Synchrony Financial (SYF) 10-K 10 Feb 22 2021 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover page

Cover page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Feb. 04, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-36560
Entity Registrant Name	SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	51-0483352
Entity Address, Address Line One	777 Long Ridge Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Stamford,
Entity Address, State or Province	CT
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	06902
City Area Code	203
Local Phone Number	585-2400
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 27,822,151,695
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		521,271,848
Documents Incorporated by Reference	The definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held May 20, 2022, is incorporated by reference into Part III to the extent described therein.
Entity Central Index Key	0001601712
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Auditor Name	KPMG LLP
Auditor Location	New York, New York
Auditor Firm ID	185
Common Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol	SYF
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Series A Preferred Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/40th Interest in a Share of 5.625% Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
Trading Symbol	SYFPrA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 15,228		$ 15,950		$ 18,705
Interest on cash and debt securities	43		117		385
Total interest income	15,271		16,067		19,090
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits	566		1,094		1,566
Interest on senior unsecured notes	297		334		367
Total interest expense	1,032		1,665		2,291
Net interest income	14,239		14,402		16,799
Retailer share arrangements	(4,528)		(3,645)		(3,858)
Provision for credit losses (Note 4)	726	[1]	5,310	[1]	4,180	[2]
Net interest income, after retailer share arrangements and provision for credit losses	8,985		5,447		8,761
Other income:
Interchange revenue	880		652		748
Debt cancellation fees	284		278		265
Loyalty programs	(992)		(649)		(743)
Other	309		124		101
Total other income	481		405		371
Other expense:
Employee costs	1,501		1,380		1,455
Professional fees	782		759		867
Marketing and business development	486		448		549
Information processing	550		492		485
Other	644		976		889
Total other expense	3,963		4,055		4,245
Earnings before provision for income taxes	5,503		1,797		4,887
Provision for income taxes (Note 14)	1,282		412		1,140
Net earnings	4,221		1,385		3,747
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$ 4,179		$ 1,343		$ 3,747
Earnings per share
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 7.40		$ 2.28		$ 5.59
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 7.34		$ 2.27		$ 5.56
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans (Note 4)	$ 4,100		$ 4,900		$ 5,200
Interest expense:
Interest on borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	169		237		358
Provision for credit losses (Note 4)	$ (105)		$ 1,500		$ 1,100
[1]	The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.
[2]	Comparative information is presented in accordance with applicable accounting standards in effect prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 4,221	$ 1,385	$ 3,747
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Debt securities	(21)	26	36
Currency translation adjustments	(4)	2	4
Employee benefit plans	7	(21)	(23)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(18)	7	17
Comprehensive income	$ 4,203	$ 1,392	$ 3,764

Consolidated Statements of Fina

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets
Cash and equivalents		$ 8,337	$ 11,524
Debt securities		5,283	7,469
Less: Allowance for credit losses	[1]	(8,688)	(10,265)
Loan receivables, net		72,052	71,602
Loan receivables held for sale (Note 4)		4,361	5
Goodwill (Note 6)		1,105	1,078
Intangible assets, net (Note 6)		1,168	1,125
Other assets		3,442	3,145
Total assets		95,748	95,948
Deposits: (Note 7)
Interest-bearing deposit accounts		61,911	62,469
Non-interest-bearing deposit accounts		359	313
Total deposits		62,270	62,782
Borrowings: (Notes 5 and 8)
Senior unsecured notes		7,219	7,965
Total borrowings	[2]	14,507	15,775
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		5,316	4,690
Total liabilities		82,093	83,247
Equity:
Preferred stock, par share value $0.001 per share; 750,000 shares authorized; 750,000 shares issued and outstanding at both December 31, 2021 and 2020 and aggregate liquidation preference of $750 at both December 31, 2021 and 2020	[3]	734	734
Common stock, par share value $0.001 per share; 4,000,000,000 shares authorized; 833,984,684 shares issued at both December 31, 2021 and 2020; 526,830,205 and 584,009,550 shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively		1	1
Additional paid-in capital		9,669	9,570
Retained earnings		14,245	10,621
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Debt securities		4	25
Currency translation adjustments		(26)	(22)
Employee benefit plans		(47)	(54)
Treasury stock, at cost; 307,154,479 and 249,975,134 shares at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively		(10,925)	(8,174)
Total equity		13,655	12,701
Total liabilities and equity		95,748	95,948
Total loan receivables		80,740	81,867
Restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities
Assets
Less: Allowance for credit losses		(1,900)	(2,700)
Loan receivables, net	[4]	18,594	22,683
Loan receivables held for sale (Note 4)		1,398	0
Other assets	[5]	292	52
Total assets		20,284	22,735
Borrowings: (Notes 5 and 8)
Total liabilities		7,302	7,833
Total loan receivables		20,529	25,395
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[2]	7,288	7,810
Unsecuritized Loans Held for Investment
Total loan receivables		$ 60,211	$ 56,472
[1]	The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.
[2]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs.
[3]	Issued as depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the corresponding series of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. Dividends are payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 at a fixed rate, in each case when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors.
[4]	Includes $1.9 billion and $2.7 billion of related allowance for credit losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
[5]	Includes $288 million and $48 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are classified as restricted cash and equivalents and included as a component of other assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Consolidated Statements of Fi_2

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Statement (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	750,000	750,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	750,000	750,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	750,000	750,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$ 750	$ 750
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	526,830,205	584,009,550
Treasury Stock, Shares	307,154,479	249,975,134

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued				0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued					833,985,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.86
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 14,678			$ 0	$ 1	$ 9,482	$ 8,986			$ (62)	$ (3,729)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	3,747						3,747
Other comprehensive income	17									17
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				750,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	734			$ 734
Purchases of treasury stock	(3,618)										(3,618)
Stock-based compensation (in shares)					0
Stock-based compensation, adjustments to additional paid in capital	111					55
Treasury Stock Reissued at Lower than Repurchase Price							(48)
Treasury Stock Reissued During Period, Value											104
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(581)						(581)
Stockholders' Equity, Other	0						13			(13)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 15,088		$ 12,812	$ 734	$ 1	9,537	12,117		$ 9,841	(58)	(7,243)
Balance (Accounting Standards Update 2016-13) at Dec. 31, 2019		$ (2,276)						$ (2,276)
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued				750,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued					833,985,000
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared	$ 56.40
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.88
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 1,385						1,385
Other comprehensive income	7									7
Purchases of treasury stock	(985)										(985)
Stock-based compensation (in shares)					0
Stock-based compensation, adjustments to additional paid in capital	44					33
Treasury Stock Reissued at Lower than Repurchase Price							(43)
Treasury Stock Reissued During Period, Value											54
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	(42)						(42)
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(520)						(520)
Stockholders' Equity, Other	0						0			0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 12,701			$ 734	$ 1	9,570	10,621			(51)	(8,174)
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	750,000			750,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	833,984,684				833,985,000
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared	$ 56.24
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.88
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	$ 4,221						4,221
Other comprehensive income	(18)									(18)
Purchases of treasury stock	(2,876)										(2,876)
Stock-based compensation (in shares)					0
Stock-based compensation, adjustments to additional paid in capital	169					99
Treasury Stock Reissued at Lower than Repurchase Price							(55)
Treasury Stock Reissued During Period, Value											125
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	(42)						(42)
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(500)						(500)
Stockholders' Equity, Other	0						0			0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 13,655			$ 734	$ 1	$ 9,669	$ 14,245			$ (69)	$ (10,925)
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	750,000			750,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	833,984,684				833,985,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Cash flows - operating activities
Net earnings	$ 4,221		$ 1,385		$ 3,747
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities
Provision for credit losses	726	[1]	5,310	[1]	4,180	[2]
Deferred income taxes	219		(602)		23
Depreciation and amortization	390		383		367
(Increase) decrease in interest and fees receivable	424		339		(391)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	37		19		93
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	560		(67)		363
All other operating activities	522		720		608
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	7,099		7,487		8,990
Cash flows - investing activities
Maturity and sales of debt securities	5,080		8,383		8,085
Purchases of debt securities	(2,990)		(9,913)		(7,856)
Proceeds from sale of loan receivables	23		709		8,203
Net (increase) decrease in loan receivables, including held for sale	(6,378)		713		(8,033)
All other investing activities	(549)		(390)		(660)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	(4,814)		(498)		(261)
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt	2,361		675		3,345
Maturities and repayment of securitized debt	(2,886)		(3,283)		(7,377)
Senior unsecured notes
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	744		0		1,985
Maturities and repayment of senior unsecured notes	(1,500)		(1,500)		(2,100)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(42)		(42)		0
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0		0		734
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	(534)		(2,369)		1,117
Purchases of treasury stock	(2,876)		(985)		(3,618)
Dividends paid on common stock	(500)		(520)		(581)
All other financing activities	29		(7)		37
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(5,204)		(8,031)		(6,458)
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts	(2,919)		(1,042)		2,271
Cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at beginning of year	11,605		12,647		10,376
Total cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at end of year	8,686		11,605		12,647
Cash and equivalents	8,337		11,524		12,147
Restricted cash and equivalents included in other assets	349		81		500
Total cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at end of year	8,686		11,605		12,647
Cash and equivalents
Cash paid during the year for interest	(1,034)		(1,691)		(2,272)
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	$ (1,112)		$ (847)		$ (1,017)
[1]	The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.
[2]	Comparative information is presented in accordance with applicable accounting standards in effect prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

Business Description

Business Description	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description	BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Synchrony Financial (the “Company”) provides a range of credit products through financing 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, co-brand and general purpose credit cards, as well as short- and long-term installment loans, and savings products insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) 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.

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 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 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 debt 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 business within the United States and Canada and 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 . Segment Reporting We conduct our operations through a single business segment. Substantially all of our interest and fees on loans and long-lived assets relate to our operations within the United States. Pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting , operating segments represent components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker uses a variety of measures to assess the performance of the business as a whole, depending on the nature of the activity. Revenue activities are primarily managed through five sales platforms (Home & Auto, Digital, Diversified & Value, Health & Wellness and Lifestyle). Those platforms are organized by the types of partners we work with to reach our customers, with success principally measured based on interest and fees on loans, loan receivables, active accounts and other sales metrics. Detailed profitability information of the nature that could be used to allocate resources and assess the performance and operations for each sales platform individually, however, is not used by our chief operating decision maker. Expense activities, including funding costs, credit losses and operating expenses, are not measured for each platform but instead are managed for the Company as a whole. Cash and Equivalents Debt securities, money market instruments and bank deposits with original maturities of three months or less are included in cash and equivalents unless designated as available-for-sale and classified as debt securities. Cash and equivalents at December 31, 2021 primarily included cash and due from banks of $1.5 billion and interest-bearing deposits in other banks of $6.8 billion. Cash and equivalents at December 31, 2020 primarily included cash and due from banks of $1.4 billion and interest-bearing deposits in other banks of $10.1 billion. Restricted Cash and Equivalents Restricted cash and equivalents represent cash and equivalents that are not available to us due to restrictions related to its use. In addition, our securitization entities are required to fund segregated accounts that may only be used for certain purposes, including payment of interest and servicing fees and repayment of maturing debt. We include our restricted cash and equivalents in other assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Investment Securities We report investments in debt securities and equity securities with a readily determinable fair value at fair value. See Note 9. Fair Value Measurements for further information on fair value. Changes in fair value on debt securities, which are classified as available-for-sale, are included in equity, net of applicable taxes. Changes in fair value on equity securities are included in earnings. We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. For debt securities, if we do not intend to sell the security, or it is not more likely than not, that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, we evaluate other qualitative criteria to determine whether we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of the security, such as the financial health of, and specific prospects for the issuer, including whether the issuer is in compliance with the terms and covenants of the security. We also evaluate quantitative criteria including determining whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows. If we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, we consider the debt security to be impaired. If the security is impaired, we determine whether the impairment is the result of a credit loss or other factors. If a credit loss exists, an allowance for credit losses is recorded, with a related charge to earnings, limited by the amount that the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost. Given the nature of our current portfolio, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether any credit loss is warranted. The assessment considers factors such as adverse conditions and payment structure of the securities, history of payment, and market conditions. If we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the security is also considered impaired and we recognize the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value in earnings. Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method. Loan Receivables Loan receivables primarily consist of open-end consumer revolving credit card accounts, closed-end consumer installment loans and open-end commercial revolving credit card accounts. Loan receivables are reported at the amounts due from customers, including unpaid interest and fees, deferred income and costs. Loan Receivables Held for Sale Loans purchased or originated with the intent to sell are classified as loan receivables held for sale and carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Loans initially classified as held for investment are transferred to loan receivables held for sale and carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value once a decision has been made to sell the loans. We continue to recognize interest and fees on these loans on the accrual basis. The fair value of loan receivables held for sale is determined on an aggregate homogeneous portfolio basis. If a loan is transferred from held for investment to held for sale, any associated allowance for credit loss is reversed through earnings, and the loan is transferred to held for sale at amortized cost. The amount by which amortized cost basis exceeds fair value is accounted for as a valuation allowance. The loan is carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Acquired Loans To determine the fair value of loans at acquisition, we estimate expected cash flows and discount those cash flows using an observable market rate of interest, when available, adjusted for factors that a market participant would consider in determining fair value. In determining fair value, expected cash flows are adjusted to include prepayment, default rate, and loss severity estimates. The difference between the fair value and the amount contractually due is recorded as a loan discount or premium at acquisition. Loans acquired that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination (referred to as “purchased credit deteriorated” or “PCD” assets) are subject to specific guidance upon acquisition. An allowance for PCD assets is added to the purchase price or fair value of the acquired loans to arrive at the amortized cost basis. Subsequent to initial recognition, the accounting for the PCD asset will generally follow the credit loss model described below. Loans acquired without a more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination are measured under the Allowance for Credit Losses described below. Allowance for Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This ASU replaced 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. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis as of January 1, 2020, which resulted in the recognition of the effects of adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. As a result of adoption, we incurred an increase of $3.0 billion, to the Company’s allowance for loan losses. This guidance also applies to other financial assets, such as our debt securities, however the adoption did not have an impact on these financial statement line items. The total impact of adoption resulted in a reduction to retained earnings in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of $2.3 billion, reflecting the above changes and the recognition of related additional deferred tax assets. Subsequent updates to our estimate of expected credit losses have been recorded through the provision for credit losses in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Losses on loan receivables are estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan, based on expected credit losses for the life of the loan balance as of the period end date. Expected credit loss estimates involve modeling loss projections attributable to existing loan balances, considering historical experience, current conditions and future expectations for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics over the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The model utilizes a macroeconomic forecast, with unemployment claims as the primary macroeconomic variable. We also perform a qualitative assessment in addition to model estimates and apply qualitative adjustments as necessary. The reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined primarily based upon an assessment of the current economic outlook, including the effects of COVID-19 and our ability to use available data to accurately forecast losses over time. The reasonable and supportable forecast period used in our estimate of credit losses at December 31, 2021 was 12 months, consistent with the forecast period utilized since adoption of CECL. The Company reassesses the reasonable and supportable forecast period on a quarterly basis. Beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we revert to historical loss information at the loan receivables segment level over a 6-month period, gradually increasing the weight of historical losses by an equal amount each month during the reversion period, and utilize historical loss information thereafter for the remaining life of the portfolio. The historical loss information is derived from a combination of recessionary and non-recessionary performance periods, weighted by the time span of each period. Similar to the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we also reassess the reversion period and historical mean on a quarterly basis, considering any required adjustments for differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, and other relevant data shifts over time. We generally segment our loan receivable population into pools of loans with similar risk characteristics at the major retailer and product level. Consistent with our other assumptions, we regularly review segmentation to determine whether the segmentation pools remain relevant as risk characteristics change. Our loan receivables generally do not have a stated life. The life of a credit card loan receivable is dependent upon the allocation of payments received, as well as a variety of other factors, including the principal balance, promotional terms, interest charges and fees and overall consumer credit profile and usage pattern. We determine the expected credit losses for credit card loan receivables as of the measurement date by using a combination of migration analysis, and other historical analyses, which implicitly consider the payments attributable to the measurement date balance. To do so, we utilize an approach which implicitly considers total expected future payments and applies appropriate allocations to reduce those payments in order to estimate losses pertaining to measurement date loan receivables. Based on our payments analyses, we also ensure payments from an account do not exceed the measurement date balance. We evaluate each portfolio quarterly. For credit card receivables, our estimation process includes analysis of historical data, and there is a significant amount of judgment applied in selecting inputs and analyzing the results produced by the models to determine the allowance for credit losses. We use an enhanced migration analysis to estimate the likelihood that a loan will progress through the various stages of delinquency. The enhanced migration analysis considers uncollectible principal, interest and fees reflected in the loan receivables, segmented by credit and business parameters. We use other analyses to estimate expected losses on non-delinquent accounts, which include past performance, bankruptcy activity such as filings, policy changes and loan volumes and amounts. Holistically, for assessing the portfolio credit loss content, we also evaluate portfolio risk management techniques applied to various accounts, historical behavior of different account vintages, account seasoning, economic conditions, recent trends in delinquencies, account collection management, forecasting uncertainties, expectations about the future and a qualitative assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Key factors that impact the accuracy of our historical loss forecast estimates include the models and methodology utilized, credit strategy and trends, and consideration of material changes in our loan portfolio such as changes in growth and portfolio mix. We regularly review our collection experience (including delinquencies and net charge-offs) in determining our allowance for credit losses. We also consider our historical loss experience to date based on actual defaulted loans and overall portfolio indicators including delinquent and non-accrual loans, trends in loan volume and lending terms, credit policies and other observable environmental factors such as unemployment and home price indices. Additionally, the estimate of expected credit losses includes expected recoveries of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off. The underlying assumptions, estimates and assessments we use to provide for losses are updated periodically to reflect our view of current and forecasted conditions and are subject to the regulatory examination process, which can result in changes to our assumptions. Changes in such estimates can significantly affect the allowance and provision for credit losses. It is possible that we will experience credit losses that are different from our current estimates. Charge-offs are deducted from the allowance for credit losses when we judge the principal to be uncollectible, and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance, generally at the time cash is received on a charged-off account. Delinquent receivables are those that are 30 days or more past due based on their contractual payments. Non-accrual loan receivables are those on which we have stopped accruing interest. We continue to accrue interest until the earlier of the time at which collection of an account becomes doubtful, or the account becomes 180 days past due, with the exception of non-credit card accounts, for which we stop accruing interest in the period that the account becomes 90 days past due. Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) are those loans for which we have granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties where we do not receive adequate compensation. TDRs are identified at the point when the borrower enters into a modification program. The same loan receivable may meet more than one of the definitions above. Accordingly, these categories are not mutually exclusive, and it is possible for a particular loan to meet the definitions of a TDR and non-accrual loan, and be included in each of these categories. The categorization of a particular loan also may not be indicative of the potential for loss. Loan Modifications and Restructurings Our loss mitigation strategy is intended to minimize economic loss and, at times, can result in rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extensions or other actions, which may cause the related loan to be classified as a TDR. 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 a consumer credit counseling agency program. The loans that are modified 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 determination of whether these changes to the terms and conditions meet the TDR criteria includes our consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances. See Note 4. Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses for additional information on our loan modifications and restructurings. Our allowance for credit 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. If the loan is collateral dependent, we measure impairment based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs. Data related to redefault experience is also considered in our overall reserve adequacy review. Once the loan has been modified, it returns to current status (re-aged), only after three consecutive minimum monthly payments are received post modification date, subject to a re-aging limitation of once a year, or twice in a five-year period in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council guidelines on Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management policy issued in June 2000. Charge-Offs Net charge-offs consist of the unpaid principal balance of loans held for investment that we determine are uncollectible, net of recovered amounts. We exclude accrued and unpaid finance charges, fees and third-party fraud losses from charge-offs. Charged-off and recovered accrued and unpaid finance charges and fees are included in interest and fees on loans while fraud losses are included in other expense. Charge-offs are recorded as a reduction to the allowance for credit losses, and subsequent recoveries of previously charged-off amounts are credited to the allowance for credit losses. Costs incurred to recover charged-off loans are recorded as collection expense and are included in other expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We charge-off unsecured closed-end consumer installment loans and loans secured by collateral when they are 120 days contractually past due, and unsecured open-ended revolving loans when they are 180 days contractually past due. Unsecured consumer loans in bankruptcy are charged-off within 60 days of notification of filing by the bankruptcy court or within contractual charge-off periods, whichever occurs earlier. Credit card loans of deceased account holders are charged-off within 60 days of receipt of notification. Goodwill and Intangible Assets We do not amortize goodwill but test it at least annually for impairment at the reporting unit level pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other . A reporting unit is defined under GAAP as the operating segment, or one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. Our single operating segment comprises a single reporting unit, based on the level at which segment management regularly reviews and measures the business operating results. Goodwill impairment risk is first assessed by performing a qualitative review of entity-specific, industry, market and general economic factors for our reporting unit. If potential goodwill impairment risk exists that indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the reporting unit’s estimated fair value with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The qualitative assessment for each period presented in the consolidated financial statements was performed without hindsight, assuming only factors and market conditions existing as of those dates, and resulted in no potential goodwill impairment risk for our reporting unit. Consequently, goodwill was not deemed to be impaired for any of the periods presented. Definite-lived intangible assets principally consist of customer-related assets including contract acquisition costs and purchased credit card relationships. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation compares the cash inflows expected to be generated from each intangible asset to its carrying value. If cash flows attributable to the intangible asset are less than the carrying value, the asset is considered impaired and written down to its estimated fair value. Revenue Recognition Interest and Fees on Loans We use the effective interest method to recognize income on loans. Interest and fees on loans is comprised largely of interest and late fees on credit card and other loans. Interest income is recognized based upon the amount of loans outstanding and their contractual interest rate. Late fees are recognized when billable to the customer. We continue to accrue interest and fees on credit cards until the accounts are charged-off in the period the account becomes 180 days past due. For non-credit card loans, we stop accruing interest and fees when the account becomes 90 days past due. Previously recognized interest income that was accrued but not collected from the customer is reversed. Although we stop accruing interest in advance of payments, we recognize interest income as cash is collected when appropriate, provided the amount does not exceed that which would have been earned at the historical effective interest rate; otherwise, payments received are applied to reduce the principal balance of the loan. We resume accruing interest on non-credit card loans when the customer’s account is less than 90 days past due and collection of such amounts is probable. Interest accruals on modified loans that are not considered to be TDRs may return to current status (re-aged) only after receipt of at least three consecutive minimum monthly payments subject to a re-aging limitation of once a year, or twice in a five-year period. Direct loan origination costs on credit card loans are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over a one-year period, or the life of the loan for other loan receivables, and are included in interest and fees on loans in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See Note 4. Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses for further detail. Other loan fees including miscellaneous fees charged to borrowers are recognized net of waivers and charge-offs when the related transaction or service is provided, and are included in other income in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Promotional Financing Loans originated with promotional financing may include deferred interest financing (interest accrues during a promotional period and becomes payable if the full purchase amount is not paid off during the promotional period), no interest financing (no interest accrues during a promotional period but begins to accrue thereafter on any outstanding amounts at the end of the promotional period) and reduced interest financing (interest accrues monthly at a promotional interest rate during the promotional period). For deferred interest financing, we bill interest to the borrower, retroactive to the inception of the loan, if the loan is not repaid prior to the specified date. Income is recognized on such loans when it is billable. In almost all cases, our retail partner will pay an upfront fee or reimburse us to compensate us for all or part of the costs associated with providing the promotional financing. Upfront fees are deferred and accreted to income over the promotional period. Reimbursements are estimated and accrued as income over the promotional period. Purchased Loans Loans acquired by purchase are recorded at fair value, which may result in the recognition of a loan premium or loan discount. For acquired loans with evidence of more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination, the initial allowance for credit losses at acquisition is added to the purchase price to determine the initial cost basis of the loans and loan premium or loan discount. Loan premiums and loan discounts are recognized into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loans. The Company develops an allowance for credit losses for all purchased loans, which is recognized upon acquisition, similar to that of an originated financial asset. Subsequent changes to the expected credit losses for these loans follow the allowance for credit losses methodology described above under “—Allowance for Credit Losses.” Retailer Share Arrangements Most of our program agreements with large retail and certain other partners contain retailer share arrangements that provide for payments to our partners if the economic performance of the program exceeds a contractually defined threshold. We also provide other economic benefits to our partners such as royalties on purchase volume or payments for new accounts, in some cases instead of retailer share arrangements (for example, on our co-branded credit cards). Although the share arrangements vary by partner, these arrangements are generally structured to measure the economic performance of the program, based typically on agreed upon program revenues (including interest income and certain other income) less agreed upon program expenses (including interest expense, provision for credit losses, retailer payments and operating expenses), and share portions of this amount above a negotiated threshold. These thresholds and the economic performance of a program are based on, among other things, agreed upon measures of program expenses. On a quarterly basis, we make a judgment as to whether it is probable that the performance threshold will be met under a particular retail partner’s retailer share arrangement. The current period’s estimated contribution to that ultimate expected payment is recorded as a liability. To the extent facts and circumstances change and the cumulative probable payment for prior months has changed, a cumulative adjustment is made to align the retailer share arrangement liability balance with the amount considered probable of being paid relating to past periods. Loyalty Programs Our loyalty programs are designed to generate increased purchase volume per customer while reinforcing the value of our credit cards and strengthening cardholder loyalty. These programs typically provide cardholders with statement credit or cash back rewards. Other programs include rewards points, which are redeemable for a variety of products or awards, or merchandise discounts that are earned by achieving a pre-set spending level on their private label credit card, Dual Card or general purpose co-branded credit card. We establish a rewards liability based on points and merchandise discounts earned that are ultimately expected to be redeemed and the average cost per point at redemption. The rewards liability is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Cash rebates are earned based on a tiered percentage of purchase volume. As points and discounts are redeemed or cash rebates are issued, the rewards liability is relieved. The estimated cost of loyalty programs is classified as a reduction to other income in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Fraud Losses We experience third-party fraud losses from the unauthorized use of credit cards and when loans are obtained through fraudulent means. Fraud losses are included as a charge within other expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, net of recoveries, when such losses are probable. Loans are charged off, as applicable, after the investigation period has completed. Income Taxes 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. The effects of tax adjustments and settlements from taxing authorities are presented in our consolidated financial statements in the period they occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws and rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making decisions regarding our ability to realize tax assets, we evaluate all positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income, taxable income in carryback periods, expected reversal of deferred tax liabilities

Debt Securities

Debt Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	DEBT SECURITIES All of our debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are held to meet our liquidity objectives or to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). Our debt securities consist of the following: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Gross Gross Gross Gross Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated ($ in millions) cost gains losses fair value cost gains losses fair value U.S. government and federal agency $ 2,222 $ — $ (2) $ 2,220 $ 3,926 $ 1 $ — $ 3,927 State and municipal 13 — — 13 40 — (1) 39 Residential mortgage-backed (a) 597 12 (3) 606 817 25 — 842 Asset-backed (b) 2,432 2 (4) 2,430 2,652 9 — 2,661 Other 13 1 — 14 — — — — Total $ 5,277 $ 15 $ (9) $ 5,283 $ 7,435 $ 35 $ (1) $ 7,469 _____________ (a) All of our residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued by government-sponsored entities and are collateralized by U.S. mortgages. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $145 million and $229 million of residential mortgage-backed securities, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances. (b) Our asset-backed securities are collateralized by credit card and auto loans. The following table presents the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale debt securities: In loss position for Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Estimated unrealized Estimated unrealized ($ in millions) fair value losses fair value losses At December 31, 2021 U.S. government and federal agency $ 563 $ (2) $ — $ — State and municipal 4 — — — Residential mortgage-backed 105 (2) 27 (1) Asset-backed 1,653 (4) — — Total $ 2,325 $ (8) $ 27 $ (1) At December 31, 2020 U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ — $ — $ — State and municipal 3 — 21 (1) Residential mortgage-backed 6 — — — Asset-backed 242 — — — Total $ 251 $ — $ 21 $ (1) We regularly review debt securities for impairment resulting from credit loss using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, as necessary based on the composition of the portfolio at period end. Based on our assessment, no material impairments for credit losses were recognized during the period. 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. Contractual Maturities of Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Amortized Estimated Weighted At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) cost fair value Average yield (a) Due Within one year $ 3,440 $ 3,440 0.3 % After one year through five years $ 1,231 $ 1,227 0.5 % After five years through ten years $ 333 $ 341 1.9 % After ten years $ 273 $ 275 1.7 % ______________________ (a) Weighted average yield is calculated based on the amortized cost of each security. In calculating yield, no adjustment has been made with respect to any tax-exempt obligations. 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 years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Loan Receivables and Allowance

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses	LOAN RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Credit cards $ 76,628 $ 78,455 Consumer installment loans 2,675 2,125 Commercial credit products 1,372 1,250 Other 65 37 Total loan receivables, before allowance for credit losses (a)(b) $ 80,740 $ 81,867 _______________________ (a) Total loan receivables include $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans. (b) At December 31, 2021 and 2020, loan receivables included deferred costs, net of deferred income, of $211 million and $153 million, respectively. Loan Receivables Held for Sale In August 2021, we entered into an agreement to sell loan receivables associated with our program agreement with Gap Inc. In addition, in December 2021 we entered into an agreement to sell loan receivables associated with our program agreement with BP. As a result, at December 31, 2021, $4.4 billion of loan receivables are classified as loan receivables held for sale on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. During the year ended December 31, 2021 we recorded reserve reductions of $345 million in our provision for credit losses related to the planned dispositions and the reclassification of the portfolios to loan receivables held for sale. Restricted loans of our consolidated securitization entities at December 31, 2021 include $1.4 billion of the loan receivables held for sale. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information. The sale of both portfolios, which are subject to customary closing conditions, are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2022. Allowance for Credit Losses (a) ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2021 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Other Balance at December 31, 2021 Credit cards $ 10,076 $ 671 $ (3,056) $ 821 $ — $ 8,512 Consumer installment loans 127 25 (55) 17 1 115 Commercial credit products 61 28 (36) 6 — 59 Other 1 2 (1) — — 2 Total $ 10,265 $ 726 $ (3,148) $ 844 $ 1 $ 8,688 ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2020 Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption Post-Adoption Balance at January 1, 2020 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at December 31, 2020 Credit cards $ 5,506 $ 2,989 $ 8,495 $ 5,171 $ (4,505) $ 915 $ 10,076 Consumer installment loans 46 26 72 92 (51) 14 127 Commercial credit products 49 6 55 47 (50) 9 61 Other 1 — 1 — — — 1 Total $ 5,602 $ 3,021 $ 8,623 $ 5,310 $ (4,606) $ 938 $ 10,265 Allowance for Loan Losses (b) ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2019 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at December 31, 2019 Credit cards $ 6,327 $ 4,083 $ (5,907) $ 1,003 $ 5,506 Consumer installment loans 44 51 (66) 17 46 Commercial credit products 55 45 (58) 7 49 Other 1 1 (1) — 1 Total $ 6,427 $ 4,180 $ (6,032) $ 1,027 $ 5,602 _______________________ (a) The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates. (b) Comparative information is presented in accordance with applicable accounting standards in effect prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13. The reasonable and supportable forecast period used in our estimate of credit losses at December 31, 2021 was 12 months, consistent with the forecast period utilized since the adoption of CECL. Beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we revert to historical loss information at the loan receivables segment level over a 6-month period, gradually increasing the weight of historical losses by an equal amount each month during the reversion period, and utilize historical loss information thereafter for the remaining life of the portfolio. The reversion period and methodology remain unchanged since the adoption of CECL. Losses on loan receivables are estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan, based on expected credit losses for the life of the loan balance at December 31, 2021. Expected credit loss estimates are developed using both quantitative models and qualitative adjustments, and incorporates a macroeconomic forecast. The current and forecasted economic conditions at the balance sheet date including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced our current estimate of expected credit losses. These conditions have improved as compared to December 31, 2020. We also continue to experience improvements in customer payment behavior, which include the effects of governmental stimulus actions, that has contributed to a reduction in loan receivables balances and delinquent accounts. Our allowance for credit losses decreased by $1.6 billion to $8.7 billion during the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to these conditions. See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on our significant accounting policies related to our allowance for credit losses. Delinquent and Non-accrual Loans At December 31, 2021 ($ 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 $ 1,111 $ 923 $ 2,034 $ 923 $ — Consumer installment loans 35 6 41 — 6 Commercial credit products 26 13 39 13 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,172 $ 942 $ 2,114 $ 936 $ 6 Percentage of total loan receivables 1.5 % 1.2 % 2.6 % 1.2 % — % At December 31, 2020 ($ 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 $ 1,325 $ 1,128 $ 2,453 $ 1,128 $ — Consumer installment loans 26 5 31 — 5 Commercial credit products 20 10 30 10 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,371 $ 1,143 $ 2,514 $ 1,138 $ 5 Percentage of total loan receivables 1.7 % 1.4 % 3.1 % 1.4 % — % Delinquency trends are the primary credit quality indicator for our consumer installment loans, which we use to monitor credit quality and risk within the portfolio. Total consumer installment past due of $41 million and $31 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were not material. Troubled Debt Restructurings We use certain loan modification programs for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These loan modification programs include interest rate reductions and payment deferrals in excess of three months, which were not part of the terms of the original contract. Our TDR loans do not include loans that are classified as loan receivables held for sale or short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19. We have both internal and external loan modification programs. We use long-term modification programs for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as a loss mitigation strategy to improve long-term collectability of the loans that are classified as TDRs. The long-term program involves changing the structure of the loan to a fixed payment loan with a maturity no longer than 60 months and reducing the interest rate on the loan. The long-term program does not normally provide for the forgiveness of unpaid principal but may allow for the reversal of certain unpaid interest or fee assessments. We also make loan modifications for customers who request financial assistance through external sources, such as consumer credit counseling agency programs. These loans typically receive a reduced interest rate but continue to be subject to the original minimum payment terms and do not normally include waiver of unpaid principal, interest or fees. The following table provides information on our TDR loan modifications during the periods presented: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Credit cards $ 770 $ 851 Consumer installment loans — — Commercial credit products 2 3 Total $ 772 $ 854 Our allowance for credit 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 on an individual basis but instead estimate an allowance for credit losses on a collective basis. At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Total recorded Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 1,171 $ (481) $ 690 $ 1,053 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 3 (1) 2 3 Total $ 1,174 $ (482) $ 692 $ 1,056 At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Total recorded Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 1,238 $ (561) $ 677 $ 1,084 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 4 (2) 2 4 Total $ 1,242 $ (563) $ 679 $ 1,088 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. Years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 ($ in millions) Interest income recognized during period when loans were modified Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were modified Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were modified Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Credit cards $ 39 $ 311 $ 1,222 $ 44 $ 279 $ 1,151 $ 45 $ 268 $ 1,111 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 4 — 1 3 — 1 4 Total $ 39 $ 312 $ 1,226 $ 44 $ 280 $ 1,154 $ 45 $ 269 $ 1,115 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 and charged-off during the periods presented. Years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 40,776 $ 103 30,743 $ 80 39,233 $ 98 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products 91 — 164 1 114 1 Total 40,867 $ 103 30,907 $ 81 39,347 $ 99 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, including delinquency information, as well as information from credit bureaus relating to the customer’s broader credit performance. We utilize VantageScore credit scores to assist in our assessment of credit quality. VantageScore credit scores are 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) 651 or higher, which are considered the strongest credits; (ii) 591 to 650, considered moderate credit risk; and (iii) 590 or less, which are considered weaker credits. There are certain customer accounts for which a VantageScore score is not available where we use alternative sources to assess their credit quality and predict behavior. The following table provides the most recent VantageScore scores available for our customers at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as a percentage of each class of loan receivable. The table below excludes 0.4% and 0.3% of our total loan receivables balance at each of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which represents those customer accounts for which a VantageScore score is not available. At December 31 2021 2020 651 or 591 to 590 or 651 or 591 to 590 or higher 650 less higher 650 less Credit cards 78 % 17 % 5 % 77 % 17 % 6 % Consumer installment loans 79 % 17 % 4 % 78 % 18 % 4 % Commercial credit products 92 % 5 % 3 % 92 % 5 % 3 % 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 $431 billion and $413 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. While these amounts represented the total available unused credit card lines, we have not experienced and do not anticipate that all of our customers will access their entire available line at any given point in time. Interest Income by Product The following table provides additional information about our interest and fees on loans, including merchant discounts, from our loan receivables, including held for sale: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Credit cards (a) $ 14,880 $ 15,672 $ 18,384 Consumer installment loans 241 168 182 Commercial credit products 103 108 137 Other 4 2 2 Total $ 15,228 $ 15,950 $ 18,705 _______________________ (a) Interest income on credit cards that was reversed related to accrued interest receivables written off was $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES We use VIEs to securitize loan receivables 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 years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. 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 loan receivables 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 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. At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Assets Loan receivables, net (a) $ 18,594 $ 22,683 Loan receivables held for sale 1,398 — Other assets (b) 292 52 Total $ 20,284 $ 22,735 Liabilities Borrowings $ 7,288 $ 7,810 Other liabilities 14 23 Total $ 7,302 $ 7,833 _______________________ (a) Includes $1.9 billion and $2.7 billion of related allowance for credit losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (b) Includes $288 million and $48 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are classified as restricted cash and equivalents and included as a component of other assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The balances presented above are net of intercompany balances and transactions that are eliminated in our 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 $4.1 billion, $4.9 billion and $5.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provision for credit losses of $(105) million, $1.5 billion and $1.1 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and interest expense of $169 million, $237 million and $358 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These amounts do not include intercompany transactions, principally fees and interest, which are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements. Non-consolidated VIEs As part of our community reinvestment initiatives, we invest in affordable housing properties and receive affordable housing tax credits for these investments. These investments included in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position totaled $441 million and $338 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 respectively, and represents our total exposure for these entities. Additionally, we have other investments in non-consolidated VIEs which totaled $184 million and $86 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. At December 31, 2021, the Company also has investment commitments of $199 million related to these investment s. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized amortization of $35 million and $32 million, respectively, and tax credits and other tax benefits of $41 million and $36 million, respectively, associated with investments in affordable housing properties within income tax expense or benefit.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Balance at January 1 $ 1,078 $ 1,078 Acquisitions 27 — Balance at December 31 $ 1,105 $ 1,078 Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization 2021 2020 At December 31 ($ in millions) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Customer-related $ 1,797 $ (1,222) $ 575 $ 1,734 $ (1,081) $ 653 Capitalized software and other 1,407 (814) 593 1,043 (571) 472 Total $ 3,204 $ (2,036) $ 1,168 $ 2,777 $ (1,652) $ 1,125 During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded additions to intangible assets subject to amortization of $437 million, primarily related to capitalized software expenditures, as well as customer-related intangible assets. Customer-related intangible assets primarily relate to retail partner contract acquisitions and extensions, as well as purchased credit card relationships. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded additions to customer-related intangible assets subject to amortization of $67 million and $31 million, respectively, primarily related to payments made to acquire and extend certain retail partner relationships. These additions had a weighted average amortizable life of 5 years and 7 years for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization expense related to retail partner contracts was $126 million, $128 million and $133 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included as a component of marketing and business development expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. All other amortization expense was $213 million, $199 million and $168 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, we incurred impairment charges of $50 million, $30 million, and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Other amortization expense and impairment charges are included as components of other expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We estimate annual amortization expense for existing intangible assets over the next five calendar years to be as follows: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Amortization expense $ 310 $ 249 $ 211 $ 164 $ 98

Deposits

Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits	DEPOSITS Deposits 2021 2020 At December 31 ($ in millions) Amount Average rate (a) Amount Average rate (a) Interest-bearing deposits $ 61,911 0.9 % $ 62,469 1.7 % Non-interest-bearing deposits 359 — 313 — Total deposits $ 62,270 $ 62,782 ___________________ (a) Based on interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and average deposits balances. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest-bearing deposits included $5.0 billion and $6.5 billion, respectively, of certificates of deposit that exceeded applicable FDIC insurance limits, which are generally $250,000 per depositor. At December 31, 2021, our interest-bearing time deposits maturing over the next five years and thereafter were as follows: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Deposits $ 17,485 $ 5,283 $ 2,887 $ 662 $ 671 $ 69

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	BORROWINGS 2021 2020 At December 31 ($ in millions) Maturity date Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Outstanding Amount (a) Outstanding Amount (a) Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities: Fixed securitized borrowings 2022 - 2023 2.34% - 3.87% 2.83 % $ 3,188 $ 5,510 Floating securitized borrowings 2022 - 2024 0.74% - 0.89% 0.80 % 4,100 2,300 Total borrowings of consolidated securitization entities 1.69 % 7,288 7,810 Senior unsecured notes: Synchrony Financial senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2022 - 2031 2.85% - 5.15% 3.98 % 6,470 6,468 Synchrony Bank senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2022 3.00% 3.00 % 749 1,497 Total senior unsecured notes 3.88 % 7,219 7,965 Total borrowings $ 14,507 $ 15,775 ___________________ (a) The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs. Debt Maturities The following table summarizes the maturities of the principal amount of our borrowings of consolidated securitization entities and senior unsecured notes over the next five years and thereafter: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Borrowings $ 4,608 $ 2,707 $ 3,325 $ 1,000 $ 500 $ 2,400 Third-Party Debt 2021 Issuance ($ in millions): Synchrony Financial Issuance Date Principal Amount Maturity Interest Rate October 2021 $ 750 2031 2.875% Credit Facilities As additional sources of liquidity, we have undrawn committed capacity under certain credit facilities, primarily related to our securitization programs. At December 31, 2021, we had an aggregate of $2.2 billion of undrawn committed capacity under our securitization financings, subject to customary borrowing conditions, from private lenders under our 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 . The following tables present our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Recurring Fair Value Measurements At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (a) Assets Debt securities U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ 2,220 $ — $ 2,220 State and municipal — — 13 13 Residential mortgage-backed — 606 — 606 Asset-backed — 2,430 — 2,430 Other — — 14 14 Other (b) 15 — 34 49 Total $ 15 $ 5,256 $ 61 $ 5,332 Liabilities Other (c) — — 14 14 Total $ — $ — $ 14 $ 14 At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Assets Debt securities U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ 3,927 $ — $ 3,927 State and municipal — — 39 39 Residential mortgage-backed — 842 — 842 Asset-backed — 2,661 — 2,661 Other (b) 16 — 14 30 Total $ 16 $ 7,430 $ 53 $ 7,499 Liabilities Contingent consideration — — 11 11 Total $ — $ — $ 11 $ 11 _______________________ (a) For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no fair value measurements transferred between levels. (b) Other is primarily comprised of equity investments measured at fair value, which are included in Other assets in our Statement of Financial Position, as well as certain financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option which are included in Loan receivables in our Statement of Financial Position. (c) Other is primarily comprised of certain financial liabilities for which we have elected the fair value option, which are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Statement of Financial Position. Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Our Level 3 recurring fair value measurements primarily relate to state and municipal and corporate debt instruments, which are valued using non-binding broker quotes or other third-party sources, and financial assets and liabilities for which we have elected the fair value option. For a description of our process to evaluate third-party pricing servicers, see Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . Our state and municipal debt securities are classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The changes in our Level 3 assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were not material. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 2021 ($ 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) $ 8,337 $ 8,337 $ 8,337 $ — $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 349 $ 349 $ 349 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 72,034 $ 84,483 $ — $ — $ 84,483 Loan receivables held for sale (c) $ 4,361 $ 4,499 $ — $ — $ 4,499 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 62,270 $ 62,486 $ — $ 62,486 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 7,288 $ 7,359 $ — $ 3,238 $ 4,121 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,219 $ 7,662 $ — $ 7,662 $ — Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 2020 ($ 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) $ 11,524 $ 11,524 $ 11,524 $ — $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 81 $ 81 $ 81 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 71,602 $ 85,234 $ — $ — $ 85,234 Loan receivables held for sale (c) $ 5 $ 5 $ — $ — $ 5 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 62,782 $ 63,382 $ — $ 63,382 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 7,810 $ 7,977 $ — $ 5,680 $ 2,297 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,965 $ 8,704 $ — $ 8,704 $ — _______________________ (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. Cash equivalents classified as Level 2 represent U.S. Government and Federal Agency debt securities with original maturities of three months or less or acquired within three months or less of their maturity. (b) This balance relates to restricted cash and equivalents, which is included in other assets. (c) Excludes financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option. Under certain retail partner program agreements, the expected sales proceeds in the event of a 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. Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values At or for the year ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Carry Value $ 232 $ 76 Upward adjustments (a) 148 26 Downward adjustments (a) (2) (2) _______________________ (a)

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Banking Regulation, Risk-Based Information [Abstract]
Regulatory and Capital Adequacy	REGULATORY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY As a savings and loan holding company and 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 Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection 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 FDIC. 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. In March 2020 the joint federal bank regulatory agencies issued an interim final rule that allows banking organizations that implemented CECL in 2020 to mitigate the effects of the CECL accounting standard in their regulatory capital for two years. The Company elected to adopt the option provided by the interim final rule, which largely delayed the effects of CECL on its regulatory capital through the end of 2021, after which the effects will now be phased-in over a three-year period through 2024 and effects fully phased-in beginning in the first quarter of 2025. Under the interim final rule, the amount of adjustments to regulatory capital deferred until the phase-in period include both the initial impact of our adoption of CECL at January 1, 2020 and 25% of subsequent changes in our allowance for credit losses during each quarter of the two-year period ended December 31, 2021, collectively the “CECL regulatory capital transition adjustment”. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, Synchrony Financial met all applicable requirements to be deemed well-capitalized pursuant to Federal Reserve Board regulations. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 December 31, 2021 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 December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Total risk-based capital $ 15,122 17.8 % $ 6,796 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 14,003 16.5 % $ 5,097 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 14,003 14.7 % $ 3,800 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 13,269 15.6 % $ 3,823 4.5 % At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Total risk-based capital $ 14,604 18.1 % $ 6,445 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,525 16.8 % $ 4,834 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,525 14.0 % $ 3,869 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 12,791 15.9 % $ 3,625 4.5 % Synchrony Bank At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 14,091 18.3 % $ 6,175 8.0 % $ 7,718 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,075 16.9 % $ 4,631 6.0 % $ 6,175 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,075 15.1 % $ 3,455 4.0 % $ 4,318 5.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 13,075 16.9 % $ 3,473 4.5 % $ 5,017 6.5 % At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 12,784 17.8 % $ 5,747 8.0 % $ 7,184 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 11,821 16.5 % $ 4,310 6.0 % $ 5,747 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 11,821 13.6 % $ 3,484 4.0 % $ 4,356 5.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 11,821 16.5 % $ 3,233 4.5 % $ 4,669 6.5 % _______________________ (a) Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules. Capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2021 in the above tables reflect the application of the CECL regulatory capital transition adjustment. (b) At December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 2.5 percentage points to avoid limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The following summarizes information related to the Synchrony benefit plans and our remaining obligations to General Electric Company and its subsidiaries (“GE”) related to certain of their plans. Savings Plan Our U.S. employees are eligible to participate in a qualified defined contribution savings plan that allows them to contribute a portion of their pay to the plan on a pre-tax basis. We make employer contributions to the plan equal to 3% of eligible compensation and make matching contributions of up to 4% of eligible compensation. We also provide certain additional contributions to the plan for employees who were participants in GE's pension plan at the time of Synchrony's separation from GE in November 2015 (the “Separation”). The expenses incurred associated with this plan were $69 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Health and Welfare Benefits We provide health and welfare benefits to our employees, including health, dental, prescription drug and vision for which we are self-insured. The expenses incurred associated with these benefits were $111 million, $107 million and $119 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. GE Benefit Plans and Reimbursement Obligations Prior to Separation, our employees participated in various GE retirement and retiree health and life insurance benefit plans. Certain of these retirement benefits vested as a result of Separation. Under the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement between us and GE, GE will continue to pay for these benefits and we are obligated to reimburse them. The principal retirement benefits subject to this arrangement are fixed, life-time annuity payments. The estimated liability for our reimbursement obligations to GE for retiree benefits was $228 million and $234 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 common share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share: Years ended December 31, (in millions, except per share data) 2021 2020 2019 Net earnings $ 4,221 $ 1,385 $ 3,747 Preferred stock dividends (42) (42) — Net earnings available to common stockholders $ 4,179 $ 1,343 $ 3,747 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 564.6 589.0 670.2 Effect of dilutive securities 4.7 1.8 3.3 Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 569.3 590.8 673.5 Earnings per basic common share $ 7.40 $ 2.28 $ 5.59 Earnings per diluted common share $ 7.34 $ 2.27 $ 5.56 We have issued certain stock-based awards under the Synchrony Financial 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan. A total of 1 million, 7 million and 3 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to these awards, were considered anti-dilutive and therefore were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share.

Equity and Other Stock Related

Equity and Other Stock Related Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Equity and Other Stock Related Information	EQUITY AND OTHER STOCK RELATED INFORMATION Preferred Stock The following table summarizes the Company's preferred stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020. Series Issuance Date Redeemable by Issuer Beginning Per Annum Dividend Rate Liquidation Preference per Share Total Shares Outstanding December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 ($ in millions, except per share data) Series A (a) November 14, 2019 November 15, 2024 5.625% $1,000 750,000 $ 734 $ 734 $ 734 $ 734 _______________________ (a) Issued as depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the corresponding series of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. Dividends are payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 at a fixed rate, in each case when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. Dividends and Share Repurchases During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we declared and paid cash dividends of $0.88, $0.88 and $0.86 per share of common stock, or $500 million, $520 million and $581 million, respectively. In 2019, we issued depositary shares representing $750 million of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. We declared and paid preferred stock dividends of $56.24 per share, or $42 million, for both the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company resumed share repurchase activities under various share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors, and repurchased an aggregate of 61.0 million shares of our common stock for $2.9 billion. In January 2021, we announced that the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program of up to $1.6 billion through December 31, 2021 (the "January 2021 Share Repurchase Program"). In May 2021 we announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $2.9 billion for the period which commenced April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (the “May 2021 Share Repurchase Program”), which superseded the January 2021 Share Repurchase Program. Finally, in December 2021, the Board of Directors authorized an increase to the May 2021 Share Repurchase Program of $1.0 billion, through the period ending June 30, 2022. In all instances, these share repurchase programs are subject to market conditions and other factors, including legal and regulatory restrictions and required approvals. Synchrony Financial Incentive Programs We have established the Synchrony Financial 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the “Incentive Plan.” The Incentive Plan permits us to issue stock-based, stock-denominated and other awards to officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors providing services to the Company and our participating affiliates. Available awards under the Incentive Plan include stock options and stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance awards and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on our common stock (other stock-based awards), and dividend equivalents. Each RSU is convertible into one share of Synchrony Financial common stock. A total of 39.9 million shares of our common stock (including authorized and unissued shares) are available for granting awards under the Incentive Plan. Our grants generally vest over 3 to 5 year terms on either an annual pro rata proportional basis, starting with the first anniversary of the award date, or at the end of the term of the award on a cliff basis, provided that the employee has remained continuously employed by the Company through such vesting date. The total compensation expense recorded for these awards was not material for all periods presented. At December 31, 2021, there were 5.6 million RSUs unvested and 4.8 million stock options issued and outstanding and $105 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these awards, which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES Earnings before Provision for Income Taxes For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 U.S. $ 5,483 $ 1,780 $ 4,870 Non-U.S. 20 17 17 Earnings before provision for income taxes $ 5,503 $ 1,797 $ 4,887 Provision for Income Taxes For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Current provision for income taxes U.S. Federal $ 895 $ 843 $ 949 U.S. state and local 163 167 167 Non-U.S. 5 4 1 Total current provision for income taxes 1,063 1,014 1,117 Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes U.S. Federal 180 (486) 19 U.S. state and local 40 (115) 2 Non-U.S. (1) (1) 2 Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes 219 (602) 23 Total provision for income taxes $ 1,282 $ 412 $ 1,140 Reconciliation of Our Effective Tax Rate to the U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate For the years ended December 31 2021 2020 2019 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % U.S. state and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.4 3.6 3.1 Release of uncertain tax positions, net of federal benefit (1.0) (1.7) (0.4) All other, net (0.1) — (0.4) Effective tax rate 23.3 % 22.9 % 23.3 % Significant Components of Our Net Deferred Income Taxes At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Assets Allowance for credit losses $ 2,166 $ 2,559 Compensation and employee benefits 134 122 Other assets 190 163 Total deferred income tax assets before valuation allowance 2,490 2,844 Valuation allowance — — Total deferred income tax assets $ 2,490 $ 2,844 Liabilities Original issue discount $ (637) $ (815) Goodwill and identifiable intangibles (197) (203) Software amortization (88) (107) Other liabilities (177) (114) Total deferred income tax liabilities (1,099) (1,239) Net deferred income tax assets $ 1,391 $ 1,605 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Balance at January 1 $ 268 $ 255 Additions: Tax positions of the current year 113 91 Tax positions of prior years 3 7 Reductions: Prior year tax positions (78) (54) Settlements with tax authorities (1) (2) Expiration of the statute of limitation (31) (29) Balance at December 31 $ 274 $ 268 Portion of balance that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate $ 160 $ 183 The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible to be resolved in the next twelve months is expected to be $104 million, of which, $25 million, if recognized, would reduce the company’s tax expense and effective tax rate. Included in the $104 million of unrecognized benefits are certain temporary differences that would not affect the effective tax rate if they were recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Additionally, there are unrecognized tax benefits of $18 million and $19 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that are included in the tabular reconciliation above but recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset. The Company continued to participate voluntarily in the IRS Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”) program for the 2021 tax year, and thus the tax year is under IRS review. We expect that the IRS review of our 2021 return will be substantially completed prior to its filing in 2022. During the current year, the IRS completed its examination of our 2017-2020 tax years, which were our only open years subject to IRS examination. Additionally, we are under examination in various states going back to 2014. 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.

Parent Company Financial Inform

Parent Company Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Parent Company Financial Information	PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following tables present parent company financial statements for Synchrony Financial. At December 31, 2021, restricted net assets of our subsidiaries were $12.0 billion. Condensed Statements of Earnings For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Interest income: Interest income from subsidiaries $ 67 $ 110 $ 207 Interest on cash and debt securities 1 3 12 Total interest income 68 113 219 Interest expense: Interest on senior unsecured notes 264 272 300 Total interest expense 264 272 300 Net interest income (expense) (196) (159) (81) Dividends from bank subsidiaries 2,600 1,325 3,900 Dividends from nonbank subsidiaries 147 51 309 Other income 327 117 144 Other expense 292 125 162 Earnings before benefit from income taxes 2,586 1,209 4,110 Benefit from income taxes (26) (42) (19) Equity in undistributed net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries 1,609 134 (382) Net earnings $ 4,221 $ 1,385 $ 3,747 Comprehensive income $ 4,203 $ 1,392 $ 3,764 Condensed Statements of Financial Position At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Assets Cash and equivalents $ 3,546 $ 3,721 Debt securities 94 136 Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries (a) 16,899 15,931 Goodwill 59 59 Other assets 293 167 Total assets $ 20,891 $ 20,014 Liabilities and Equity Amounts due to subsidiaries $ 276 $ 268 Senior unsecured notes 6,470 6,468 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 490 577 Total liabilities 7,236 7,313 Equity: Total equity 13,655 12,701 Total liabilities and equity $ 20,891 $ 20,014 _____________ (a) Includes investments in and amounts due from bank subsidiaries of $12.7 billion and $11.2 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Condensed Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Cash flows - operating activities Net earnings $ 4,221 $ 1,385 $ 3,747 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities Deferred income taxes 34 31 (1) (Increase) decrease in other assets (117) (70) 14 Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities 26 (41) (15) Equity in undistributed net (earnings) loss of subsidiaries (1,609) (134) 382 All other operating activities 106 96 38 Cash provided from (used for) operating activities 2,661 1,267 4,165 Cash flows - investing activities Net (increase) decrease in investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries 645 109 210 Maturity and sales of debt securities 44 370 972 Purchases of debt securities (5) — (597) All other investing activities (132) (10) (100) Cash provided from (used for) investing activities 552 469 485 Cash flows - financing activities Senior unsecured notes Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes 744 — 1,985 Maturities and repayment of senior unsecured notes (750) (1,000) (2,100) Dividends paid on preferred stock (42) (42) — Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock — — 734 Purchases of treasury stock (2,876) (985) (3,618) Dividends paid on common stock (500) (520) (581) Increase (decrease) in amounts due to subsidiaries 4 45 28 All other financing activities 32 (4) 37 Cash provided from (used for) financing activities (3,388) (2,506) (3,515) Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents (175) (770) 1,135 Cash and equivalents at beginning of year 3,721 4,491 3,356 Cash and equivalents at end of year $ 3,546 $ 3,721 $ 4,491

Legal Proceedings and Regulator

Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 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. On November 2, 2018, a putative class action lawsuit, Retail Wholesale Department Store Union Local 338 Retirement Fund v. Synchrony Financial, et al. , was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, naming as defendants the Company and two of its officers. The lawsuit asserts violations of the Exchange Act for allegedly making materially misleading statements and/or omitting material information concerning the Company’s underwriting practices and private-label card business, and was filed on behalf of a putative class of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock between October 21, 2016 and November 1, 2018. The complaint seeks an award of unspecified compensatory damages, costs and expenses. On February 5, 2019, the court appointed Stichting Depositary APG Developed Markets Equity Pool as lead plaintiff for the putative class. On April 5, 2019, an amended complaint was filed, asserting a new claim for violations of the Securities Act in connection with statements in the offering materials for the Company’s December 1, 2017 note offering. The Securities Act claims are filed on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Company bonds in or traceable to the December 1, 2017 note offering between December 1, 2017 and November 1, 2018. The amended complaint names as additional defendants two additional Company officers, the Company’s board of directors, and the underwriters of the December 1, 2017 note offering. The amended complaint is captioned Stichting Depositary APG Developed Markets Equity Pool and Stichting Depositary APG Fixed Income Credit Pool v. Synchrony Financial et al. On March 26, 2020, the District Court recaptioned the case In re Synchrony Financial Securities Litigation and on March 31, 2020, the District Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint with prejudice. On April 20, 2020, plaintiffs filed a notice to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On February 16, 2021, the Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court’s dismissal of the Securities Act claims and all of the claims under the Exchange Act with the exception of a claim relating to a single statement on January 19, 2018 regarding whether Synchrony was receiving pushback on credit from its retail partners. On January 28, 2019, a purported shareholder derivative action, Gilbert v. Keane, et al. , was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut against the Company as a nominal defendant, and certain of the Company’s officers and directors. The lawsuit alleges breach of fiduciary duty claims based on the allegations raised by the plaintiff in the Stichting Depositar APG class action, unjust enrichment, waste of corporate assets, and that the defendants made materially misleading statements and/or omitted material information in violation of the Exchange Act. The complaint seeks a declaration that the defendants breached and/or aided and abetted the breach of their fiduciary duties to the Company, unspecified monetary damages with interest, restitution, a direction that the defendants take all necessary actions to reform and improve corporate governance and internal procedures, and attorneys’ and experts’ fees. On March 11, 2019, a second purported shareholder derivative action, Aldridge v. Keane, et al. , was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. The allegations in the Aldridge complaint are substantially similar to those in the Gilbert complaint. On March 26, 2020, the District Court recaptioned the Gilbert and Aldridge cases as In re Synchrony Financial Derivative Litigation . On April 30, 2014 Belton et al. v. GE Capital Consumer Lending , a putative class action adversary proceeding was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. 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 March 4, 2019, on plaintiff’s motion for reconsideration, the District Court vacated its decision reversing the Bankruptcy Court and affirmed the Bankruptcy Court’s decision denying the Bank’s motion to compel arbitration. On June 16, 2020, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit denied the Bank’s appeal of the District Court’s decision. On October 5, 2021, the plaintiff filed a motion for preliminary approval of a class action settlement. Under the settlement, if approved by the court, the Bank will pay up to $8.5 million to class members, and implement or maintain certain practices with respect to credit reporting of sold accounts. On October 28, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order preliminarily approving the settlement. A hearing for final approval of the settlement is scheduled for the first quarter of 2022 before the District Court.

Basis of Presentation and Sum_2

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying 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 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 debt 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 business within the United States and Canada and 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	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 .
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting We conduct our operations through a single business segment. Substantially all of our interest and fees on loans and long-lived assets relate to our operations within the United States. Pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting , operating segments represent components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker uses a variety of measures to assess the performance of the business as a whole, depending on the nature of the activity. Revenue activities are primarily managed through five sales platforms (Home & Auto, Digital, Diversified & Value, Health & Wellness and Lifestyle). Those platforms are organized by the types of partners we work with to reach our customers, with success principally measured based on interest and fees on loans, loan receivables, active accounts and other sales metrics. Detailed profitability information of the nature that could be used to allocate resources and assess the performance and operations for each sales platform individually, however, is not used by our chief operating decision maker. Expense activities, including funding costs, credit losses and operating expenses, are not measured for each platform but instead are managed for the Company as a whole.
Cash and Equivalents	Cash and Equivalents Debt securities, money market instruments and bank deposits with original maturities of three months or less are included in cash and equivalents unless designated as available-for-sale and classified as debt securities. Cash and equivalents at December 31, 2021 primarily included cash and due from banks of $1.5 billion and interest-bearing deposits in other banks of $6.8 billion. Cash and equivalents at December 31, 2020 primarily included cash and due from banks of $1.4 billion and interest-bearing deposits in other banks of $10.1 billion.
Restricted Cash and Equivalents	Restricted Cash and EquivalentsRestricted cash and equivalents represent cash and equivalents that are not available to us due to restrictions related to its use. In addition, our securitization entities are required to fund segregated accounts that may only be used for certain purposes, including payment of interest and servicing fees and repayment of maturing debt. We include our restricted cash and equivalents in other assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Investment Securities	Investment Securities We report investments in debt securities and equity securities with a readily determinable fair value at fair value. See Note 9. Fair Value Measurements for further information on fair value. Changes in fair value on debt securities, which are classified as available-for-sale, are included in equity, net of applicable taxes. Changes in fair value on equity securities are included in earnings. We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. For debt securities, if we do not intend to sell the security, or it is not more likely than not, that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, we evaluate other qualitative criteria to determine whether we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of the security, such as the financial health of, and specific prospects for the issuer, including whether the issuer is in compliance with the terms and covenants of the security. We also evaluate quantitative criteria including determining whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows. If we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, we consider the debt security to be impaired. If the security is impaired, we determine whether the impairment is the result of a credit loss or other factors. If a credit loss exists, an allowance for credit losses is recorded, with a related charge to earnings, limited by the amount that the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost. Given the nature of our current portfolio, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether any credit loss is warranted. The assessment considers factors such as adverse conditions and payment structure of the securities, history of payment, and market conditions. If we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the security is also considered impaired and we recognize the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value in earnings.
Loan Receivables	Loan ReceivablesLoan receivables primarily consist of open-end consumer revolving credit card accounts, closed-end consumer installment loans and open-end commercial revolving credit card accounts. Loan receivables are reported at the amounts due from customers, including unpaid interest and fees, deferred income and costs.
Loan Receivables Held for Sale	Loan Receivables Held for Sale Loans purchased or originated with the intent to sell are classified as loan receivables held for sale and carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Loans initially classified as held for investment are transferred to loan receivables held for sale and carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value once a decision has been made to sell the loans. We continue to recognize interest and fees on these loans on the accrual basis. The fair value of loan receivables held for sale is determined on an aggregate homogeneous portfolio basis.
Acquired Loans	Acquired Loans To determine the fair value of loans at acquisition, we estimate expected cash flows and discount those cash flows using an observable market rate of interest, when available, adjusted for factors that a market participant would consider in determining fair value. In determining fair value, expected cash flows are adjusted to include prepayment, default rate, and loss severity estimates. The difference between the fair value and the amount contractually due is recorded as a loan discount or premium at acquisition. Loans acquired that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination (referred to as “purchased credit deteriorated” or “PCD” assets) are subject to specific guidance upon acquisition. An allowance for PCD assets is added to the purchase price or fair value of the acquired loans to arrive at the amortized cost basis. Subsequent to initial recognition, the accounting for the PCD asset will generally follow the credit loss model described below. Loans acquired without a more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination are measured under the Allowance for Credit Losses described below.
Allowance for Credit Losses	Allowance for Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This ASU replaced 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. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis as of January 1, 2020, which resulted in the recognition of the effects of adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. As a result of adoption, we incurred an increase of $3.0 billion, to the Company’s allowance for loan losses. This guidance also applies to other financial assets, such as our debt securities, however the adoption did not have an impact on these financial statement line items. The total impact of adoption resulted in a reduction to retained earnings in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of $2.3 billion, reflecting the above changes and the recognition of related additional deferred tax assets. Subsequent updates to our estimate of expected credit losses have been recorded through the provision for credit losses in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Losses on loan receivables are estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan, based on expected credit losses for the life of the loan balance as of the period end date. Expected credit loss estimates involve modeling loss projections attributable to existing loan balances, considering historical experience, current conditions and future expectations for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics over the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The model utilizes a macroeconomic forecast, with unemployment claims as the primary macroeconomic variable. We also perform a qualitative assessment in addition to model estimates and apply qualitative adjustments as necessary. The reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined primarily based upon an assessment of the current economic outlook, including the effects of COVID-19 and our ability to use available data to accurately forecast losses over time. The reasonable and supportable forecast period used in our estimate of credit losses at December 31, 2021 was 12 months, consistent with the forecast period utilized since adoption of CECL. The Company reassesses the reasonable and supportable forecast period on a quarterly basis. Beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we revert to historical loss information at the loan receivables segment level over a 6-month period, gradually increasing the weight of historical losses by an equal amount each month during the reversion period, and utilize historical loss information thereafter for the remaining life of the portfolio. The historical loss information is derived from a combination of recessionary and non-recessionary performance periods, weighted by the time span of each period. Similar to the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we also reassess the reversion period and historical mean on a quarterly basis, considering any required adjustments for differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, and other relevant data shifts over time. We generally segment our loan receivable population into pools of loans with similar risk characteristics at the major retailer and product level. Consistent with our other assumptions, we regularly review segmentation to determine whether the segmentation pools remain relevant as risk characteristics change. Our loan receivables generally do not have a stated life. The life of a credit card loan receivable is dependent upon the allocation of payments received, as well as a variety of other factors, including the principal balance, promotional terms, interest charges and fees and overall consumer credit profile and usage pattern. We determine the expected credit losses for credit card loan receivables as of the measurement date by using a combination of migration analysis, and other historical analyses, which implicitly consider the payments attributable to the measurement date balance. To do so, we utilize an approach which implicitly considers total expected future payments and applies appropriate allocations to reduce those payments in order to estimate losses pertaining to measurement date loan receivables. Based on our payments analyses, we also ensure payments from an account do not exceed the measurement date balance. We evaluate each portfolio quarterly. For credit card receivables, our estimation process includes analysis of historical data, and there is a significant amount of judgment applied in selecting inputs and analyzing the results produced by the models to determine the allowance for credit losses. We use an enhanced migration analysis to estimate the likelihood that a loan will progress through the various stages of delinquency. The enhanced migration analysis considers uncollectible principal, interest and fees reflected in the loan receivables, segmented by credit and business parameters. We use other analyses to estimate expected losses on non-delinquent accounts, which include past performance, bankruptcy activity such as filings, policy changes and loan volumes and amounts. Holistically, for assessing the portfolio credit loss content, we also evaluate portfolio risk management techniques applied to various accounts, historical behavior of different account vintages, account seasoning, economic conditions, recent trends in delinquencies, account collection management, forecasting uncertainties, expectations about the future and a qualitative assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Key factors that impact the accuracy of our historical loss forecast estimates include the models and methodology utilized, credit strategy and trends, and consideration of material changes in our loan portfolio such as changes in growth and portfolio mix. We regularly review our collection experience (including delinquencies and net charge-offs) in determining our allowance for credit losses. We also consider our historical loss experience to date based on actual defaulted loans and overall portfolio indicators including delinquent and non-accrual loans, trends in loan volume and lending terms, credit policies and other observable environmental factors such as unemployment and home price indices. Additionally, the estimate of expected credit losses includes expected recoveries of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off. The underlying assumptions, estimates and assessments we use to provide for losses are updated periodically to reflect our view of current and forecasted conditions and are subject to the regulatory examination process, which can result in changes to our assumptions. Changes in such estimates can significantly affect the allowance and provision for credit losses. It is possible that we will experience credit losses that are different from our current estimates. Charge-offs are deducted from the allowance for credit losses when we judge the principal to be uncollectible, and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance, generally at the time cash is received on a charged-off account. Delinquent receivables are those that are 30 days or more past due based on their contractual payments. Non-accrual loan receivables are those on which we have stopped accruing interest. We continue to accrue interest until the earlier of the time at which collection of an account becomes doubtful, or the account becomes 180 days past due, with the exception of non-credit card accounts, for which we stop accruing interest in the period that the account becomes 90 days past due. Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) are those loans for which we have granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties where we do not receive adequate compensation. TDRs are identified at the point when the borrower enters into a modification program.
Troubled Debt Restructuring	Loan Modifications and Restructurings Our loss mitigation strategy is intended to minimize economic loss and, at times, can result in rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extensions or other actions, which may cause the related loan to be classified as a TDR. 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 a consumer credit counseling agency program. The loans that are modified 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 determination of whether these changes to the terms and conditions meet the TDR criteria includes our consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances. See Note 4. Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses for additional information on our loan modifications and restructurings. Our allowance for credit 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. If the loan is collateral dependent, we measure impairment based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs. Data related to redefault experience is also considered in our overall reserve adequacy review. Once the loan has been modified, it returns to current status (re-aged), only after three consecutive minimum monthly payments are received post modification date, subject to a re-aging limitation of once a year, or twice in a five-year period in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council guidelines on Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management policy issued in June 2000.
Charge-Offs	Charge-Offs Net charge-offs consist of the unpaid principal balance of loans held for investment that we determine are uncollectible, net of recovered amounts. We exclude accrued and unpaid finance charges, fees and third-party fraud losses from charge-offs. Charged-off and recovered accrued and unpaid finance charges and fees are included in interest and fees on loans while fraud losses are included in other expense. Charge-offs are recorded as a reduction to the allowance for credit losses, and subsequent recoveries of previously charged-off amounts are credited to the allowance for credit losses. Costs incurred to recover charged-off loans are recorded as collection expense and are included in other expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets We do not amortize goodwill but test it at least annually for impairment at the reporting unit level pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other . A reporting unit is defined under GAAP as the operating segment, or one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. Our single operating segment comprises a single reporting unit, based on the level at which segment management regularly reviews and measures the business operating results. Goodwill impairment risk is first assessed by performing a qualitative review of entity-specific, industry, market and general economic factors for our reporting unit. If potential goodwill impairment risk exists that indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the reporting unit’s estimated fair value with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The qualitative assessment for each period presented in the consolidated financial statements was performed without hindsight, assuming only factors and market conditions existing as of those dates, and resulted in no potential goodwill impairment risk for our reporting unit. Consequently, goodwill was not deemed to be impaired for any of the periods presented. Definite-lived intangible assets principally consist of customer-related assets including contract acquisition costs and purchased credit card relationships. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation compares the cash inflows expected to be generated from each intangible asset to its carrying value. If cash flows attributable to the intangible asset are less than the carrying value, the asset is considered impaired and written down to its estimated fair value.
Revenue Recognition, Interest and Fees on Loans	Interest and Fees on Loans We use the effective interest method to recognize income on loans. Interest and fees on loans is comprised largely of interest and late fees on credit card and other loans. Interest income is recognized based upon the amount of loans outstanding and their contractual interest rate. Late fees are recognized when billable to the customer. We continue to accrue interest and fees on credit cards until the accounts are charged-off in the period the account becomes 180 days past due. For non-credit card loans, we stop accruing interest and fees when the account becomes 90 days past due. Previously recognized interest income that was accrued but not collected from the customer is reversed. Although we stop accruing interest in advance of payments, we recognize interest income as cash is collected when appropriate, provided the amount does not exceed that which would have been earned at the historical effective interest rate; otherwise, payments received are applied to reduce the principal balance of the loan. We resume accruing interest on non-credit card loans when the customer’s account is less than 90 days past due and collection of such amounts is probable. Interest accruals on modified loans that are not considered to be TDRs may return to current status (re-aged) only after receipt of at least three consecutive minimum monthly payments subject to a re-aging limitation of once a year, or twice in a five-year period. Direct loan origination costs on credit card loans are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over a one-year period, or the life of the loan for other loan receivables, and are included in interest and fees on loans in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See Note 4. Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses for further detail.
Revenue Recognition, Promotional Financing	Promotional FinancingLoans originated with promotional financing may include deferred interest financing (interest accrues during a promotional period and becomes payable if the full purchase amount is not paid off during the promotional period), no interest financing (no interest accrues during a promotional period but begins to accrue thereafter on any outstanding amounts at the end of the promotional period) and reduced interest financing (interest accrues monthly at a promotional interest rate during the promotional period). For deferred interest financing, we bill interest to the borrower, retroactive to the inception of the loan, if the loan is not repaid prior to the specified date. Income is recognized on such loans when it is billable. In almost all cases, our retail partner will pay an upfront fee or reimburse us to compensate us for all or part of the costs associated with providing the promotional financing. Upfront fees are deferred and accreted to income over the promotional period. Reimbursements are estimated and accrued as income over the promotional period.
Revenue Recognition, Purchased Loans	Purchased LoansLoans acquired by purchase are recorded at fair value, which may result in the recognition of a loan premium or loan discount. For acquired loans with evidence of more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination, the initial allowance for credit losses at acquisition is added to the purchase price to determine the initial cost basis of the loans and loan premium or loan discount. Loan premiums and loan discounts are recognized into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loans. The Company develops an allowance for credit losses for all purchased loans, which is recognized upon acquisition, similar to that of an originated financial asset. Subsequent changes to the expected credit losses for these loans follow the allowance for credit losses methodology described above under “—Allowance for Credit Losses.”
Revenue Recognition, Retailer Share Arrangements	Retailer Share ArrangementsMost of our program agreements with large retail and certain other partners contain retailer share arrangements that provide for payments to our partners if the economic performance of the program exceeds a contractually defined threshold. We also provide other economic benefits to our partners such as royalties on purchase volume or payments for new accounts, in some cases instead of retailer share arrangements (for example, on our co-branded credit cards). Although the share arrangements vary by partner, these arrangements are generally structured to measure the economic performance of the program, based typically on agreed upon program revenues (including interest income and certain other income) less agreed upon program expenses (including interest expense, provision for credit losses, retailer payments and operating expenses), and share portions of this amount above a negotiated threshold. These thresholds and the economic performance of a program are based on, among other things, agreed upon measures of program expenses. On a quarterly basis, we make a judgment as to whether it is probable that the performance threshold will be met under a particular retail partner’s retailer share arrangement. The current period’s estimated contribution to that ultimate expected payment is recorded as a liability. To the extent facts and circumstances change and the cumulative probable payment for prior months has changed, a cumulative adjustment is made to align the retailer share arrangement liability balance with the amount considered probable of being paid relating to past periods.
Revenue Recognition, Loyalty Programs	Loyalty ProgramsOur loyalty programs are designed to generate increased purchase volume per customer while reinforcing the value of our credit cards and strengthening cardholder loyalty. These programs typically provide cardholders with statement credit or cash back rewards. Other programs include rewards points, which are redeemable for a variety of products or awards, or merchandise discounts that are earned by achieving a pre-set spending level on their private label credit card, Dual Card or general purpose co-branded credit card. We establish a rewards liability based on points and merchandise discounts earned that are ultimately expected to be redeemed and the average cost per point at redemption. The rewards liability is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Cash rebates are earned based on a tiered percentage of purchase volume. As points and discounts are redeemed or cash rebates are issued, the rewards liability is relieved. The estimated cost of loyalty programs is classified as a reduction to other income in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Revenue Recognition, Fraud Losses	Fraud LossesWe experience third-party fraud losses from the unauthorized use of credit cards and when loans are obtained through fraudulent means. Fraud losses are included as a charge within other expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, net of recoveries, when such losses are probable. Loans are charged off, as applicable, after the investigation period has completed.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes 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. The effects of tax adjustments and settlements from taxing authorities are presented in our consolidated financial statements in the period they occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws and rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making decisions regarding our ability to realize tax assets, we evaluate all positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income, taxable income in carryback periods, expected reversal of deferred tax liabilities and the implementation of available tax planning strategies.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for the identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. Preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy: Level 1— Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2— Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. Level 3— Significant inputs to the valuation are unobservable. We maintain policies and procedures to value instruments using the best and most relevant data available. In addition, we have risk management teams that review valuations, including independent price validation for certain instruments. We use non-binding broker quotes and third-party pricing services, when available, as our primary basis for valuation when there is limited or no relevant market activity for a specific instrument or for other instruments that share similar characteristics. We have not adjusted prices that we have obtained. In the absence of such data, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date. The third-party brokers and third-party pricing services do not provide us access to their proprietary valuation models, inputs and assumptions. Accordingly, our risk management, treasury and/or finance personnel conduct reviews of these brokers and services, as applicable. In addition, we conduct internal reviews of pricing provided by our third-party pricing service for all investment securities on a quarterly basis to ensure reasonableness of valuations used in the consolidated financial statements. These reviews are designed to identify prices that appear stale, those that have changed significantly from prior valuations and other anomalies that may indicate that a price may not be accurate. Based on the information available, we believe that the fair values provided by the third-party brokers and pricing services are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices) and are classified appropriately in the hierarchy. Recurring Fair Value Measurements Our investments in debt and certain equity securities, as well as certain financial assets and liabilities for which we have elected the fair value option, are measured at fair value every reporting period on a recurring basis. Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs. Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values The company measures certain equity securities without readily determinable fair values using observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer when they occur. Changes in observable price changes are recognized in other income in our Consolidated Statement of Income. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other than Fair Value The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to estimate the fair values of the financial assets and liabilities carried at other than fair value. Loan receivables, net In estimating the fair value for our loan receivables, we use a discounted future cash flow model. We use various unobservable inputs including estimated interest and fee income, payment rates, loss rates and discount rates (which consider current market interest rate data adjusted for credit risk and other factors) to estimate the fair values of loans. When collateral dependent, loan receivables may be valued using collateral values. Deposits For demand deposits with no defined maturity, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature of these deposits. For fixed-maturity certificates of deposit, fair values are estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using market rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. Borrowings The fair values of borrowings of consolidated securitization entities are based on valuation methodologies that utilize current market interest rate data, which are comparable to market quotes adjusted for our non-performance risk. Borrowings that are publicly traded securities are classified as level 2. Borrowings that are not publicly traded are classified as level 3.

Debt Securities (Tables)

Debt Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	Our debt securities consist of the following: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Gross Gross Gross Gross Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated ($ in millions) cost gains losses fair value cost gains losses fair value U.S. government and federal agency $ 2,222 $ — $ (2) $ 2,220 $ 3,926 $ 1 $ — $ 3,927 State and municipal 13 — — 13 40 — (1) 39 Residential mortgage-backed (a) 597 12 (3) 606 817 25 — 842 Asset-backed (b) 2,432 2 (4) 2,430 2,652 9 — 2,661 Other 13 1 — 14 — — — — Total $ 5,277 $ 15 $ (9) $ 5,283 $ 7,435 $ 35 $ (1) $ 7,469 _____________ (a) All of our residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued by government-sponsored entities and are collateralized by U.S. mortgages. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $145 million and $229 million of residential mortgage-backed securities, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances. (b) Our asset-backed securities are collateralized by credit card and auto loans.
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table presents the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale debt securities: In loss position for Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Estimated unrealized Estimated unrealized ($ in millions) fair value losses fair value losses At December 31, 2021 U.S. government and federal agency $ 563 $ (2) $ — $ — State and municipal 4 — — — Residential mortgage-backed 105 (2) 27 (1) Asset-backed 1,653 (4) — — Total $ 2,325 $ (8) $ 27 $ (1) At December 31, 2020 U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ — $ — $ — State and municipal 3 — 21 (1) Residential mortgage-backed 6 — — — Asset-backed 242 — — — Total $ 251 $ — $ 21 $ (1)
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Contractual Maturities of Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities Amortized Estimated Weighted At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) cost fair value Average yield (a) Due Within one year $ 3,440 $ 3,440 0.3 % After one year through five years $ 1,231 $ 1,227 0.5 % After five years through ten years $ 333 $ 341 1.9 % After ten years $ 273 $ 275 1.7 % ______________________ (a) Weighted average yield is calculated based on the amortized cost of each security. In calculating yield, no adjustment has been made with respect to any tax-exempt obligations.

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_2

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Credit cards $ 76,628 $ 78,455 Consumer installment loans 2,675 2,125 Commercial credit products 1,372 1,250 Other 65 37 Total loan receivables, before allowance for credit losses (a)(b) $ 80,740 $ 81,867 _______________________ (a) Total loan receivables include $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans. (b) At December 31, 2021 and 2020, loan receivables included deferred costs, net of deferred income, of $211 million and $153 million, respectively.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	Allowance for Credit Losses (a) ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2021 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Other Balance at December 31, 2021 Credit cards $ 10,076 $ 671 $ (3,056) $ 821 $ — $ 8,512 Consumer installment loans 127 25 (55) 17 1 115 Commercial credit products 61 28 (36) 6 — 59 Other 1 2 (1) — — 2 Total $ 10,265 $ 726 $ (3,148) $ 844 $ 1 $ 8,688 ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2020 Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption Post-Adoption Balance at January 1, 2020 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at December 31, 2020 Credit cards $ 5,506 $ 2,989 $ 8,495 $ 5,171 $ (4,505) $ 915 $ 10,076 Consumer installment loans 46 26 72 92 (51) 14 127 Commercial credit products 49 6 55 47 (50) 9 61 Other 1 — 1 — — — 1 Total $ 5,602 $ 3,021 $ 8,623 $ 5,310 $ (4,606) $ 938 $ 10,265 Allowance for Loan Losses (b) ($ in millions) Balance at January 1, 2019 Provision charged to operations Gross charge-offs Recoveries Balance at December 31, 2019 Credit cards $ 6,327 $ 4,083 $ (5,907) $ 1,003 $ 5,506 Consumer installment loans 44 51 (66) 17 46 Commercial credit products 55 45 (58) 7 49 Other 1 1 (1) — 1 Total $ 6,427 $ 4,180 $ (6,032) $ 1,027 $ 5,602 _______________________ (a) The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates. (b) Comparative information is presented in accordance with applicable accounting standards in effect prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13.
Past Due Financing Receivables	Delinquent and Non-accrual Loans At December 31, 2021 ($ 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 $ 1,111 $ 923 $ 2,034 $ 923 $ — Consumer installment loans 35 6 41 — 6 Commercial credit products 26 13 39 13 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,172 $ 942 $ 2,114 $ 936 $ 6 Percentage of total loan receivables 1.5 % 1.2 % 2.6 % 1.2 % — % At December 31, 2020 ($ 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 $ 1,325 $ 1,128 $ 2,453 $ 1,128 $ — Consumer installment loans 26 5 31 — 5 Commercial credit products 20 10 30 10 — Total delinquent loans $ 1,371 $ 1,143 $ 2,514 $ 1,138 $ 5 Percentage of total loan receivables 1.7 % 1.4 % 3.1 % 1.4 % — %
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables	The following table provides information on our TDR loan modifications during the periods presented: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Credit cards $ 770 $ 851 Consumer installment loans — — Commercial credit products 2 3 Total $ 772 $ 854
Impaired Financing Receivables	The following table provides information about loans classified as TDRs and specific reserves. We do not evaluate credit card loans on an individual basis but instead estimate an allowance for credit losses on a collective basis. At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Total recorded Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 1,171 $ (481) $ 690 $ 1,053 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 3 (1) 2 3 Total $ 1,174 $ (482) $ 692 $ 1,056 At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Total recorded Related allowance Net recorded investment Unpaid principal balance Credit cards $ 1,238 $ (561) $ 677 $ 1,084 Consumer installment loans — — — — Commercial credit products 4 (2) 2 4 Total $ 1,242 $ (563) $ 679 $ 1,088 Years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 ($ in millions) Interest income recognized during period when loans were modified Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were modified Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Interest income recognized during period when loans were modified Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms Average recorded investment Credit cards $ 39 $ 311 $ 1,222 $ 44 $ 279 $ 1,151 $ 45 $ 268 $ 1,111 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — — — — Commercial credit products — 1 4 — 1 3 — 1 4 Total $ 39 $ 312 $ 1,226 $ 44 $ 280 $ 1,154 $ 45 $ 269 $ 1,115
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 and charged-off during the periods presented. Years ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 ($ in millions) Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Accounts defaulted Loans defaulted Credit cards 40,776 $ 103 30,743 $ 80 39,233 $ 98 Consumer installment loans — — — — — — Commercial credit products 91 — 164 1 114 1 Total 40,867 $ 103 30,907 $ 81 39,347 $ 99
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	The following table provides the most recent VantageScore scores available for our customers at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as a percentage of each class of loan receivable. The table below excludes 0.4% and 0.3% of our total loan receivables balance at each of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which represents those customer accounts for which a VantageScore score is not available. At December 31 2021 2020 651 or 591 to 590 or 651 or 591 to 590 or higher 650 less higher 650 less Credit cards 78 % 17 % 5 % 77 % 17 % 6 % Consumer installment loans 79 % 17 % 4 % 78 % 18 % 4 % Commercial credit products 92 % 5 % 3 % 92 % 5 % 3 %
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure	The following table provides additional information about our interest and fees on loans, including merchant discounts, from our loan receivables, including held for sale: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Credit cards (a) $ 14,880 $ 15,672 $ 18,384 Consumer installment loans 241 168 182 Commercial credit products 103 108 137 Other 4 2 2 Total $ 15,228 $ 15,950 $ 18,705 _______________________ (a) Interest income on credit cards that was reversed related to accrued interest receivables written off was $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The table below summarizes the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs described above. At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Assets Loan receivables, net (a) $ 18,594 $ 22,683 Loan receivables held for sale 1,398 — Other assets (b) 292 52 Total $ 20,284 $ 22,735 Liabilities Borrowings $ 7,288 $ 7,810 Other liabilities 14 23 Total $ 7,302 $ 7,833 _______________________ (a) Includes $1.9 billion and $2.7 billion of related allowance for credit losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Balance at January 1 $ 1,078 $ 1,078 Acquisitions 27 — Balance at December 31 $ 1,105 $ 1,078
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization 2021 2020 At December 31 ($ in millions) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Customer-related $ 1,797 $ (1,222) $ 575 $ 1,734 $ (1,081) $ 653 Capitalized software and other 1,407 (814) 593 1,043 (571) 472 Total $ 3,204 $ (2,036) $ 1,168 $ 2,777 $ (1,652) $ 1,125
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	We estimate annual amortization expense for existing intangible assets over the next five calendar years to be as follows: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Amortization expense $ 310 $ 249 $ 211 $ 164 $ 98

Deposits (Tables)

Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Deposits [Abstract]
Schedule of Deposit Liabilities	Deposits 2021 2020 At December 31 ($ in millions) Amount Average rate (a) Amount Average rate (a) Interest-bearing deposits $ 61,911 0.9 % $ 62,469 1.7 % Non-interest-bearing deposits 359 — 313 — Total deposits $ 62,270 $ 62,782 ___________________
Schedule of Maturities of Deposit Liabilities	At December 31, 2021, our interest-bearing time deposits maturing over the next five years and thereafter were as follows: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Deposits $ 17,485 $ 5,283 $ 2,887 $ 662 $ 671 $ 69

Borrowings (Tables)

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	2021 2020 At December 31 ($ in millions) Maturity date Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Outstanding Amount (a) Outstanding Amount (a) Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities: Fixed securitized borrowings 2022 - 2023 2.34% - 3.87% 2.83 % $ 3,188 $ 5,510 Floating securitized borrowings 2022 - 2024 0.74% - 0.89% 0.80 % 4,100 2,300 Total borrowings of consolidated securitization entities 1.69 % 7,288 7,810 Senior unsecured notes: Synchrony Financial senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2022 - 2031 2.85% - 5.15% 3.98 % 6,470 6,468 Synchrony Bank senior unsecured notes: Fixed senior unsecured notes 2022 3.00% 3.00 % 749 1,497 Total senior unsecured notes 3.88 % 7,219 7,965 Total borrowings $ 14,507 $ 15,775 ___________________ (a) The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following table summarizes the maturities of the principal amount of our borrowings of consolidated securitization entities and senior unsecured notes over the next five years and thereafter: ($ in millions) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Borrowings $ 4,608 $ 2,707 $ 3,325 $ 1,000 $ 500 $ 2,400
Schedule of Debt Issuances	Third-Party Debt 2021 Issuance ($ in millions): Synchrony Financial Issuance Date Principal Amount Maturity Interest Rate October 2021 $ 750 2031 2.875%

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following tables present our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Recurring Fair Value Measurements At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (a) Assets Debt securities U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ 2,220 $ — $ 2,220 State and municipal — — 13 13 Residential mortgage-backed — 606 — 606 Asset-backed — 2,430 — 2,430 Other — — 14 14 Other (b) 15 — 34 49 Total $ 15 $ 5,256 $ 61 $ 5,332 Liabilities Other (c) — — 14 14 Total $ — $ — $ 14 $ 14 At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Assets Debt securities U.S. government and federal agency $ — $ 3,927 $ — $ 3,927 State and municipal — — 39 39 Residential mortgage-backed — 842 — 842 Asset-backed — 2,661 — 2,661 Other (b) 16 — 14 30 Total $ 16 $ 7,430 $ 53 $ 7,499 Liabilities Contingent consideration — — 11 11 Total $ — $ — $ 11 $ 11 _______________________ (a) For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no fair value measurements transferred between levels. (b) Other is primarily comprised of equity investments measured at fair value, which are included in Other assets in our Statement of Financial Position, as well as certain financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option which are included in Loan receivables in our Statement of Financial Position. (c) Other is primarily comprised of certain financial liabilities for which we have elected the fair value option, which are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Statement of Financial Position.
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 2021 ($ 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) $ 8,337 $ 8,337 $ 8,337 $ — $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 349 $ 349 $ 349 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 72,034 $ 84,483 $ — $ — $ 84,483 Loan receivables held for sale (c) $ 4,361 $ 4,499 $ — $ — $ 4,499 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 62,270 $ 62,486 $ — $ 62,486 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 7,288 $ 7,359 $ — $ 3,238 $ 4,121 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,219 $ 7,662 $ — $ 7,662 $ — Carrying Corresponding fair value amount At December 31, 2020 ($ 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) $ 11,524 $ 11,524 $ 11,524 $ — $ — Other assets (a)(b) $ 81 $ 81 $ 81 $ — $ — Financial assets carried at other than fair value: Loan receivables, net (c) $ 71,602 $ 85,234 $ — $ — $ 85,234 Loan receivables held for sale (c) $ 5 $ 5 $ — $ — $ 5 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value: Deposits $ 62,782 $ 63,382 $ — $ 63,382 $ — Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities $ 7,810 $ 7,977 $ — $ 5,680 $ 2,297 Senior unsecured notes $ 7,965 $ 8,704 $ — $ 8,704 $ — _______________________ (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. Cash equivalents classified as Level 2 represent U.S. Government and Federal Agency debt securities with original maturities of three months or less or acquired within three months or less of their maturity. (b) This balance relates to restricted cash and equivalents, which is included in other assets. (c) Excludes financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option. Under certain retail partner program agreements, the expected sales proceeds in the event of a 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.
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value	At or for the year ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Carry Value $ 232 $ 76 Upward adjustments (a) 148 26 Downward adjustments (a) (2) (2) _______________________ (a)

Regulatory and Capital Adequa_2

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Banking Regulation, Risk-Based Information [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 December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Total risk-based capital $ 15,122 17.8 % $ 6,796 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 14,003 16.5 % $ 5,097 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 14,003 14.7 % $ 3,800 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 13,269 15.6 % $ 3,823 4.5 % At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Total risk-based capital $ 14,604 18.1 % $ 6,445 8.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,525 16.8 % $ 4,834 6.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,525 14.0 % $ 3,869 4.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 12,791 15.9 % $ 3,625 4.5 % Synchrony Bank At December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 14,091 18.3 % $ 6,175 8.0 % $ 7,718 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 13,075 16.9 % $ 4,631 6.0 % $ 6,175 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 13,075 15.1 % $ 3,455 4.0 % $ 4,318 5.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 13,075 16.9 % $ 3,473 4.5 % $ 5,017 6.5 % At December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Actual Minimum for capital Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions Amount Ratio (a) Amount Ratio (b) Amount Ratio Total risk-based capital $ 12,784 17.8 % $ 5,747 8.0 % $ 7,184 10.0 % Tier 1 risk-based capital $ 11,821 16.5 % $ 4,310 6.0 % $ 5,747 8.0 % Tier 1 leverage $ 11,821 13.6 % $ 3,484 4.0 % $ 4,356 5.0 % Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 11,821 16.5 % $ 3,233 4.5 % $ 4,669 6.5 % _______________________ (a) Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules. Capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2021 in the above tables reflect the application of the CECL regulatory capital transition adjustment.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share: Years ended December 31, (in millions, except per share data) 2021 2020 2019 Net earnings $ 4,221 $ 1,385 $ 3,747 Preferred stock dividends (42) (42) — Net earnings available to common stockholders $ 4,179 $ 1,343 $ 3,747 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 564.6 589.0 670.2 Effect of dilutive securities 4.7 1.8 3.3 Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive 569.3 590.8 673.5 Earnings per basic common share $ 7.40 $ 2.28 $ 5.59 Earnings per diluted common share $ 7.34 $ 2.27 $ 5.56

Equity and Other Stock Relate_2

Equity and Other Stock Related Information Equity and Other Stock Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company's preferred stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020. Series Issuance Date Redeemable by Issuer Beginning Per Annum Dividend Rate Liquidation Preference per Share Total Shares Outstanding December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 ($ in millions, except per share data) Series A (a) November 14, 2019 November 15, 2024 5.625% $1,000 750,000 $ 734 $ 734 $ 734 $ 734 _______________________ (a) Issued as depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the corresponding series of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. Dividends are payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 at a fixed rate, in each case when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Earnings before Provision for Income Taxes For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 U.S. $ 5,483 $ 1,780 $ 4,870 Non-U.S. 20 17 17 Earnings before provision for income taxes $ 5,503 $ 1,797 $ 4,887
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Provision for Income Taxes For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Current provision for income taxes U.S. Federal $ 895 $ 843 $ 949 U.S. state and local 163 167 167 Non-U.S. 5 4 1 Total current provision for income taxes 1,063 1,014 1,117 Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes U.S. Federal 180 (486) 19 U.S. state and local 40 (115) 2 Non-U.S. (1) (1) 2 Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes 219 (602) 23 Total provision for income taxes $ 1,282 $ 412 $ 1,140
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Reconciliation of Our Effective Tax Rate to the U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate For the years ended December 31 2021 2020 2019 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % U.S. state and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.4 3.6 3.1 Release of uncertain tax positions, net of federal benefit (1.0) (1.7) (0.4) All other, net (0.1) — (0.4) Effective tax rate 23.3 % 22.9 % 23.3 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant Components of Our Net Deferred Income Taxes At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Assets Allowance for credit losses $ 2,166 $ 2,559 Compensation and employee benefits 134 122 Other assets 190 163 Total deferred income tax assets before valuation allowance 2,490 2,844 Valuation allowance — — Total deferred income tax assets $ 2,490 $ 2,844 Liabilities Original issue discount $ (637) $ (815) Goodwill and identifiable intangibles (197) (203) Software amortization (88) (107) Other liabilities (177) (114) Total deferred income tax liabilities (1,099) (1,239) Net deferred income tax assets $ 1,391 $ 1,605
Summary of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Balance at January 1 $ 268 $ 255 Additions: Tax positions of the current year 113 91 Tax positions of prior years 3 7 Reductions: Prior year tax positions (78) (54) Settlements with tax authorities (1) (2) Expiration of the statute of limitation (31) (29) Balance at December 31 $ 274 $ 268 Portion of balance that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate $ 160 $ 183

Parent Company Financial Info_2

Parent Company Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Statements of Earnings	Condensed Statements of Earnings For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Interest income: Interest income from subsidiaries $ 67 $ 110 $ 207 Interest on cash and debt securities 1 3 12 Total interest income 68 113 219 Interest expense: Interest on senior unsecured notes 264 272 300 Total interest expense 264 272 300 Net interest income (expense) (196) (159) (81) Dividends from bank subsidiaries 2,600 1,325 3,900 Dividends from nonbank subsidiaries 147 51 309 Other income 327 117 144 Other expense 292 125 162 Earnings before benefit from income taxes 2,586 1,209 4,110 Benefit from income taxes (26) (42) (19) Equity in undistributed net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries 1,609 134 (382) Net earnings $ 4,221 $ 1,385 $ 3,747 Comprehensive income $ 4,203 $ 1,392 $ 3,764
Condensed Statements of Financial Position	Condensed Statements of Financial Position At December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Assets Cash and equivalents $ 3,546 $ 3,721 Debt securities 94 136 Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries (a) 16,899 15,931 Goodwill 59 59 Other assets 293 167 Total assets $ 20,891 $ 20,014 Liabilities and Equity Amounts due to subsidiaries $ 276 $ 268 Senior unsecured notes 6,470 6,468 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 490 577 Total liabilities 7,236 7,313 Equity: Total equity 13,655 12,701 Total liabilities and equity $ 20,891 $ 20,014 _____________ (a) Includes investments in and amounts due from bank subsidiaries of $12.7 billion and $11.2 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Cash flows - operating activities Net earnings $ 4,221 $ 1,385 $ 3,747 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities Deferred income taxes 34 31 (1) (Increase) decrease in other assets (117) (70) 14 Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities 26 (41) (15) Equity in undistributed net (earnings) loss of subsidiaries (1,609) (134) 382 All other operating activities 106 96 38 Cash provided from (used for) operating activities 2,661 1,267 4,165 Cash flows - investing activities Net (increase) decrease in investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries 645 109 210 Maturity and sales of debt securities 44 370 972 Purchases of debt securities (5) — (597) All other investing activities (132) (10) (100) Cash provided from (used for) investing activities 552 469 485 Cash flows - financing activities Senior unsecured notes Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes 744 — 1,985 Maturities and repayment of senior unsecured notes (750) (1,000) (2,100) Dividends paid on preferred stock (42) (42) — Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock — — 734 Purchases of treasury stock (2,876) (985) (3,618) Dividends paid on common stock (500) (520) (581) Increase (decrease) in amounts due to subsidiaries 4 45 28 All other financing activities 32 (4) 37 Cash provided from (used for) financing activities (3,388) (2,506) (3,515) Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents (175) (770) 1,135 Cash and equivalents at beginning of year 3,721 4,491 3,356 Cash and equivalents at end of year $ 3,546 $ 3,721 $ 4,491

Basis of Presentation and Sum_3

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Segment Reporting (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021sales_platformsegment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of sales platforms | sales_platform	5
Number of reportable segments | segment	1

Basis of Presentation and Sum_4

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and due from banks	$ 1.5	$ 1.4
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks	$ 6.8	$ 10.1

Basis of Presentation and Sum_5

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)payment	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Increase in Allowance for Loan Losses, Amount	[1]				$ 3,021
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		$ 14,245	$ 10,621
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Reasonable and Supportable Forecast Period		12 months
Threshold for defining delinquent receivables		30 days
Conditional threshold for defining non-accrual receivables		180 days
Conditional threshold for non-accrual status for non-credit card accounts		90 days
Financing Receivable, Number of Consecutive Payments to Maintain Current Status | payment		3
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Reversion Period		6 months
Unsecured Consumer and Secured by Collateral
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Period past due for charge-off		120 days
Unsecured Open-Ended Revolving
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Period past due for charge-off		180 days
Unsecured Consumer in Bankruptcy
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Period past due for charge-off		60 days
Credit card loans for deceased account holders
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Period past due for charge-off		60 days
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Increase in Allowance for Loan Losses, Amount	[1]				$ 2,989
Threshold for interest and fee accrual		180 days
Non-Credit Card Loan
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Threshold for interest and fee accrual		90 days
Maximum period past due for interest and fee accrual		90 days
Maximum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Range of long-term modifications		60 months
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Increase in Allowance for Loan Losses, Amount				$ 3,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle				$ 2,300
[1]	The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.

Debt Securities - Schedule of A

Debt Securities - Schedule of Available for Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt
Amortized cost		$ 5,277	$ 7,435
Gross unrealized gains		15	35
Gross unrealized losses		(9)	(1)
Estimated fair value		5,283	7,469
U.S. government and federal agency
Debt
Amortized cost		2,222	3,926
Gross unrealized gains		0	1
Gross unrealized losses		(2)	0
Estimated fair value		2,220	3,927
State and municipal
Debt
Amortized cost		13	40
Gross unrealized gains		0	0
Gross unrealized losses		0	(1)
Estimated fair value		13	39
Residential mortgage-backed
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve		145	229
Debt
Amortized cost	[1]	597	817
Gross unrealized gains	[1]	12	25
Gross unrealized losses	[1]	(3)	0
Estimated fair value	[1]	606	842
Asset-backed
Debt
Amortized cost	[2]	2,432	2,652
Gross unrealized gains	[2]	2	9
Gross unrealized losses	[2]	(4)	0
Estimated fair value	[2]	2,430	2,661
Other
Debt
Amortized cost		13	0
Gross unrealized gains		1	0
Gross unrealized losses		0	0
Estimated fair value		$ 14	$ 0
[1]	All of our residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued by government-sponsored entities and are collateralized by U.S. mortgages. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $145 million and $229 million of residential mortgage-backed securities, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances.
[2]	Our asset-backed securities are collateralized by credit card and auto loans.

Debt Securities - Continuous Un

Debt Securities - Continuous Unrealized Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	$ 2,325	$ 251
12 months or more	27	21
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(8)	0
12 months or more	(1)	(1)
U.S. government and federal agency
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	563	0
12 months or more	0	0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(2)	0
12 months or more	0	0
State and municipal
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	4	3
12 months or more	0	21
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	0	0
12 months or more	0	(1)
Residential mortgage-backed
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	105	6
12 months or more	27	0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(2)	0
12 months or more	(1)	0
Asset-backed
Estimated fair value
Less than 12 months	1,653	242
12 months or more	0	0
Gross unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(4)	0
12 months or more	$ 0	$ 0

Debt Securities - Contractual M

Debt Securities - Contractual Maturities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Amortized Cost
Within one year	$ 3,440
After one year through five years	1,231
After five years through ten years	333
After ten years	273
Estimated Fair Value
Within one year	3,440
After one year through five years	1,227
After five years through ten years	341
After ten years	$ 275
Weighted Average Yield
Within one year	0.30%	[1]
After one year through five years	0.50%	[1]
After five years through ten years	1.90%	[1]
After ten years	1.70%	[1]
[1]	Weighted average yield is calculated based on the amortized cost of each security. In calculating yield, no adjustment has been made with respect to any tax-exempt obligations.

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_3

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Loan Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)	[1],[2]	$ 80,740	$ 81,867
Loan Receivables, Deferred Income		211	153
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		20,500	25,400
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		76,628	78,455
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		2,675	2,125
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		1,372	1,250
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		$ 65	$ 37
[1]	Total loan receivables include $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities
[2]	At December 31, 2021 and 2020, loan receivables included deferred costs, net of deferred income, of $211 million and $153 million, respectively.

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_4

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Allowance for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Jan. 01, 2020
Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
ALLL - Beginning Balance	[1]			$ 5,602	[2]	$ 6,427
ACL - Beginning Balance	[2]	$ 10,265		8,623
Provision for credit losses		726	[2]	5,310	[2]	4,180	[1]
Gross charge-offs		(3,148)	[2]	(4,606)	[2]	(6,032)	[1]
Recoveries		844	[2]	938	[2]	1,027	[1]
Other	[2]	1
ALLL - Ending Balance	[1],[2]					5,602
ACL - Ending Balance	[2]	8,688		10,265		8,623
Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption	[2]					3,021
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption								$ 3,000
Credit cards
Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
ALLL - Beginning Balance	[1]			5,506	[2]	6,327
ACL - Beginning Balance	[2]	10,076		8,495
Provision for credit losses		671	[2]	5,171	[2]	4,083	[1]
Gross charge-offs		(3,056)	[2]	(4,505)	[2]	(5,907)	[1]
Recoveries		821	[2]	915	[2]	1,003	[1]
Other	[2]	0
ALLL - Ending Balance	[1],[2]					5,506
ACL - Ending Balance	[2]	8,512		10,076		8,495
Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption	[2]					2,989
Consumer installment loans
Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
ALLL - Beginning Balance	[1]			46	[2]	44
ACL - Beginning Balance	[2]	127		72
Provision for credit losses		25	[2]	92	[2]	51	[1]
Gross charge-offs		(55)	[2]	(51)	[2]	(66)	[1]
Recoveries		17	[2]	14	[2]	17	[1]
Other	[2]	1
ALLL - Ending Balance	[1],[2]					46
ACL - Ending Balance	[2]	115		127		72
Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption	[2]					26
Commercial credit products
Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
ALLL - Beginning Balance	[1]			49	[2]	55
ACL - Beginning Balance	[2]	61		55
Provision for credit losses		28	[2]	47	[2]	45	[1]
Gross charge-offs		(36)	[2]	(50)	[2]	(58)	[1]
Recoveries		6	[2]	9	[2]	7	[1]
Other	[2]	0
ALLL - Ending Balance	[1],[2]					49
ACL - Ending Balance	[2]	59		61		55
Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption	[2]					6
Other
Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
ALLL - Beginning Balance	[1]			1	[2]	1
ACL - Beginning Balance	[2]	1		1
Provision for credit losses		2	[2]	0	[2]	1	[1]
Gross charge-offs		(1)	[2]	0	[2]	(1)	[1]
Recoveries		0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[1]
Other	[2]	0
ALLL - Ending Balance	[1],[2]					1
ACL - Ending Balance	[2]	$ 2		$ 1		1
Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption	[2]					$ 0
[1]	Comparative information is presented in accordance with applicable accounting standards in effect prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13.
[2]	The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_5

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Delinquent and Non Accrual Status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)	[1],[2]	$ 80,740	$ 81,867
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		936	1,138
Total non-accruing		$ 6	$ 5
Financing Receivable, Percentage of Total Loan Receivables
Percentage of total loan receivables, 30-89 days delinquent		1.50%	1.70%
Percentage of total loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent		1.20%	1.40%
Percentage of total loan receivables, Past Due		2.60%	3.10%
Percentage of total loan receivables, 90 or more days past due and still accruing		1.20%	1.40%
Percentage of total loan receivables, Total non-accruing		0.00%	0.00%
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		$ 76,628	$ 78,455
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		923	1,128
Total non-accruing		0	0
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		2,675	2,125
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		0	0
Total non-accruing		6	5
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		1,372	1,250
90 or more days delinquent and accruing		13	10
Total non-accruing		0	0
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		1,172	1,371
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		1,111	1,325
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		35	26
Financing Receivables, 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		26	20
Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		942	1,143
Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		923	1,128
Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		6	5
Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		13	10
Financial Asset, Past Due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		2,114	2,514
Financial Asset, Past Due | Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		2,034	2,453
Financial Asset, Past Due | Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		41	31
Financial Asset, Past Due | Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables: (Notes 4 and 5)		$ 39	$ 30
[1]	Total loan receivables include $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities
[2]	At December 31, 2021 and 2020, loan receivables included deferred costs, net of deferred income, of $211 million and $153 million, respectively.

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_6

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Entered into a Loan Modification Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	$ 772	$ 854
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	770	851
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	0	0
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total loans entered into a modification program	$ 2	$ 3

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_7

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Classified as TDRs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	$ 1,174	$ 1,242
Related allowance	(482)	(563)
Net recorded investment	692	679
Unpaid principal balance	1,056	1,088
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total recorded investment	1,171	1,238
Related allowance	(481)	(561)
Net recorded investment	690	677
Unpaid principal balance	1,053	1,084
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	3	4
Related allowance	(1)	(2)
Net recorded investment	2	2
Unpaid principal balance	$ 3	$ 4

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_8

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Financial Effects of TDRs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	$ 39	$ 44	$ 45
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	312	280	269
Average recorded investment	1,226	1,154	1,115
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	39	44	45
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	311	279	268
Average recorded investment	1,222	1,151	1,111
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income recognized during period when loans were impaired	0	0	0
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	0	0	0
Average recorded investment	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
Interest income that would have been recorded with original terms	1	1	1
Average recorded investment	$ 4	$ 3	$ 4

Loan Receivables and Allowanc_9

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Payment Defaults (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)contract	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)contract	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)contract
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	40,867	30,907	39,347
Loans defaulted | $	$ 103	$ 81	$ 99
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	40,776	30,743	39,233
Loans defaulted | $	$ 103	$ 80	$ 98
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	0	0	0
Loans defaulted | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts defaulted | contract	91	164	114
Loans defaulted | $	$ 0	$ 1	$ 1

Loan Receivables and Allowan_10

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Credit Quality Indicators (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicators, Percentage of Loan Receivables with No Vantage Score	0.40%	0.30%
Credit cards | 651 or higher
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	78.00%	77.00%
Credit cards | 591-650
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	17.00%	17.00%
Credit cards | 590 or less
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	5.00%	6.00%
Consumer installment loans | 651 or higher
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	79.00%	78.00%
Consumer installment loans | 591-650
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	17.00%	18.00%
Consumer installment loans | 590 or less
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	4.00%	4.00%
Commercial credit products | 651 or higher
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	92.00%	92.00%
Commercial credit products | 591-650
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	5.00%	5.00%
Commercial credit products | 590 or less
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of class of loan receivable	3.00%	3.00%

Loan Receivables and Allowan_11

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Interest Income by Product (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans		$ 15,228	$ 15,950	$ 18,705
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans	[1]	14,880	15,672	18,384
Financing Receivable, Accrued Interest, Writeoff		1,000	1,500
Consumer installment loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans		241	168	182
Commercial credit products
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans		103	108	137
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans		$ 4	$ 2	$ 2
[1]	Interest income on credit cards that was reversed related to accrued interest receivables written off was $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Loan Receivables and Allowan_12

Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of loan receivables	$ 23	$ 709	$ 8,203
Maximum maturity period for loans in permanent modification program	60 months
Loan receivables held for sale (Note 4)	$ 4,361	5
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ (1,600)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Reasonable and Supportable Forecast Period	12 months
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Reversion Period	6 months
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan receivables held for sale (Note 4)	$ 1,398	0
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unused Commitments to Extend Credit	431,000	$ 413,000
Loan receivables held for sale reserve release
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ (345)

Variable Interest Entities - Su

Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan receivables, net		$ 72,052	$ 71,602
Loan receivables held for sale (Note 4)		4,361	5
Other assets		3,442	3,145
Total assets		95,748	95,948
Total liabilities		82,093	83,247
Allowance for credit losses	[1]	8,688	10,265	$ 8,623
Loan receivable, before allowance for losses	[2],[3]	80,740	81,867
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan receivables, net	[4]	18,594	22,683
Loan receivables held for sale (Note 4)		1,398	0
Other assets	[5]	292	52
Total assets		20,284	22,735
Borrowings	[6]	7,288	7,810
Other liabilities		14	23
Total liabilities		7,302	7,833
Allowance for credit losses		1,900	2,700
Loan receivable, before allowance for losses		20,500	25,400
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Other Assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		$ 288	$ 48
[1]	The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.
[2]	Total loan receivables include $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5. Variable Interest Entities
[3]	At December 31, 2021 and 2020, loan receivables included deferred costs, net of deferred income, of $211 million and $153 million, respectively.
[4]	Includes $1.9 billion and $2.7 billion of related allowance for credit losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $20.5 billion and $25.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
[5]	Includes $288 million and $48 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are classified as restricted cash and equivalents and included as a component of other assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
[6]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs.

Variable Interest Entities - Na

Variable Interest Entities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans	$ 15,228		$ 15,950		$ 18,705
Provision for credit losses	726	[1]	5,310	[1]	4,180	[2]
Amortization Method Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments	441		338
Other investments in non-consolidated VIEs	184		86
Amortization Method Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments, Amortization	35		32
Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits, Amount	41		36
Investments Funding Commitment
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other Commitment	199
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest and fees on loans	4,100		4,900		5,200
Provision for credit losses	(105)		1,500		1,100
Interest on borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	$ 169		$ 237		$ 358
[1]	The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.
[2]	Comparative information is presented in accordance with applicable accounting standards in effect prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets- Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,078	$ 1,078
Acquisitions	27	0
Ending balance	$ 1,105	$ 1,078

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 3,204	$ 2,777
Accumulated amortization	(2,036)	(1,652)
Net	1,168	1,125
Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,797	1,734
Accumulated amortization	(1,222)	(1,081)
Net	575	653
Capitalized software and other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,407	1,043
Accumulated amortization	(814)	(571)
Net	$ 593	$ 472

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 437
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	50	$ 30	$ 7
Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 67	$ 31
Weighted average useful life of finite-lived intangible assets acquired	5 years	7 years
Marketing Expense | Retail Partner Contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 126	$ 128	133
Other Expense | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Excluding Retail Partner Contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 213	$ 199	$ 168

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets- Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortization expense, 2022	$ 310
Amortization expense, 2023	249
Amortization expense, 2024	211
Amortization expense, 2025	164
Amortization expense, 2026	$ 98

Deposits (Details)

Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deposits [Abstract]
Interest-bearing deposits, amount		$ 61,911	$ 62,469
Non-interest-bearing deposits, amount		359	313
Total deposits		$ 62,270	$ 62,782
Average Rate Domestic Deposits	[1]	0.90%	1.70%
[1]	Based on interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and average deposits balances.

Deposits - Maturity Schedule (D

Deposits - Maturity Schedule (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Maturities of Time Deposits [Abstract]
2022	$ 17,485
2023	5,283
2024	2,887
2025	662
2026	671
Thereafter	$ 69

Deposits - Narrative (Details)

Deposits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Compliance with Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Time Deposits, at or Above FDIC Insurance Limit	$ 5	$ 6.5
Demand deposits with no defined maturity	29.6
Deposits, Savings Deposits	28.2
Program Arranger
Compliance with Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Broker network deposit sweeps	$ 5.2

Borrowings - Borrowings Schedul

Borrowings - Borrowings Schedule (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Amount
Total borrowings	[1]	$ 14,507	$ 15,775
Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 7,219	7,965
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.88%
Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes | Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 6,470	6,468
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.98%
Minimum | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Stated interest rate		2.85%
Maximum | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Stated interest rate		5.15%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Amount
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 7,288	7,810
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		1.69%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Fixed Securitized Borrowings
Amount
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 3,188	5,510
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		2.83%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Floating Securitized Borrowings
Amount
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities	[1]	$ 4,100	2,300
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		0.80%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Minimum | Fixed Securitized Borrowings
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Stated interest rate		2.34%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Minimum | Floating Securitized Borrowings
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Stated interest rate		0.74%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Maximum | Fixed Securitized Borrowings
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Stated interest rate		3.87%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Maximum | Floating Securitized Borrowings
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Stated interest rate		0.89%
Subsidiaries | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes | Senior unsecured notes
Amount
Unsecured debt	[1]	$ 749	$ 1,497
Average rate
Weighted average interest rate		3.00%
Subsidiaries | Maximum | Fixed Senior Unsecured Notes | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage [Abstract]
Stated interest rate		3.00%
[1]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs.

Borrowings - Borrowings Maturit

Borrowings - Borrowings Maturity Schedule (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Line Items]
2022	$ 4,608
2023	2,707
2024	3,325
2025	1,000
2026	500
Thereafter	$ 2,400

Borrowings Borrowings - Senior

Borrowings Borrowings - Senior Unsecured (Details) - Senior unsecured notes - Fixed Rate Senior Notes Due 2031 $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount	$ 750
Interest Rate	2.875%

Borrowings - Narrative (Details

Borrowings - Narrative (Details) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn capacity	$ 0.5
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining undrawn capacity	$ 2.2

Fair Value Measurement - Recurr

Fair Value Measurement - Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets
Debt securities		$ 5,283	$ 7,469
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets
Other	[1],[2]	49	30
Total	[1]	5,332	7,499
Liabilities
Other	[3]	14
Contingent consideration	[1]		11
Total	[1]	14	11
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets
Other	[2]	15	16
Total		15	16
Liabilities
Other	[3]	0
Contingent consideration			0
Total		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets
Other	[2]	0	0
Total		5,256	7,430
Liabilities
Other	[3]	0
Contingent consideration			0
Total		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets
Other	[2]	34	14
Total		61	53
Liabilities
Other	[3]	14
Contingent consideration			11
Total		14	11
U.S. Government and federal agency
Assets
Debt securities		2,220	3,927
U.S. Government and federal agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets
Debt securities	[1]	2,220	3,927
U.S. Government and federal agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets
Debt securities		0	0
U.S. Government and federal agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets
Debt securities		2,220	3,927
U.S. Government and federal agency | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets
Debt securities		0	0
State and municipal
Assets
Debt securities		13	39
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets
Debt securities	[1]	13	39
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets
Debt securities		0	0
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets
Debt securities		0	0
State and municipal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets
Debt securities		13	39
Residential mortgage-backed
Assets
Debt securities	[4]	606	842
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets
Debt securities	[1]	606	842
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets
Debt securities		0	0
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets
Debt securities		606	842
Residential mortgage-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets
Debt securities		0	0
Asset-backed
Assets
Debt securities	[5]	2,430	2,661
Asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets
Debt securities	[1]	2,430	2,661
Asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets
Debt securities		0	0
Asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets
Debt securities		2,430	2,661
Asset-backed | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets
Debt securities		0	$ 0
Other Debt Obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets
Debt securities		14
Other Debt Obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets
Debt securities		0
Other Debt Obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets
Debt securities		0
Other Debt Obligations | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets
Debt securities		$ 14
[1]	For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no fair value measurements transferred between levels.
[2]	Other is primarily comprised of equity investments measured at fair value, which are included in Other assets in our Statement of Financial Position, as well as certain financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option which are included in Loan receivables in our Statement of Financial Position.
[3]	Other is primarily comprised of certain financial liabilities for which we have elected the fair value option, which are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Statement of Financial Position.
[4]	All of our residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued by government-sponsored entities and are collateralized by U.S. mortgages. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $145 million and $229 million of residential mortgage-backed securities, respectively, are pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve Discount Window advances.
[5]	Our asset-backed securities are collateralized by credit card and auto loans.

Fair Value Measurement - Fair V

Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value Asset and Liabilities Carried at Other than Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	$ 8,337	$ 11,524
Other assets	[1],[2]	349	81
Loan receivables, net	[3]	72,034	71,602
Loans Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	4,361	5
Deposits		62,270	62,782
Total
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	8,337	11,524
Other assets	[1],[2]	349	81
Loan receivables, net	[3]	84,483	85,234
Loans Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	4,499	5
Deposits		62,486	63,382
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	8,337	11,524
Other assets	[1],[2]	349	81
Loan receivables, net	[3]	0	0
Loans Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	0	0
Deposits		0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	0	0
Other assets	[1],[2]	0	0
Loan receivables, net	[3]	0	0
Loans Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	0	0
Deposits		62,486	63,382
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	[1]	0	0
Other assets	[1],[2]	0	0
Loan receivables, net	[3]	84,483	85,234
Loans Held-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	[3]	4,499	5
Deposits		0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		7,288	7,810
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Total
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		7,359	7,977
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		3,238	5,680
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		4,121	2,297
Senior unsecured notes | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes		7,219	7,965
Senior unsecured notes | Total
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes		7,662	8,704
Senior unsecured notes | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes		0	0
Senior unsecured notes | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes		7,662	8,704
Senior unsecured notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes		$ 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. Cash equivalents classified as Level 2 represent U.S. Government and Federal Agency debt securities with original maturities of three months or less or acquired within three months or less of their maturity.
[2]	This balance relates to restricted cash and equivalents, which is included in other assets.
[3]	Excludes financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option. Under certain retail partner program agreements, the expected sales proceeds in the event of a 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.

Fair Value Measurement - Equity

Fair Value Measurement - Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carry Value		$ 232	$ 76
Upward adjustments	[1]	148	26
Downward adjustments	[1]	(2)	$ (2)
Cumulative upward adjustments		181
Cumulative downward adjustments		$ (8)
[1]	Between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, cumulative upward and downward carrying value adjustments were $181 million and $(8) million, respectively.

Regulatory and Capital Adequa_3

Regulatory and Capital Adequacy (Details) - Basel III $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Capital conservation buffer		0.025	0.025
Total risk-based capital
Actual		$ 15,122	$ 14,604
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.178	0.181
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 6,796	$ 6,445
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.080	0.080
Tier 1 risk-based capital
Actual		$ 14,003	$ 13,525
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.165	0.168
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 5,097	$ 4,834
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.060	0.060
Tier 1 leverage
Actual		$ 14,003	$ 13,525
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.147	0.140
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,800	$ 3,869
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.040	0.040
Common equity Tier 1 capital
Actual		$ 13,269	$ 12,791
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.156	0.159
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,823	$ 3,625
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.045	0.045
Synchrony Bank
Total risk-based capital
Actual		$ 14,091	$ 12,784
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.183	0.178
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 6,175	$ 5,747
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.080	0.080
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 7,718	$ 7,184
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		0.100	0.100
Tier 1 risk-based capital
Actual		$ 13,075	$ 11,821
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.169	0.165
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 4,631	$ 4,310
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.060	0.060
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 6,175	$ 5,747
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		0.080	0.080
Tier 1 leverage
Actual		$ 13,075	$ 11,821
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.151	0.136
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,455	$ 3,484
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.040	0.040
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 4,318	$ 4,356
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		0.050	0.050
Common equity Tier 1 capital
Actual		$ 13,075	$ 11,821
Actual (percent)	[1]	0.169	0.165
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes		$ 3,473	$ 3,233
Minimum for capital adequacy purposes (percent)	[2]	0.045	0.045
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions		$ 5,017	$ 4,669
Minimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (percent)		0.065	0.065
[1]	Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules. Capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2021 in the above tables reflect the application of the CECL regulatory capital transition adjustment.
[2]	At December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 2.5 percentage points to avoid limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees.

Employee Benefit Plans- Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans- Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employer contribution, percent of eligible compensation	3.00%
Employer matching contribution of eligible compensation	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 69	$ 69	$ 69
Health and Welfare Benefits, Cost	111	107	$ 119
General Electric | Other Liabilities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Reimbursement obligations	$ 228	$ 234

Earnings Per Share - Basic and

Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 4,221	$ 1,385	$ 3,747
Preferred stock dividends	(42)	(42)	0
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$ 4,179	$ 1,343	$ 3,747
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	564.6	589	670.2
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	4.7	1.8	3.3
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive (in shares)	569.3	590.8	673.5
Earnings per basic common share (in usd per share)	$ 7.40	$ 2.28	$ 5.59
Earnings per diluted common share (in usd per share)	$ 7.34	$ 2.27	$ 5.56

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1	7	3

Equity and Other Stock Relate_3

Equity and Other Stock Related Information Equity and Other Stock Related Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		750,000	750,000
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	[1]	$ 734	$ 734
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.88	$ 0.88	$ 0.86
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash		$ 500	$ 520	$ 581
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued		$ 750	$ 750
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared		$ 56.24	$ 56.40
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash		$ 42	$ 42
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		61,000,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 2,876	985	$ 3,618
2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Shares of common stock available for grant		39,900,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs and Options		$ 105
Weighted average amortization period		1 year 9 months 18 days
2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
RSUs issued and outstanding (in shares)		5,600,000
2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Minimum
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Maximum
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		5 years
2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Stock options issued and outstanding		4,800,000
January 2021 Share Repurchase Program
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 1,600
May 2021 Share Repurchase Program
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		2,900
December 2021 Additional Share Repurchase Capacity
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 1,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	[1]	5.625%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	[1]	$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	[1]	750,000
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	[1]	$ 734	734
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued			$ 750
[1]	Issued as depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the corresponding series of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. Dividends are payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 at a fixed rate, in each case when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors.

Income Taxes Income Taxes- Earn

Income Taxes Income Taxes- Earnings Before Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Before Provision For Income Taxes
U.S.	$ 5,483	$ 1,780	$ 4,870
Non-U.S.	20	17	17
Earnings before provision for income taxes	$ 5,503	$ 1,797	$ 4,887

Income Taxes- Significant Compo

Income Taxes- Significant Components of Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current provision for income taxes
U.S. Federal	$ 895	$ 843	$ 949
U.S. state and local	163	167	167
Non-U.S.	5	4	1
Total current provision for income taxes	1,063	1,014	1,117
Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes
U.S. Federal	180	(486)	19
U.S. state and local	40	(115)	2
Non-U.S.	(1)	(1)	2
Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes	219	(602)	23
Total provision for income taxes	$ 1,282	$ 412	$ 1,140

Income Taxes- Effective Income

Income Taxes- Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
U.S. state and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	3.40%	3.60%	3.10%
Release of uncertain tax positions, net of federal benefit	(1.00%)	(1.70%)	(0.40%)
All other, net	(0.10%)	0.00%	(0.40%)
Effective tax rate	23.30%	22.90%	23.30%

Income Taxes- Deferred Tax Asse

Income Taxes- Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets
Allowance for credit losses	$ 2,166	$ 2,559
Compensation and employee benefits	134	122
Other assets	190	163
Total deferred income tax assets before valuation allowance	2,490	2,844
Valuation allowance	0	0
Total deferred income tax assets	2,490	2,844
Liabilities
Original issue discount	(637)	(815)
Goodwill and identifiable intangibles	(197)	(203)
Software amortization	(88)	(107)
Other liabilities	(177)	(114)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(1,099)	(1,239)
Net deferred income tax assets	$ 1,391	$ 1,605

Income Taxes- Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes- Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 268	$ 255
Additions:
Tax positions of the current year	113	91
Tax positions of prior years	3	7
Reductions:
Prior year tax positions	(78)	(54)
Settlements with tax authorities	(1)	(2)
Expiration of the statute of limitation	(31)	(29)
Ending balance	274	268
Portion of balance that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate	$ 160	$ 183

Income Taxes- Narrative (Detail

Income Taxes- Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	$ 104
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	25
Unrecognized tax benefits	274	$ 268	$ 255
State and Local Jurisdiction
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 18	$ 19

Parent Company Financial Info_3

Parent Company Financial Information- Additional Information (Details) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Assets	$ 12

Parent Company Financial Info_4

Parent Company Financial Information- Condensed Statements of Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest on cash and debt securities	$ 43	$ 117	$ 385
Total interest income	15,271	16,067	19,090
Interest on senior unsecured notes	297	334	367
Total interest expense	1,032	1,665	2,291
Net interest income	14,239	14,402	16,799
Other income	309	124	101
Earnings before provision for income taxes	5,503	1,797	4,887
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,282	412	1,140
Net earnings	4,221	1,385	3,747
Comprehensive income	4,203	1,392	3,764
Parent Company
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest income from subsidiaries	67	110	207
Interest on cash and debt securities	1	3	12
Total interest income	68	113	219
Interest on senior unsecured notes	264	272	300
Total interest expense	264	272	300
Net interest income	(196)	(159)	(81)
Dividends from bank subsidiaries	2,600	1,325	3,900
Dividends from nonbank subsidiaries	147	51	309
Other income	327	117	144
Other expense	292	125	162
Earnings before provision for income taxes	2,586	1,209	4,110
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(26)	(42)	(19)
Equity in undistributed net earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	1,609	134	(382)
Net earnings	4,221	1,385	3,747
Comprehensive income	$ 4,203	$ 1,392	$ 3,764

Parent Company Financial Info_5

Parent Company Financial Information- Condensed Statements of Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Cash and equivalents		$ 8,337	$ 11,524	$ 12,147
Debt securities		5,283	7,469
Goodwill		1,105	1,078	1,078
Other assets		3,442	3,145
Total assets		95,748	95,948
Liabilities and Equity
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		5,316	4,690
Total liabilities		82,093	83,247
Equity:
Total equity		13,655	12,701	$ 15,088	$ 14,678
Total liabilities and equity		95,748	95,948
Senior Notes
Liabilities and Equity
Senior unsecured notes	[1]	7,219	7,965
Parent Company
Assets
Cash and equivalents		3,546	3,721
Debt securities		94	136
Investments in amounts due from subsidiaries	[2]	16,899	15,931
Goodwill		59	59
Other assets		293	167
Total assets		20,891	20,014
Liabilities and Equity
Amounts due to subsidiaries		276	268
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		490	577
Total liabilities		7,236	7,313
Equity:
Total equity		13,655	12,701
Total liabilities and equity		20,891	20,014
Parent Company | Senior Notes
Liabilities and Equity
Senior unsecured notes		$ 6,470	$ 6,468
[1]	The amounts presented above for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs.
[2]	Includes investments in and amounts due from bank subsidiaries of $12.7 billion and $11.2 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Parent Company Financial Info_6

Parent Company Financial Information- Condensed Statements of Financial Position- Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Parent Company
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment in amounts due from bank subsidiaries	$ 12.7	$ 11.2

Parent Company Financial Info_7

Parent Company Financial Information- Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash flows - operating activities
Net earnings	$ 4,221	$ 1,385	$ 3,747
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities
Deferred income taxes	219	(602)	23
(Increase) decrease in other assets	37	19	93
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	560	(67)	363
All other operating activities	522	720	608
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	7,099	7,487	8,990
Cash flows - investing activities
Purchases of debt securities	(2,990)	(9,913)	(7,856)
All other investing activities	(549)	(390)	(660)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	(4,814)	(498)	(261)
Cash flows - financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	744	0	1,985
Maturities and repayment of senior unsecured notes	(1,500)	(1,500)	(2,100)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(42)	(42)	0
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0	0	734
Purchases of treasury stock	(2,876)	(985)	(3,618)
Dividends paid on common stock	(500)	(520)	(581)
All other financing activites	29	(7)	37
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(5,204)	(8,031)	(6,458)
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts	(2,919)	(1,042)	2,271
Cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at beginning of year	11,605	12,647	10,376
Total cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at end of year	8,686	11,605	12,647
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt	2,361	675	3,345
Maturities and repayment of securitized debt	(2,886)	(3,283)	(7,377)
Parent Company
Cash flows - operating activities
Net earnings	4,221	1,385	3,747
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities
Deferred income taxes	34	31	(1)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(117)	(70)	14
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	26	(41)	(15)
Equity in undistributed net (earnings) loss of subsidiaries	(1,609)	(134)	382
All other operating activities	106	96	38
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities	2,661	1,267	4,165
Cash flows - investing activities
Net (increase) decrease in investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries	645	109	210
Maturity and sales of debt securities	44	370	972
Purchases of debt securities	(5)	0	(597)
All other investing activities	(132)	(10)	(100)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities	552	469	485
Cash flows - financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	744	0	1,985
Maturities and repayment of senior unsecured notes	(750)	(1,000)	(2,100)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(42)	(42)	0
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0	0	734
Purchases of treasury stock	(2,876)	(985)	(3,618)
Dividends paid on common stock	(500)	(520)	(581)
Increase (decrease) in amounts due to subsidiaries	4	45	28
All other financing activites	32	(4)	37
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(3,388)	(2,506)	(3,515)
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts	(175)	(770)	1,135
Cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at beginning of year	3,721	4,491	3,356
Total cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at end of year	$ 3,546	$ 3,721	$ 4,491

Legal Proceedings and Regulat_2

Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Matters (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 8.5