600	0
Other assets	[2]	0	0
Loan receivables, net	[3]	0	0
Deposits		54,877	52,507
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]	80,248	79,566
Deposits		0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		11,904	12,402
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		11,891	12,388
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		8,250	9,191
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		3,654	3,211
Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure		8,197	7,875
Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure		8,008	7,759
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		8,197	7,875
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 and restricted cash and equivalents, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments.
[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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Capital conservation buffer		1.25%	0.625%
Common equity Tier I capital
Common equity, actual		$ 13,125	$ 13,135
Common equity, actual (percent)	[1]	17.30%	17.20%
Common equity, minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,408	$ 3,428
Common Equity Tier One Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	[2]	4.50%	4.50%
Total risk-based capital
Actual		$ 14,126	$ 14,129
Actual (percent)	[1]	18.70%	18.50%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 6,058	$ 6,094
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	8.00%	8.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital
Tier One Risk Based Capital		$ 13,125	$ 13,135
Actual (percent)	[1]	17.30%	17.20%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 4,544	$ 4,571
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	6.00%	6.00%
Tier 1 leverage
Tier One Leverage Capital		$ 13,125	$ 13,135
Actual (percent)	[1]	14.60%	15.00%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,593	$ 3,508
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	4.00%	4.00%
Synchrony Bank
Common equity Tier I capital
Common equity, actual		$ 9,540	$ 9,312
Common equity, actual (percent)	[1]	15.40%	15.40%
Common equity, minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 2,795	$ 2,714
Common Equity Tier One Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets		4.50%	4.50%
Common equity, minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 4,037	$ 3,920
Common Equity Tier One Capital Required to be Well Capitalized Risk Weighted Assets		6.50%	6.50%
Total risk-based capital
Actual		$ 10,364	$ 10,101
Actual (percent)	[1]	16.70%	16.70%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 4,968	$ 4,825
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		8.00%	8.00%
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 6,210	$ 6,031
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		$ 9,540	$ 9,312
Actual (percent)	[1]	15.40%	15.40%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,726	$ 3,619
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		6.00%	6.00%
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 4,968	$ 4,825
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		8.00%	8.00%
Tier 1 leverage
Tier One Leverage Capital		$ 9,540	$ 9,312
Actual (percent)	[1]	13.00%	13.20%
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 2,929	$ 2,816
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)		4.00%	4.00%
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 3,661	$ 3,520
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		5.00%	5.00%
[1]	Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
[2]	At September 30, 2017 and at December 31, 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 1.25 percentage points and 0.625 percentage points, respectively, 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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 555	$ 604	$ 1,550	$ 1,675
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	787.3	828.4	801.3	832.1
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	3.6	2.2	3.7	2
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive (in shares)	790.9	830.6	805	834.1
Earnings per basic common share (in usd per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.73	$ 1.93	$ 2.01
Earnings per diluted common share (in usd per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.73	$ 1.93	$ 2.01

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount less than	4	3	3	3

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest expense and penalties	$ 166	$ 150
Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate	111	99
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits	11	6
Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0