American Express (AXP) 10-Q 24 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 18, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
Trading Symbol	AXP
Entity Central Index Key	4,962
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		867,996,250

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Non-interest revenues
Discount revenue	$ 4,772		$ 4,516		$ 14,106		$ 13,983
Net card fees	786		747		2,305		2,161
Other fees and commissions	767		694		2,232		2,076
Other	436		483		1,284		1,514
Total non-interest revenues	6,761		6,440		19,927		19,734
Interest income
Interest on loans	2,129		1,690		5,936		5,446
Interest and dividends on investment securities	22		34		68		104
Deposits with banks and other	91		40		233		104
Total interest income	2,242		1,764		6,237		5,654
Interest expense
Deposits	213		150		538		450
Long-term debt and other	354		280		994		841
Total interest expense	567		430		1,532		1,291
Net interest income	1,675		1,334		4,705		4,363
Total revenues net of interest expense	8,436		7,774		24,632		24,097
Provisions for losses
Charge card	214		174		590		496
Card Member loans	531		319		1,272		831
Other	24		11		64		74
Total provisions for losses	769		504		1,926		1,401
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses	7,667		7,270		22,706		22,696
Expenses
Marketing and promotion	814		930		2,344		2,445
Card Member Rewards	1,900		1,566		5,633		5,035
Card Member services and other	363		278		1,033		841
Salaries and employee benefits	1,265		1,263		3,822		4,052
Other, net	1,498		1,498		4,281		3,388
Total expenses	5,840		5,535		17,113		15,761
Pretax income	1,827		1,735		5,593		6,935
Income tax provision	471		593		1,660		2,352
Net income	$ 1,356		$ 1,142		$ 3,933		$ 4,583
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic (Note 15) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 1.51	[1]	$ 1.21	[1]	$ 4.32	[2]	$ 4.77	[2]
Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted (Note 15) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 1.5	[1]	$ 1.2	[1]	$ 4.3	[2]	$ 4.76	[2]
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:
Basic	878		920		889		940
Diluted	881		923		892		943
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.35		$ 0.32		$ 0.99		$ 0.9
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 11 million and $ 9 million for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 21 million for both the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 .
[2]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 32 million and $ 37 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 61 million for both the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 .

Consolidated Statements of Inc3

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$ 11	$ 9	$ 32	$ 37
Dividends Preferred Stock	$ 21	$ 21	$ 61	$ 61

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,356	$ 1,142	$ 3,933	$ 4,583
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized securities (losses) gains, net of tax	(2)	(15)	4	(8)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	107	11	456	(115)
Net unrealized Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	7	7	8	39
Other comprehensive income (loss)	112	3	468	(84)
Comprehensive income	$ 1,468	$ 1,145	$ 4,401	$ 4,499

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and due from banks	$ 2,820	$ 3,278
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (includes securities purchased under resale agreements)	22,059	20,779
Short-term investment securities	1,289	1,151
Total cash and cash equivalents	26,168	25,208
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	51,002	46,841
Other receivables, less reserves	2,701	3,232
Loans
Card Member loans (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	66,376	64,042
Other loans, less reserves	2,268	1,419
Investment securities	3,250	3,157
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,367	4,433
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	12,445	10,561
Total assets	168,577	158,893
Liabilities
Customer deposits	61,290	53,042
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	2,366	2,812
Accounts payable	12,240	11,190
Short-term borrowings (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entity)	2,352	5,581
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	48,762	46,990
Other liabilities	20,482	18,777
Total liabilities	147,492	138,392
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares	0	0
Common shares	175	181
Additional paid-in capital	12,318	12,733
Retained earnings	10,908	10,371
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	11	7
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,806)	(2,262)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	(521)	(529)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,316)	(2,784)
Total shareholders' equity	21,085	20,501
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 168,577	$ 158,893

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Card Member receivables, gross	$ 51,514	$ 47,308
Card Member loans, gross	67,878	65,265
Other assets	12,445	10,561
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	86	115
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, reserves	512	467
Other receivables, reserves	32	45
Loans
Card Member loans, reserves	1,502	1,223
Other loans, reserves	64	42
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	5,797	5,145
Restricted cash	1,816	38
Short Term Borrowings	2,352	5,581
Long-term Debt	$ 48,762	$ 46,990
Common shares, par value	$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	871,000,000	904,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	871,000,000	904,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock Shares Issued	1,600	1,600
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,600	1,600
Preferred shares, par value	$ 1.667	$ 1.667
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	$ 7	$ 5
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(486)	24
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	(196)	(186)
Variable Interest Entity
Card Member receivables, gross	7,825	8,874
Card Member loans, gross	24,249	26,129
Loans
Restricted cash	1,816	38
Short Term Borrowings	0	0
Long-term Debt	$ 15,026	$ 15,113

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income		$ 3,933	$ 4,583
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses		1,926	1,401
Depreciation and amortization		953	810
Deferred taxes and other		(61)	(1,076)
Stock-based compensation		212	190
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables		1,043	485
Other assets		(137)	115
Accounts payable and other liabilities		1,197	(963)
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products		(485)	(594)
Net cash provided by operating activities		8,581	4,951
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sales of available-for-sale investment securities		1	51
Maturities and redemptions of available-for-sale investment securities		2,198	1,209
Purchase of investments		(2,339)	(1,355)
Net (increase) decrease in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale	[1]	(7,535)	11,818
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales		(812)	(975)
Acquisitions/Dispositions, net of cash acquired		(210)	(191)
Net (inrease) decrease in restricted cash		(1,773)	(427)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(10,470)	10,130
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in customer deposits		8,219	(1,499)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings		(3,232)	(2,040)
Issuance of long-term debt		19,875	5,926
Principal payments on long-term debt		(18,349)	(9,349)
Issuance of American Express preferred shares		0	0
Issuance of American Express common shares		82	78
Repurchase of American Express common shares		(3,087)	(3,542)
Dividends paid		(925)	(892)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		2,583	(11,318)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		266	(5)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		960	3,758
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		25,208	22,762
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$ 26,168	$ 26,520
[1]	Re fer to Note 2 for additional information.

Consolidated Statements of Cas8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Increase decrease in debt exchange [Line Items]
Sale of premises and equipment	$ 1	$ 2

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1 . Basis of Presentation The Company American Express Company (the Company) is a global services company that provides customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. The Company’s principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the world. Business travel-related services are offered through the non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel (the GBT JV). The Company’s various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold t hrough various channels, including direct mail, online applications, in-house and third-party sales forces and direct response advertising . The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial St atements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the Annual Report). If not materially different, certain footnote disclosures included therein have been omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The interim consolidated financial information in this report has not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim period consolidated financial i nformation, have been made. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These accounting estimate s reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The accounting standard establishes the principles to apply to determine the amount and timing of revenue recognition, specifying the accounting for certain costs rela ted to revenue, and requiring additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and related cash flows. The guidance, as amended, supersedes most of the current revenue recognition requirements, and is effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance, the Company will use the full retrospective method, which applies the new standard to each prior reporting period presented. The Company has made significant progress in determining the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and underlying operational processes. The most significant changes will be reclassifications from discount revenue to expenses related to Card Member cash-back reward costs and statement credits, as well as corporat e incentive payments and net payments to third-party card issuing partners. These reclassifications will have a significant impact o n the affected line items of the Consolidated Statements of Income, but will have no impact to net income. There will also b e changes to the recognition timing of certain revenues; however, the impact of these changes to net income upon adoption will not be material . Similarly, upon adoption of the new standard, the impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Sta tements of Cash Flows will not be material . The Company is in the process of implementing changes to its accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls to support the recognition , measurement and disclosure requirements under the new standard . In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2018, makes targeted changes to current GAAP, specifically to the classif ication and measurement of equity securities, and to certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. In the ordinary course of business, the Company makes investments in non-public companies currently recognized und er the cost method of accounting. Under the new guidance, these investments will be prospectively adjusted for observable price changes upon the identification of identical or similar transactions of the same issuer. The Company expects that adopting this guidance will have an immaterial impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, as well as on its accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls. In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on leases. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, requires virtually all leases to be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will adopt the standard effective January 1, 2019, using the modified re trospective approach, which requires recording existing operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption and in the comparative period. The Company is in the process of upgrading its existing lease administration software for new lease acc ounting functionality , business processes and internal controls in preparation for the adop tion. Specifically, the Company is currently reviewing its lease portfolio and is evaluating and interpreting the requirements under the guidance, including the avai lable accounting policy elections, in order to determine the impacts to the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows upon adoption. In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for recognition of credit losses on financi al instruments, which is effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The guidance introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses, and differ s significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires measurement of expected credit losses not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporati ng forward-looking information. The guidance requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption. The Company does not intend to adopt the new standard early and is currently evaluating the i mpact the new guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows; however, it is expected that the CECL model will alter the assumptions used in estimating credit losses on Card Member loans and receivables, among other fina ncial instruments (e.g., investments in available-for-sale debt securities), and may result in material increases to the Company’s credit reserves as the new guidance involves earlier recognition of expected loss es for the life of the assets. The Company h as established an enterprise-wide, cross-discipline governance structure to implement the new standard. The Company is currently identifying key interpretive issues, and is evaluating existing credit loss forecasting models and processes in relation to the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required. In August 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance providing targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities, which is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitt ed in any interim period or fiscal y ear before the effective date. The guidance introduces a number of amendments, several of which are optional, that are designed to simplify the application of hedge accounting, improve financial statement transparency an d more closely align hedge accounting with an entity’s risk management strategies. The Company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the impact the standard will have on its accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls.

Divestitures

Divestitures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combination Disclosure [Abstract]
Divestitures	2 . Business Events During the fourth quarter of 2015, it was determined the Company would sell the Card Member loans and receivables related to its cobrand partnerships with JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) and Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) in the United States (the HFS portfolios). As a result, the HFS portfolios were presented as held for sale (HFS) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets within Ca rd Member loans and receivables HFS as of December 31, 2015. During the first half of 2016, the Company completed the sales of substantially all of its outstanding Card Member loans and receivables HFS and recognized gains, as an expense reduction, in Oth er expenses, of $127 million and $1.1 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2016 a nd June 30, 2016, respectively. The impact of the sales, including the recognition of the proceeds received and the reclassification of the retained Card Member loa ns and receivables, is reported within the investing section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a net decrease in Card Member receivables and loans, including HFS. From the point of classification as HFS through the sale completion dates, the Company continued to recognize discount revenue, interest income, other revenues and expenses related to the HFS portfolios in the respective line items on the Consolidated Statements of Income, with changes in the valuation of the HFS portfolios recogniz ed in Other expenses.

Loans and Accounts Receivable

Loans and Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans and Accounts Receivable	3 . Loans and Accounts Receivable The Company’s lending and charge payment card products result in the generation of Card Member loans and Card Member receivables, respectively. Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 49,326 $ 48,758 International Consumer and Network Services 7,823 6,971 Global Commercial Services 10,729 9,536 Card Member loans 67,878 65,265 Less: Reserve for losses 1,502 1,223 Card Member loans, net $ 66,376 $ 64,042 Other loans, net (b) $ 2,268 $ 1,419 Includes approximately $ 24.2 billion and $ 26.1 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Other loans primarily represent personal and commercial financing products . Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 64 million and $ 42 million as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Card Member accounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 11,192 $ 12,302 International Consumer and Network Services 6,512 5,966 Global Commercial Services 33,810 29,040 Card Member receivables 51,514 47,308 Less: Reserve for losses 512 467 Card Member receivables, net $ 51,002 $ 46,841 Other receivables, net (b) $ 2,701 $ 3,232 Includes $ 7.8 billion and $ 8.9 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Other receivables primarily r epresent amounts related to (i) Global Network Services partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees, (ii) tax-related receivables, (iii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and ( iv ) loyalty coalition partners for points issued, as well as program part icipation and servicing fees. Other receivables are presented net of r eserves for losses of $ 32 million and $ 45 million as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Card Member Loans and Card Member Receivables Aging Generally, a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days after the billing statement date. The following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 48,707 $ 183 $ 128 $ 308 $ 49,326 International Consumer and Network Services 7,698 39 27 59 7,823 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 10,556 36 24 59 10,675 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) ― 54 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 11,055 51 26 60 11,192 International Consumer and Network Services 6,424 28 18 42 6,512 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 15,651 $ 75 $ 50 $ 102 $ 15,878 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 153 $ 17,932 2016 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 48,216 $ 156 $ 119 $ 267 $ 48,758 International Consumer and Network Services 6,863 32 24 52 6,971 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 9,378 34 23 49 9,484 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) ― 52 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 12,158 45 30 69 12,302 International Consumer and Network Services 5,888 22 15 41 5,966 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 14,047 $ 77 $ 47 $ 102 $ 14,273 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 135 $ 14,767 For Global Corporate Payments ( GCP ) Card Member loans and receivables in Global Commercial Services ( GCS ) , delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 9 0 days past billing, the associated Card Member loan and receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes. See also (b). Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing i s not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances. C redit Quality Indicators for Card Member Loans and Receivables The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the nine months ended September 30 : 2017 2016 Net Write-Off Rate Net Write-Off Rate Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services 1.7 % 2.0 % 1.3 % 1.5 % 1.8 % 1.1 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.1 % 2.6 % 1.6 % 2.0 % 2.5 % 1.7 % Global Small Business Services 1.6 % 1.9 % 1.1 % 1.4 % 1.7 % 1.1 % Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 1.3 % 1.5 % 1.2 % 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.4 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.1 % 2.2 % 1.4 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 1.5 % Global Small Business Services 1.6 % 1.8 % 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.8 % 1.5 % 2017 2016 Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.10 % 0.9 % 0.09 % 0.8 % The Company presents a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because the Company considers uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables Impaired Card Member loans and receivables are individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smal ler balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the Card Member agreement. In certain cases, these Card Member loans and receivables are in cluded in one of the Company’s various Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) modification programs. The following tables provide additional information with respect to the Company’s impaired Card Member loans and receivables. Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant for International Consumer and Network Services ( ICNS ) as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 ; therefore, th is segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables . As of September 30, 2017 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2017 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 206 $ 158 $ 162 $ 131 $ 657 $ 593 $ 48 International Consumer and Network Services 59 ― ― ― 59 58 ― Global Commercial Services 37 32 28 26 123 113 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 12 9 21 21 4 Global Commercial Services ― ― 31 16 47 47 8 Total $ 302 $ 190 $ 233 $ 182 $ 907 $ 832 $ 69 As of December 31, 2016 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2016 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 178 139 165 129 611 558 51 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 30 30 26 26 112 103 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 6 17 17 7 Global Commercial Services ― ― 28 10 38 38 21 Total $ 260 $ 169 $ 230 $ 171 $ 830 $ 767 $ 88 The Company’s policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that it believes will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR. Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which the Company has ceased accruing interest. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR . Accounts classified as a TDR include $ 15 million and $ 20 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $ 6 million and $ 11 million that are non-accruals as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. Out of Program TDRs include $139 million and $ 132 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully completed a modification prog r am and $43 million and $39 million of Card Member accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively . The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s average balances of, and interest income recognized from, impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the three and nine months ended September 30 : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions) Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 636 $ 17 $ 626 $ 49 International Consumer and Network Services 59 4 56 12 Global Commercial Services 122 5 119 13 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 20 ― 19 ― Global Commercial Services 44 ― 42 ― Total $ 881 $ 26 $ 862 $ 74 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 587 $ 14 $ 555 $ 38 International Consumer and Network Services 53 4 52 12 Global Commercial Services 111 4 102 10 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 13 ― 13 ― Global Commercial Services 29 ― 24 ― Total $ 793 $ 22 $ 746 $ 60 Card Member Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs The following table provides additional information with respect to the U.S. Consumer Services ( USCS ) and GCS Card Member loans and receivables mo dified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 . The ICNS Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 8 $ 57 9 (b) 23 $ 160 10 (b) Card Member Receivables 1 18 (c) 31 4 64 (c) 27 Total 9 $ 75 27 $ 224 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 8 $ 56 9 (b) 23 $ 163 10 (b) Card Member Receivables 2 29 (c) 19 7 94 (c) 17 Total 10 $ 85 30 $ 257 Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing. The following table provides information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months o f modification, for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 . A Card Member is considered in default of a modification program after one and up to two misse d payments, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 2 $ 9 5 $ 30 Card Member Receivables 1 2 3 4 Total 3 $ 11 8 $ 34 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 3 $ 12 5 $ 30 Card Member Receivables 1 1 3 3 Total 4 $ 13 8 $ 33 The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables.

Reserves for Losses

Reserves for Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Reserves For Losses Card Member Loans and Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserve for Losses	4 . Reserves for Losses Reserves for losses relating to Card Member loans and receivables represent management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in the Company’s outstanding por tfolio of loans and receivables as of the balance sheet date. Management’s evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the nine months ended September 30 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 1,223 $ 1,028 Provisions (a) 1,272 831 Net write-offs (b) Principal (856) (687) Interest and fees (163) (128) Other (c) 26 70 Balance, September 30 $ 1,502 $ 1,114 Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Principal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $ 307 million and $ 280 million, and include net write-offs from TDRs of $ 25 million and $ 24 million, for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 14 million and $ (3) million and other adjustments of $ 12 million and $ 6 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2016 also includes reserves of $ 6 7 million associate d with $2 65 million of retained Card Member loans reclassified from HFS to held for investment as a result of retaining certain loans in connection with the respec tive sales of JetBlue and Costco cobrand card portfolios. Card Member Loa ns Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 347 $ 346 Related reserves (a) $ 57 $ 60 Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment (b) $ 67,531 $ 64,919 Related reserves (b) $ 1,445 $ 1,163 Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves. Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans , and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the nine months ended September 3 0 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 467 $ 462 Provisions (a) 590 496 Net write-offs (b) (548) (518) Other (c) 3 (3) Balance, September 30 $ 512 $ 437 Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. P rincipal and fee write-off s are presented less recoveries of $ 271 million and $ 301 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $ 2 million and $ 16 million, for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 18 million a nd nil and other adjustments of $ (15) million and $ (3) million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Card Member Receivables Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and col lectively for impairment, and related reserves, as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 68 $ 55 Related reserves (a) $ 12 $ 28 Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment $ 51,446 $ 47,253 Related reserves (b) $ 500 $ 439 Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	5. Investment Securities Investment securities principally include debt securities the Company classifies as available-for-sale and carries at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with unrealize d gains and losses recorded in accumulated o ther comprehensive income (l oss ) (AOCI), net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method. The following is a summary of investment securities as of September 30 , 2017 an d December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 Gross Gross Estimated Gross Gross Estimated Unrealized Unrealized Fair Unrealized Unrealized Fair Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gains Losses Value Cost Gains Losses Value State and municipal obligations $ 1,412 $ 17 $ (2) $ 1,427 $ 2,019 $ 28 $ (11) $ 2,036 U.S. Government agency obligations 12 ― ― 12 12 ― ― 12 U.S. Government treasury obligations 1,115 8 (5) 1,118 465 3 (8) 460 Corporate debt securities 28 ― ― 28 19 ― ― 19 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 74 2 ― 76 92 3 ― 95 Equity securities 1 ― ― 1 1 ― ― 1 Foreign government bonds and obligations 539 1 ― 540 486 1 (1) 486 Other (b) 50 ― (2) 48 50 ― (2) 48 Total $ 3,231 $ 28 $ (9) $ 3,250 $ 3,144 $ 35 $ (22) $ 3,157 Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Other comprises investments in various mutual funds. The following table provides information about the Company’s investment securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Gross Gross Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses State and municipal obligations $ 101 $ (2) $ ― $ ― $ 153 $ (11) $ ― $ ― U.S. Government treasury obligations 366 (5) ― ― 298 (8) ― ― Other ― ― 32 (2) ― ― 32 (2) Total $ 467 $ (7) $ 32 $ (2) $ 451 $ (19) $ 32 $ (2) The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Ratio of Fair Value to Gross Gross Gross Amortized Cost Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized (Dollars in millions) Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses 2017: 90%–100% 22 $ 467 $ (7) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 28 $ 499 $ (9) Total as of September 30, 2017 22 $ 467 $ (7) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 28 $ 499 $ (9) 2016: 90%–100% 33 $ 411 $ (13) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 39 $ 443 $ (15) Less than 90% 4 40 (6) ― ― ― 4 40 (6) Total as of December 31, 2016 37 $ 451 $ (19) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 43 $ 483 $ (21) The gross unrealized losses are attributed to overall wider credit spreads for specific issuers, adverse changes in market benchmark interest rates, or a combination thereof, all compared to those prevailing when the investment securities were acquired. Overall, for the investment securities in gross unrealized loss positions , (i) the Company does not intend to sell the investment securities, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of the unrealized losses, and (iii) the Company expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the investment securities. As a result, the Company recognized no other-t han-temporary impairment during the periods presented. Contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of September 30 , 2017 were as follows: Estimated (Millions) Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 648 $ 648 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 998 1,000 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 268 272 Due after 10 years 1,267 1,282 Total $ 3,181 $ 3,202 The expected payments on state and municipal obligations and mortgage-backed securities may not coincide with their contractual maturities because the issuers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

Asset Securitizations

Asset Securitizations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Asset Securitizations [Abstract]
Asset Securitizations	6 . Asset Securitizations The Company periodically securitizes Card Member loans and receivables arising from its card businesse s through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts. The trusts then issue debt securities collateralized by the transferred assets to third-party investors . The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the American Express Credit Account M aster Trust (the Lending Trust) and the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust, collectively the Trusts) as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2017 2016 Lending Trust $ 1,814 $ 35 Charge Trust 2 3 Total $ 1,816 $ 38 These amounts relate to collections of Card Member loans and receivables to be used by the Trusts to fund future expenses and obligations, including interest on debt securities, credit losses and upcoming debt maturities. The Company performs the servicing and key decision making for the Trusts, and therefore has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Trusts’ economic performance, which are the collection of the underlying Card Member loans an d receivables. In addition, the Company holds all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the debt securities is sued to third-party investors. As of September 30 , 2017 , the Company’s ownership of variable interests was $ 10.7 b illion for the Lending Trust and $ 6.5 billion for the Charge Trust. These variable interests held by the Company provide it with the right to receive benefits and the obligation to absorb losses, which could be significant to both the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust. Ba sed on these considerations, the Company is the primary beneficiary of both Trusts and therefore consolidates both Trusts. Under the respective terms of the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust agreements, the occurrence of certain t riggering events associated with the performance of the assets of each Trust could result in payment of trust expenses, establishment of reserve funds, or, in a worst-case scenario, early amortization of debt securities. During the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 , no such triggering events occurred.

Customer Deposits

Customer Deposits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Abstract]
Customer Deposits	7 . Customer Deposits As of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , customer deposits were categorized as interest bearing or non-interest bearing as follows: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S.: Interest bearing $ 60,573 $ 52,316 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2017, $300 million; 2016, $331 million) 337 367 Non-U.S.: Interest bearing 32 58 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2017, $334 million; 2016, $285 million) 348 301 Total customer deposits $ 61,290 $ 53,042 Customer deposits by deposit type as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 30,780 $ 30,980 Certificates of deposit: (a) Direct 290 291 Third-party (brokered) 17,229 11,925 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 12,274 9,120 Other deposits: U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 37 36 Non-U.S. deposits 46 74 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 634 616 Total customer deposits $ 61,290 $ 53,042 The weighted average remaining maturity and weighted average interest rate at issuance on the to tal portfolio of U.S. retail certificates of deposit issued through direct an d third-party programs were 44 months and 2.10 perce nt, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 . The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of September 30 , 2017 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2017 $ 1,450 $ 3 $ 1,453 2018 5,160 16 5,176 2019 4,252 ― 4,252 2020 3,511 ― 3,511 2021 1,234 ― 1,234 After 5 years 1,912 ― 1,912 Total $ 17,519 $ 19 $ 17,538 As of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. $ 113 $ 117 Non-U.S. 8 7 Total $ 121 $ 124

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	8 . Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various pending and potential legal actions, arbitration proceedings, claims, investigations, examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, legal proceedings). The Company discloses its material legal proceedings under Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and P art I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” in the Annual Report. In addition to the matters disclosed under “Legal Proceedings,” the Company is being challenged in a number of countries regarding its application of value-added taxes (VAT) to certain of its intern ational transactions, which are in various stages of audit, or are being contested in legal actions (collectively, VAT matters). While the Company believes it has complied with all applicable tax laws, rules and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, t he tax authorities may determine that the Company owes additional VAT. In certain jurisdictions where the Company is contesting the assessments, it was required to pay the VAT assessments prior to contesting. The Company’s legal proceedings range from cas es brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of putative class members. These legal proceedings involve various lines of business of the Company and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, applicati on of tax laws, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against the Company specify the damages claimed by the plaintiff or class, many seek an unsp ecified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. Even when the amount of damages claimed against the Company are stated, the claimed amount may be exaggerated and/or unsupported. As a result, some matters have not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable the Company to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss, while other matters have progressed sufficiently such that the Company is a ble to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss. The Company has recorded reserves for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can b e reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the recorded reserve. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve t hat has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable. For those disclosed material legal proceedings and VAT matters where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related reserve for legal or tax contingencies or where there is no such reserve, and for which the Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $ 500 million in excess of any reserves related to t hose matters. This range represents management’s estimate based on currently available information and does not represent the Company’s maximum loss exposure; actual results may vary significantly. As such legal proceedings evolve, the Company may need to increase its range of possible loss or reserves. Based on its current knowledge, and taking into consideration its litigation-related liabilities, the Company believes it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any legal proceedin g that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings, including the possible resolu tion of merchant claims, could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	9 . Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity index or price, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of the Company’s market risk management. The Company does not transact in derivatives for trading purposes. In relation to the Company’s credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreements it has with its various counterpartie s, the Company is not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event. Based on its assessment of the credit risk of the Company’s derivative counterp arties as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , no credit risk adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required. The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ 26 $ 111 $ 15 $ 69 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 41 347 210 35 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 67 458 225 104 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives (b) 168 308 102 176 Total derivatives, gross 235 766 327 280 Less: Cash collateral netting (c)(d) (17) (54) (8) (68) Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (e) (92) (157) (92) (157) Total derivatives, net (f) $ 126 $ 555 $ 227 $ 55 Effective January 2017, the Central Clearing Party (CCP) changed the legal characterization of variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives to be settlement payments, as opposed to collateral. Accordingly, the amounts d isclosed for 2017 related to centrally cleared derivatives are based on gross assets of $11 million and liabilities of $8 7 million net of variation margin of $11 million and $79 million, respectively. The Company also maintained several bilateral interest rate contracts tha t are not subject to the CCP’s rule change and amounts related to such contracts are shown gross of any collateral exchanged. Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements. Represents the offsetting of the fair value of bi lateral interest rate contracts and certain foreign exchange contracts with the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral . The Company held no non-cash collateral as of September 30 , 2017 . As of December 31, 2016, t he Comp any received non-cash collateral from a counterparty in the form of security interests in U.S. Treasury securities, with a fair value of $18 million, none of which was sold or repledged. Such non-cash collateral economically reduced the Compa ny’s risk exposure to $537 million as of December 31, 2016, but did not reduce the net exposure on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company posted $152 million and $169 million as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016, resp ectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivati ve assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. The Company has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single deriva tive counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A majority of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 are subject to master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. The Company has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offset on the Consolidated Balanc e Sheets. Fair Value Hedges The Company is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt obligations. At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate debt obligations are designated in fair value hedging relationships, using inter est rate swaps, to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rat e. The Company has $20.7 billion and $17.7 billion of fixed-rat e debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The following table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in Other expenses associated with the Company’s fair value hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate derivative contracts $ (31) $ (123) $ (100) $ 103 Hedged items 39 134 64 (90) Net hedge ineffectiveness $ 8 $ 11 $ (36) $ 13 The Company also recognized a net reduction in interest expense on l ong-term debt of $24 million and $55 million for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $105 million and $173 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on the Company’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Net Investment Hedges The e ffective portion of the gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation ad justment, were losses of $184 million and $18 million for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and a loss of $515 million and a gain of $25 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively , with any ineffective portion recognized in Other expen ses during the period. T he net hedge ineffectiveness recogniz ed was nil for both the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 . O ther amounts related to foreign exchange contracts reclassified from AOCI int o Other expenses included a loss of $18 million and nil for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and a loss of $18 millio n and a gain of $5 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively . Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposu res resulted in net losses of $15 million and $ 4 million for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively , and net losses of $36 million and $12 million for th e nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively , and are recognized in Other expenses . The changes in the fair value of an em bedded derivative resulted in gains of $1 million for both the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , and a loss of $1 million and a gain of $7 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively , which are recognized in Card Member services and other expense.

Fair Values

Fair Values	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value (Disclosures) [Abstract]
Fair Values	10 . Fair Values Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy, as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities and other $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― Debt securities 3,201 1,118 2,083 ― 3,108 460 2,648 ― Derivatives (a) 235 ― 235 ― 765 ― 765 ― Total Assets 3,485 1,119 2,366 ― 3,922 461 3,461 ― Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 327 ― 327 ― 280 ― 280 ― Total Liabilities $ 327 $ ― $ 327 $ ― $ 280 $ ― $ 280 $ ― Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 9 for the fair values of der ivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The fair values of th ese financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and require management’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair va lue of the Company be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2017 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 26 $ 26 $ 24 $ 2 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 56 56 ― 56 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Loans, net (c) 69 69 ― ― 69 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 69 69 ― 69 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 18 18 ― 18 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 49 $ 50 $ ― $ 50 $ ― Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2016 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 25 $ 25 $ 22 $ 3 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 51 51 ― 51 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Loans, net (c) 65 66 ― ― 66 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 12 12 ― 12 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 47 $ 48 $ ― $ 48 $ ― Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $ 7.8 billion and $ 8.8 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $ 24.1 billion and $ 26.0 billi on as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and the fair values of long-term debt were $ 15.1 billion and $ 15.2 billion as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Presented as a component of custom er deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements The Company has certain assets that are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent t o their initial recognition is applicable if determined to be impaired. During t he nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and during the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment.

Guarantees

Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	11 . Guarantees The Company provides Card Member protection plans that cover losses associated with purchased products, as well as certain guarantees and indemnifications in the ordinary course of business. As of September 30, 2017, the maximum potential undiscounted future payments and related liability resulting from these arra ngements were $1 billion and $54 million, respectively, and related primarily to the Company’s real estate and business dispositions. As of December 31, 2016, the maximum potential undiscounted future payments and related liability were $48 billion and $86 million, respectively. Amounts related to t he Company’s Card Member protection plans were included as of December 31, 2016, in addition to its real estate and business d ispositions. To date the Company has not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees or indemnifications. The Company’s recognition of these instruments is at fair value. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable a nd the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	12 . Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in each component for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of June 30, 2017 $ 13 $ (1,913) $ (528) $ (2,428) Net unrealized losses (2) ― ― (2) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings ― (1) ― (1) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations ― 292 ― 292 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (184) ― (184) Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 7 7 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) 107 7 112 Balances as of September 30, 2017 $ 11 $ (1,806) $ (521) $ (2,316) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ 7 $ (2,262) $ (529) $ (2,784) Net unrealized gains 4 ― ― 4 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings ― (1) ― (1) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations (a) ― 972 ― 972 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (515) ― (515) Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 8 8 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 4 456 8 468 Balances as of September 30, 2017 $ 11 $ (1,806) $ (521) $ (2,316) (a) Includes $289 million of recognized tax benefits (Refer to Note 14). Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ 65 $ (2,170) $ (516) $ (2,621) Net unrealized losses (14) ― ― (14) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (1) ― ― (1) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations ― 29 ― 29 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (18) ― (18) Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 7 7 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (15) 11 7 3 Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ 50 $ (2,159) $ (509) $ (2,618) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 58 $ (2,044) $ (548) $ (2,534) Net unrealized losses (5) ― ― (5) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (3) ― ― (3) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (140) ― (140) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 25 ― 25 Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 39 39 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (8) (115) 39 (84) Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ 50 $ (2,159) $ (509) $ (2,618) The following table shows the tax impact for the three and nine months ended September 30 for the changes in each component of AOCI presented above: Tax (benefit) expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Investment securities $ (1) $ (9) $ 2 $ (7) Foreign currency translation adjustments (a) (25) (6) (204) 30 Net investment hedges (99) (18) (306) 7 Pension and other postretirement benefits (2) 7 (10) 36 Total tax impact $ (127) $ (26) $ (518) $ 66 (a) Includes $289 million of tax benefits recognized in the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 (Refer to Note 14). The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statements of Income : Gains (losses) recognized in earnings Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Amount Amount Description ( Millions ) Income Statement Line Item 2017 2016 2017 2016 Available-for-sale securities Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securities Other non-interest revenues $ ― $ 1 $ ― $ 5 Related income tax expense Income tax provision ― ― ― (2) Reclassification to net income related to available-for-sale securities ― 1 ― 3 Foreign currency translation adjustments Reclassification of realized losses on translation adjustments and related net investments hedges Other expenses (6) ― (6) ― Related income tax benefit Income tax provision 7 ― 7 ― Reclassification to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments 1 ― 1 ― Total $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 3

Non-Interest Revenue and Expens

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail	13 . Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail The following is a detail of Other fees and commissions : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Delinquency fees $ 221 $ 183 $ 653 $ 575 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 219 207 630 610 Loyalty coalition-related fees 116 106 332 304 Travel commissions and fees 93 89 267 256 Other (a) 118 109 350 331 Total Other fees and commissions $ 767 $ 694 $ 2,232 $ 2,076 Other primarily includes service fees and fees related to Membership Rewards programs. The following is a detail of Other revenues: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Global Network Services partner revenues $ 150 $ 156 $ 456 $ 498 Other (a) 286 327 828 1,016 Total Other revenues $ 436 $ 483 $ 1,284 $ 1,514 Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, merchant-related fees, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, Prepaid card and Travelers Cheque-related revenues, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees. The following is a detail of Other expenses: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Occupancy and equipment $ 568 $ 429 $ 1,527 $ 1,332 Professional services 501 630 1,534 1,862 Gain on sale of HFS portfolios (a) ― ― ― (1,218) Other (b) 429 439 1,220 1,412 Total Other expenses $ 1,498 $ 1,498 $ 4,281 $ 3,388 Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, Card and merchant-related fraud losses, communication expenses, certain loyalty coalition-related expenses , foreign cu rrency-related gains and losses and insurance costs. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Other expenses includes the valuation allowance adjustment associated with loans and receivables HFS.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14 . Income Taxes The effective tax rate was 25.8 percent and 34.2 percent for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 29.7 percent and 33.9 percent for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively . The changes in tax rates in both periods primarily reflected the realization of certain foreign tax credits and the geographic mix of business, and additionally in the nine month period, the resolu tion of certain prior years’ tax items. The Company is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which the Company has significant business operations. The tax years under exami nation and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. In February 2017, the Company received notificatio n that all matters outstanding with the IRS for tax years 1997-2007 were resolved. The resolution of such matters did not have a material impact on th e Company’s effective tax rate. The Company is currently under examination with the IRS for tax years 2008 through 2014. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much a s $ 307 million , principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the deductibility of certain expenses or losses and th e attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $ 307 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $257 million relates to amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate in a future period . During the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 , the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $253 million. The decrease was primarily due to the resolution with the IRS of an uncertain tax position in January 2017, which resulted in the recognition of $289 million in shareholders’ equity, specifically within AOCI.

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	15 . Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) The computations of basic and diluted EPS were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 1,356 $ 1,142 $ 3,933 $ 4,583 Preferred dividends (21) (21) (61) (61) Net income available to common shareholders 1,335 1,121 3,872 4,522 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (11) (9) (32) (37) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 1,324 $ 1,112 $ 3,840 $ 4,485 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 878 920 889 940 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 3 3 3 3 Diluted 881 923 892 943 Basic EPS $ 1.51 $ 1.21 $ 4.32 $ 4.77 Diluted EPS $ 1.50 $ 1.20 $ 4.30 $ 4.76 The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator. The dilutive effect of unex ercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 0.5 million and 3.2 million of options for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 0.8 million and 2.2 million of options for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Reportable Operating Segment

Reportable Operating Segment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Operating Segments	16. Reportable Operating Segments The Company is a global services company that is principally engaged in businesses comprising four reportable operating segments: USCS, ICNS, GCS and Global Merchant Services ( GMS ) . Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other. The following table presents certain selected financial information for the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 1,976 $ 1,277 $ 2,360 $ 1,088 $ 60 $ 6,761 Interest income 1,509 271 351 ― 111 2,242 Interest expense 202 65 144 (65) 221 567 Total revenues net of interest expense 3,283 1,483 2,567 1,153 (50) 8,436 Net income (loss) $ 475 $ 286 $ 529 $ 368 $ (302) $ 1,356 Total assets (billions) $ 88 $ 39 $ 53 $ 27 $ (38) $ 169 Total equity (billions) $ 7 $ 3 $ 7 $ 3 $ 1 $ 21 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 5,832 $ 3,719 $ 6,999 $ 3,191 $ 186 $ 19,927 Interest income 4,186 752 1,004 1 294 6,237 Interest expense 519 178 382 (188) 641 1,532 Total revenues net of interest expense 9,499 4,293 7,621 3,380 (161) 24,632 Net income (loss) $ 1,384 $ 713 $ 1,447 $ 1,161 $ (772) $ 3,933 Total assets (billions) $ 88 $ 39 $ 53 $ 27 $ (38) $ 169 Total equity (billions) $ 7 $ 3 $ 7 $ 3 $ 1 $ 21 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 1,849 $ 1,205 $ 2,240 $ 1,044 $ 102 $ 6,440 Interest income 1,178 231 282 ― 73 1,764 Interest expense 125 55 98 (60) 212 430 Total revenues net of interest expense 2,902 1,381 2,424 1,104 (37) 7,774 Net income (loss) $ 401 $ 155 $ 466 $ 359 $ (239) $ 1,142 Total assets (billions) $ 79 $ 34 $ 47 $ 23 $ (30) $ 153 Total equity (billions) $ 8 $ 3 $ 7 $ 2 $ 1 $ 21 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 5,947 $ 3,587 $ 6,710 $ 3,172 $ 318 $ 19,734 Interest income 3,847 692 913 1 201 5,654 Interest expense 404 167 297 (180) 603 1,291 Total revenues net of interest expense 9,390 4,112 7,326 3,353 (84) 24,097 Net income (loss) $ 2,162 $ 571 $ 1,527 $ 1,089 $ (766) $ 4,583 Total assets (billions) $ 79 $ 34 $ 47 $ 23 $ (30) $ 153 Total equity (billions) $ 8 $ 3 $ 7 $ 2 $ 1 $ 21 Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Policy (Text Block) [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These accounting estimate s reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
Investments	Investment securities principally include debt securities the Company classifies as available-for-sale and carries at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with unrealize d gains and losses recorded in accumulated o ther comprehensive income (l oss ) (AOCI), net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method.
Contingencies	The Company has recorded reserves for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can b e reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the recorded reserve. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve t hat has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable.
Derivatives	The Company uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity index or price, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures.
Guarantees	The Company’s recognition of these instruments is at fair value. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable a nd the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Loans and Accounts Receivable (

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Loans and Accounts Receivable (Tables) [Abstract]
Card Member loans segment detail	Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 49,326 $ 48,758 International Consumer and Network Services 7,823 6,971 Global Commercial Services 10,729 9,536 Card Member loans 67,878 65,265 Less: Reserve for losses 1,502 1,223 Card Member loans, net $ 66,376 $ 64,042 Other loans, net (b) $ 2,268 $ 1,419 Includes approximately $ 24.2 billion and $ 26.1 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Other loans primarily represent personal and commercial financing products . Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 64 million and $ 42 million as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
Card Member receivables segment detail	Card Member accounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 11,192 $ 12,302 International Consumer and Network Services 6,512 5,966 Global Commercial Services 33,810 29,040 Card Member receivables 51,514 47,308 Less: Reserve for losses 512 467 Card Member receivables, net $ 51,002 $ 46,841 Other receivables, net (b) $ 2,701 $ 3,232 Includes $ 7.8 billion and $ 8.9 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Other receivables primarily r epresent amounts related to (i) Global Network Services partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees, (ii) tax-related receivables, (iii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and ( iv ) loyalty coalition partners for points issued, as well as program part icipation and servicing fees. Other receivables are presented net of r eserves for losses of $ 32 million and $ 45 million as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	The following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 48,707 $ 183 $ 128 $ 308 $ 49,326 International Consumer and Network Services 7,698 39 27 59 7,823 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 10,556 36 24 59 10,675 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) ― 54 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 11,055 51 26 60 11,192 International Consumer and Network Services 6,424 28 18 42 6,512 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 15,651 $ 75 $ 50 $ 102 $ 15,878 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 153 $ 17,932 2016 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 48,216 $ 156 $ 119 $ 267 $ 48,758 International Consumer and Network Services 6,863 32 24 52 6,971 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 9,378 34 23 49 9,484 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) ― 52 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 12,158 45 30 69 12,302 International Consumer and Network Services 5,888 22 15 41 5,966 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 14,047 $ 77 $ 47 $ 102 $ 14,273 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 135 $ 14,767 For Global Corporate Payments ( GCP ) Card Member loans and receivables in Global Commercial Services ( GCS ) , delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 9 0 days past billing, the associated Card Member loan and receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes. See also (b). Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing i s not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.
Credit quality indicators for loans and receivables	The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the nine months ended September 30 : 2017 2016 Net Write-Off Rate Net Write-Off Rate Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services 1.7 % 2.0 % 1.3 % 1.5 % 1.8 % 1.1 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.1 % 2.6 % 1.6 % 2.0 % 2.5 % 1.7 % Global Small Business Services 1.6 % 1.9 % 1.1 % 1.4 % 1.7 % 1.1 % Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 1.3 % 1.5 % 1.2 % 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.4 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.1 % 2.2 % 1.4 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 1.5 % Global Small Business Services 1.6 % 1.8 % 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.8 % 1.5 % 2017 2016 Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.10 % 0.9 % 0.09 % 0.8 % The Company presents a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because the Company considers uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented.
Impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following tables provide additional information with respect to the Company’s impaired Card Member loans and receivables. Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant for International Consumer and Network Services ( ICNS ) as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 ; therefore, th is segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables . As of September 30, 2017 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2017 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 206 $ 158 $ 162 $ 131 $ 657 $ 593 $ 48 International Consumer and Network Services 59 ― ― ― 59 58 ― Global Commercial Services 37 32 28 26 123 113 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 12 9 21 21 4 Global Commercial Services ― ― 31 16 47 47 8 Total $ 302 $ 190 $ 233 $ 182 $ 907 $ 832 $ 69 As of December 31, 2016 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2016 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 178 139 165 129 611 558 51 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 30 30 26 26 112 103 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 6 17 17 7 Global Commercial Services ― ― 28 10 38 38 21 Total $ 260 $ 169 $ 230 $ 171 $ 830 $ 767 $ 88 The Company’s policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that it believes will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR. Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which the Company has ceased accruing interest. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR . Accounts classified as a TDR include $ 15 million and $ 20 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $ 6 million and $ 11 million that are non-accruals as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. Out of Program TDRs include $139 million and $ 132 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully completed a modification prog r am and $43 million and $39 million of Card Member accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively .
Interest income recognized and average balance of impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s average balances of, and interest income recognized from, impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the three and nine months ended September 30 : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions) Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 636 $ 17 $ 626 $ 49 International Consumer and Network Services 59 4 56 12 Global Commercial Services 122 5 119 13 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 20 ― 19 ― Global Commercial Services 44 ― 42 ― Total $ 881 $ 26 $ 862 $ 74 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 587 $ 14 $ 555 $ 38 International Consumer and Network Services 53 4 52 12 Global Commercial Services 111 4 102 10 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 13 ― 13 ― Global Commercial Services 29 ― 24 ― Total $ 793 $ 22 $ 746 $ 60
Troubled debt restructurings	The following table provides additional information with respect to the U.S. Consumer Services ( USCS ) and GCS Card Member loans and receivables mo dified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 . The ICNS Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 8 $ 57 9 (b) 23 $ 160 10 (b) Card Member Receivables 1 18 (c) 31 4 64 (c) 27 Total 9 $ 75 27 $ 224 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points) Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 8 $ 56 9 (b) 23 $ 163 10 (b) Card Member Receivables 2 29 (c) 19 7 94 (c) 17 Total 10 $ 85 30 $ 257 Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing.
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	The following table provides information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months o f modification, for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 . A Card Member is considered in default of a modification program after one and up to two misse d payments, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 2 $ 9 5 $ 30 Card Member Receivables 1 2 3 4 Total 3 $ 11 8 $ 34 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Number of Accounts (in thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default ($ in millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 3 $ 12 5 $ 30 Card Member Receivables 1 1 3 3 Total 4 $ 13 8 $ 33 The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables.

Reserves For Losses (Tables)

Reserves For Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Reserves For Losses Tables [Abstract]
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the nine months ended September 30 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 1,223 $ 1,028 Provisions (a) 1,272 831 Net write-offs (b) Principal (856) (687) Interest and fees (163) (128) Other (c) 26 70 Balance, September 30 $ 1,502 $ 1,114 Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Principal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $ 307 million and $ 280 million, and include net write-offs from TDRs of $ 25 million and $ 24 million, for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 14 million and $ (3) million and other adjustments of $ 12 million and $ 6 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2016 also includes reserves of $ 6 7 million associate d with $2 65 million of retained Card Member loans reclassified from HFS to held for investment as a result of retaining certain loans in connection with the respec tive sales of JetBlue and Costco cobrand card portfolios.
Card Member loans and related reserves evaluated separately and collectively for impairment	The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 347 $ 346 Related reserves (a) $ 57 $ 60 Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment (b) $ 67,531 $ 64,919 Related reserves (b) $ 1,445 $ 1,163 Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves. Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans , and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the nine months ended September 3 0 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 467 $ 462 Provisions (a) 590 496 Net write-offs (b) (548) (518) Other (c) 3 (3) Balance, September 30 $ 512 $ 437 Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. P rincipal and fee write-off s are presented less recoveries of $ 271 million and $ 301 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $ 2 million and $ 16 million, for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 18 million a nd nil and other adjustments of $ (15) million and $ (3) million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Card Member receivables and related reserves evaluated separately and collectively for impairment	The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and col lectively for impairment, and related reserves, as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 68 $ 55 Related reserves (a) $ 12 $ 28 Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment $ 51,446 $ 47,253 Related reserves (b) $ 500 $ 439 Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investment Securities (Tables) [Abstract]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	The following is a summary of investment securities as of September 30 , 2017 an d December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 Gross Gross Estimated Gross Gross Estimated Unrealized Unrealized Fair Unrealized Unrealized Fair Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gains Losses Value Cost Gains Losses Value State and municipal obligations $ 1,412 $ 17 $ (2) $ 1,427 $ 2,019 $ 28 $ (11) $ 2,036 U.S. Government agency obligations 12 ― ― 12 12 ― ― 12 U.S. Government treasury obligations 1,115 8 (5) 1,118 465 3 (8) 460 Corporate debt securities 28 ― ― 28 19 ― ― 19 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 74 2 ― 76 92 3 ― 95 Equity securities 1 ― ― 1 1 ― ― 1 Foreign government bonds and obligations 539 1 ― 540 486 1 (1) 486 Other (b) 50 ― (2) 48 50 ― (2) 48 Total $ 3,231 $ 28 $ (9) $ 3,250 $ 3,144 $ 35 $ (22) $ 3,157 Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Other comprises investments in various mutual funds.
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table provides information about the Company’s investment securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Gross Gross Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses State and municipal obligations $ 101 $ (2) $ ― $ ― $ 153 $ (11) $ ― $ ― U.S. Government treasury obligations 366 (5) ― ― 298 (8) ― ― Other ― ― 32 (2) ― ― 32 (2) Total $ 467 $ (7) $ 32 $ (2) $ 451 $ (19) $ 32 $ (2)
Available for Sale Securities Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Ratio of Fair Value to Gross Gross Gross Amortized Cost Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized (Dollars in millions) Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses 2017: 90%–100% 22 $ 467 $ (7) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 28 $ 499 $ (9) Total as of September 30, 2017 22 $ 467 $ (7) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 28 $ 499 $ (9) 2016: 90%–100% 33 $ 411 $ (13) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 39 $ 443 $ (15) Less than 90% 4 40 (6) ― ― ― 4 40 (6) Total as of December 31, 2016 37 $ 451 $ (19) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 43 $ 483 $ (21)
Contractual maturities of investment securities	Contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of September 30 , 2017 were as follows: Estimated (Millions) Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 648 $ 648 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 998 1,000 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 268 272 Due after 10 years 1,267 1,282 Total $ 3,181 $ 3,202

Asset Securitizations (Tables)

Asset Securitizations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash held by trusts	The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the American Express Credit Account M aster Trust (the Lending Trust) and the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust, collectively the Trusts) as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2017 2016 Lending Trust $ 1,814 $ 35 Charge Trust 2 3 Total $ 1,816 $ 38

Customer Deposits (Tables)

Customer Deposits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Customer Deposits (Tables) [Abstract]
Deposits By Component Alternative	As of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , customer deposits were categorized as interest bearing or non-interest bearing as follows: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S.: Interest bearing $ 60,573 $ 52,316 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2017, $300 million; 2016, $331 million) 337 367 Non-U.S.: Interest bearing 32 58 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2017, $334 million; 2016, $285 million) 348 301 Total customer deposits $ 61,290 $ 53,042
Deposits By Type	Customer deposits by deposit type as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 30,780 $ 30,980 Certificates of deposit: (a) Direct 290 291 Third-party (brokered) 17,229 11,925 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 12,274 9,120 Other deposits: U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 37 36 Non-U.S. deposits 46 74 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 634 616 Total customer deposits $ 61,290 $ 53,042 The weighted average remaining maturity and weighted average interest rate at issuance on the to tal portfolio of U.S. retail certificates of deposit issued through direct an d third-party programs were 44 months and 2.10 perce nt, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 .
Time Deposits By Maturity	The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of September 30 , 2017 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2017 $ 1,450 $ 3 $ 1,453 2018 5,160 16 5,176 2019 4,252 ― 4,252 2020 3,511 ― 3,511 2021 1,234 ― 1,234 After 5 years 1,912 ― 1,912 Total $ 17,519 $ 19 $ 17,538
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More	As of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. $ 113 $ 117 Non-U.S. 8 7 Total $ 121 $ 124

Derivatives and Hedging Activ31

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables) [Abstract]
Schedule of derivative instruments in statement of financial position, fair value	The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ 26 $ 111 $ 15 $ 69 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 41 347 210 35 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 67 458 225 104 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives (b) 168 308 102 176 Total derivatives, gross 235 766 327 280 Less: Cash collateral netting (c)(d) (17) (54) (8) (68) Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (e) (92) (157) (92) (157) Total derivatives, net (f) $ 126 $ 555 $ 227 $ 55 Effective January 2017, the Central Clearing Party (CCP) changed the legal characterization of variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives to be settlement payments, as opposed to collateral. Accordingly, the amounts d isclosed for 2017 related to centrally cleared derivatives are based on gross assets of $11 million and liabilities of $8 7 million net of variation margin of $11 million and $79 million, respectively. The Company also maintained several bilateral interest rate contracts tha t are not subject to the CCP’s rule change and amounts related to such contracts are shown gross of any collateral exchanged. Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements. Represents the offsetting of the fair value of bi lateral interest rate contracts and certain foreign exchange contracts with the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral . The Company held no non-cash collateral as of September 30 , 2017 . As of December 31, 2016, t he Comp any received non-cash collateral from a counterparty in the form of security interests in U.S. Treasury securities, with a fair value of $18 million, none of which was sold or repledged. Such non-cash collateral economically reduced the Compa ny’s risk exposure to $537 million as of December 31, 2016, but did not reduce the net exposure on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company posted $152 million and $169 million as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016, resp ectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivati ve assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. The Company has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single deriva tive counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	The following table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in Other expenses associated with the Company’s fair value hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate derivative contracts $ (31) $ (123) $ (100) $ 103 Hedged items 39 134 64 (90) Net hedge ineffectiveness $ 8 $ 11 $ (36) $ 13

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Values (Tables) [Abstract]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy, as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities and other $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― Debt securities 3,201 1,118 2,083 ― 3,108 460 2,648 ― Derivatives (a) 235 ― 235 ― 765 ― 765 ― Total Assets 3,485 1,119 2,366 ― 3,922 461 3,461 ― Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 327 ― 327 ― 280 ― 280 ― Total Liabilities $ 327 $ ― $ 327 $ ― $ 280 $ ― $ 280 $ ― Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 9 for the fair values of der ivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.
Estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The fair values of th ese financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and require management’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair va lue of the Company be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2017 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 26 $ 26 $ 24 $ 2 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 56 56 ― 56 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Loans, net (c) 69 69 ― ― 69 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 69 69 ― 69 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 18 18 ― 18 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 49 $ 50 $ ― $ 50 $ ― Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2016 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 25 $ 25 $ 22 $ 3 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 51 51 ― 51 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Loans, net (c) 65 66 ― ― 66 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 12 12 ― 12 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 47 $ 48 $ ― $ 48 $ ― Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $ 7.8 billion and $ 8.8 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $ 24.1 billion and $ 26.0 billi on as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and the fair values of long-term debt were $ 15.1 billion and $ 15.2 billion as of September 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Presented as a component of custom er deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Changes in Accumulated Other 33

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Components of Comprehensive Income, net of tax [Abstract]
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	AOCI is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in each component for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of June 30, 2017 $ 13 $ (1,913) $ (528) $ (2,428) Net unrealized losses (2) ― ― (2) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings ― (1) ― (1) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations ― 292 ― 292 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (184) ― (184) Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 7 7 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) 107 7 112 Balances as of September 30, 2017 $ 11 $ (1,806) $ (521) $ (2,316) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ 7 $ (2,262) $ (529) $ (2,784) Net unrealized gains 4 ― ― 4 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings ― (1) ― (1) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations (a) ― 972 ― 972 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (515) ― (515) Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 8 8 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 4 456 8 468 Balances as of September 30, 2017 $ 11 $ (1,806) $ (521) $ (2,316) (a) Includes $289 million of recognized tax benefits (Refer to Note 14). Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ 65 $ (2,170) $ (516) $ (2,621) Net unrealized losses (14) ― ― (14) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (1) ― ― (1) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations ― 29 ― 29 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (18) ― (18) Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 7 7 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (15) 11 7 3 Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ 50 $ (2,159) $ (509) $ (2,618) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 58 $ (2,044) $ (548) $ (2,534) Net unrealized losses (5) ― ― (5) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (3) ― ― (3) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (140) ― (140) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 25 ― 25 Pension and other postretirement benefit ― ― 39 39 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (8) (115) 39 (84) Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ 50 $ (2,159) $ (509) $ (2,618)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income - Tax Effect	The following table shows the tax impact for the three and nine months ended September 30 for the changes in each component of AOCI presented above: Tax (benefit) expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Investment securities $ (1) $ (9) $ 2 $ (7) Foreign currency translation adjustments (a) (25) (6) (204) 30 Net investment hedges (99) (18) (306) 7 Pension and other postretirement benefits (2) 7 (10) 36 Total tax impact $ (127) $ (26) $ (518) $ 66 (a) Includes $289 million of tax benefits recognized in the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 (Refer to Note 14).
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statements of Income : Gains (losses) recognized in earnings Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, Amount Amount Description ( Millions ) Income Statement Line Item 2017 2016 2017 2016 Available-for-sale securities Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securities Other non-interest revenues $ ― $ 1 $ ― $ 5 Related income tax expense Income tax provision ― ― ― (2) Reclassification to net income related to available-for-sale securities ― 1 ― 3 Foreign currency translation adjustments Reclassification of realized losses on translation adjustments and related net investments hedges Other expenses (6) ― (6) ― Related income tax benefit Income tax provision 7 ― 7 ― Reclassification to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments 1 ― 1 ― Total $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 3

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe34

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Cost And Expense Disclosure Operating (Tables) [Abstract]
Details of other commissions and fees	The following is a detail of Other fees and commissions : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Delinquency fees $ 221 $ 183 $ 653 $ 575 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 219 207 630 610 Loyalty coalition-related fees 116 106 332 304 Travel commissions and fees 93 89 267 256 Other (a) 118 109 350 331 Total Other fees and commissions $ 767 $ 694 $ 2,232 $ 2,076 Other primarily includes service fees and fees related to Membership Rewards programs.
Details of other revenues	The following is a detail of Other revenues: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Global Network Services partner revenues $ 150 $ 156 $ 456 $ 498 Other (a) 286 327 828 1,016 Total Other revenues $ 436 $ 483 $ 1,284 $ 1,514 Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, merchant-related fees, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, Prepaid card and Travelers Cheque-related revenues, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.
Detail of other, net expense	The following is a detail of Other expenses: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Occupancy and equipment $ 568 $ 429 $ 1,527 $ 1,332 Professional services 501 630 1,534 1,862 Gain on sale of HFS portfolios (a) ― ― ― (1,218) Other (b) 429 439 1,220 1,412 Total Other expenses $ 1,498 $ 1,498 $ 4,281 $ 3,388 Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, Card and merchant-related fraud losses, communication expenses, certain loyalty coalition-related expenses , foreign cu rrency-related gains and losses and insurance costs. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, Other expenses includes the valuation allowance adjustment associated with loans and receivables HFS.

Earnings Per Common Share (EP35

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted EPS	The computations of basic and diluted EPS were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (Millions, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 1,356 $ 1,142 $ 3,933 $ 4,583 Preferred dividends (21) (21) (61) (61) Net income available to common shareholders 1,335 1,121 3,872 4,522 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (11) (9) (32) (37) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 1,324 $ 1,112 $ 3,840 $ 4,485 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 878 920 889 940 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 3 3 3 3 Diluted 881 923 892 943 Basic EPS $ 1.51 $ 1.21 $ 4.32 $ 4.77 Diluted EPS $ 1.50 $ 1.20 $ 4.30 $ 4.76 The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator. The dilutive effect of unex ercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 0.5 million and 3.2 million of options for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 0.8 million and 2.2 million of options for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Reportable Operating Segment (T

Reportable Operating Segment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Operating segment information	The following table presents certain selected financial information for the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 1,976 $ 1,277 $ 2,360 $ 1,088 $ 60 $ 6,761 Interest income 1,509 271 351 ― 111 2,242 Interest expense 202 65 144 (65) 221 567 Total revenues net of interest expense 3,283 1,483 2,567 1,153 (50) 8,436 Net income (loss) $ 475 $ 286 $ 529 $ 368 $ (302) $ 1,356 Total assets (billions) $ 88 $ 39 $ 53 $ 27 $ (38) $ 169 Total equity (billions) $ 7 $ 3 $ 7 $ 3 $ 1 $ 21 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 5,832 $ 3,719 $ 6,999 $ 3,191 $ 186 $ 19,927 Interest income 4,186 752 1,004 1 294 6,237 Interest expense 519 178 382 (188) 641 1,532 Total revenues net of interest expense 9,499 4,293 7,621 3,380 (161) 24,632 Net income (loss) $ 1,384 $ 713 $ 1,447 $ 1,161 $ (772) $ 3,933 Total assets (billions) $ 88 $ 39 $ 53 $ 27 $ (38) $ 169 Total equity (billions) $ 7 $ 3 $ 7 $ 3 $ 1 $ 21 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 1,849 $ 1,205 $ 2,240 $ 1,044 $ 102 $ 6,440 Interest income 1,178 231 282 ― 73 1,764 Interest expense 125 55 98 (60) 212 430 Total revenues net of interest expense 2,902 1,381 2,424 1,104 (37) 7,774 Net income (loss) $ 401 $ 155 $ 466 $ 359 $ (239) $ 1,142 Total assets (billions) $ 79 $ 34 $ 47 $ 23 $ (30) $ 153 Total equity (billions) $ 8 $ 3 $ 7 $ 2 $ 1 $ 21 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Non-interest revenues $ 5,947 $ 3,587 $ 6,710 $ 3,172 $ 318 $ 19,734 Interest income 3,847 692 913 1 201 5,654 Interest expense 404 167 297 (180) 603 1,291 Total revenues net of interest expense 9,390 4,112 7,326 3,353 (84) 24,097 Net income (loss) $ 2,162 $ 571 $ 1,527 $ 1,089 $ (766) $ 4,583 Total assets (billions) $ 79 $ 34 $ 47 $ 23 $ (30) $ 153 Total equity (billions) $ 8 $ 3 $ 7 $ 2 $ 1 $ 21 Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.

Business Events (Details Textua

Business Events (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Events (Line Items)
Gain on sale of held for sale (HFS) portfolio	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0	$ (1,218)
Other Expense [Member]
Business Events (Line Items)
Gain on sale of held for sale (HFS) portfolio	$ 0	$ (1,091)		$ (127)

Loans and Accounts Receivable38

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	$ 67,878	$ 65,265
Less: Reserve for losses	1,502	1,223	$ 1,114	$ 1,028
Card Member loans, net	66,376	64,042
Other loans, less reserves	2,268	1,419
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other loans, reserves	64	42
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	24,249	26,129
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	49,326	48,758
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member loans available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	24,200	26,100
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	7,823	6,971
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	$ 10,729	$ 9,536

Loans and Accounts Receivable39

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 51,514	$ 47,308
Less: Reserve for losses	512	467	$ 437	$ 462
Card Member receivables, net	51,002	46,841
Other receivables, net	2,701	3,232
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other receivables, reserves	32	45
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	7,825	8,874
Non United States [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	0	0
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	11,192	12,302
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	7,800	8,900
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	6,512	5,966
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 33,810	$ 29,040

Loans and Accounts Receivable40

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	$ 48,707	$ 48,216
Total aging	49,326	48,758
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	183	156
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	128	119
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	308	267
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	11,055	12,158
Total aging	11,192	12,302
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	51	45
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	26	30
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	60	69
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	7,698	6,863
Total aging	7,823	6,971
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	39	32
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	27	24
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	59	52
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	6,424	5,888
Total aging	6,512	5,966
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	28	22
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	18	15
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	42	41
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	10,556	9,378
Total aging	10,675	9,484
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	36	34
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	24	23
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	59	49
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	15,651	14,047
Total aging	15,878	14,273
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	75	77
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	50	47
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	102	102
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Total aging	54	52
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Total aging	17,932	14,767
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	$ 153	$ 135

Loans and Accounts Receivable41

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 3)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.70%	1.50%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.00%	1.80%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.30%	1.10%
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.30%	1.40%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.50%	1.60%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.20%	1.40%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	2.10%	2.00%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.60%	2.50%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.60%	1.70%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	2.10%	2.10%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.20%	2.30%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.40%	1.50%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.10%	0.09%
90 days past billing as a percentage of receivables	0.90%	0.80%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.60%	1.40%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.90%	1.70%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.10%	1.10%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.60%	1.60%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.80%	1.80%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.40%	1.50%

Loans and Accounts Receivable42

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$ 302	$ 260
Non-accrual loans	190	169
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	233	230
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	182	171
Total impaired loans and receivables	907	830
Unpaid principal balance	832	767
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	69	88
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	6	11
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	15	20
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program - success, Recorded Investment	139	132
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program - not compliant, Recorded Investment	43	39
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	206	178
Non-accrual loans	158	139
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	162	165
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	131	129
Total impaired loans and receivables	657	611
Unpaid principal balance	593	558
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	48	51
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	0	0
Non-accrual loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	12	11
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	9	6
Total impaired loans and receivables	21	17
Unpaid principal balance	21	17
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	4	7
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	59	52
Non-accrual loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	0	0
Total impaired loans and receivables	59	52
Unpaid principal balance	58	51
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	0	0
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	37	30
Non-accrual loans	32	30
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	28	26
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	26	26
Total impaired loans and receivables	123	112
Unpaid principal balance	113	103
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	9	9
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	0	0
Non-accrual loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	31	28
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	16	10
Total impaired loans and receivables	47	38
Unpaid principal balance	47	38
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	$ 8	$ 21

Loans and Accounts Receivable43

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	$ 881	$ 793	$ 862	$ 746
Interest income recognized	26	22	74	60
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	636	587	626	555
Interest income recognized	17	14	49	38
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	20	13	19	13
Interest income recognized	0	0	0	0
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	59	53	56	52
Interest income recognized	4	4	12	12
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	122	111	119	102
Interest income recognized	5	4	13	10
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	44	29	42	24
Interest income recognized	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Loans and Accounts Receivable44

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 6) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)M	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)M	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)M	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)M
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts	9,000	10,000	27,000	30,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$ 75	$ 85	$ 224	$ 257
Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts	8,000	8,000	23,000	23,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$ 57	$ 56	$ 160	$ 163
Average basis point reduction in interest rate by class of Card Member loans	9.00%	9.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts	1,000	2,000	4,000	7,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$ 18	$ 29	$ 64	$ 94
Average payment term extension | M	31	19	27	17

Loans and Accounts Receivable45

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 7) pure in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted [Domain]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts	3	4	8	8
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$ 11	$ 13	$ 34	$ 33
Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts	2	3	5	5
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$ 9	$ 12	$ 30	$ 30
Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts	1	1	3	3
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$ 2	$ 1	$ 4	$ 3

Reserves for Losses (Details)

Reserves for Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1			$ 1,223	$ 1,028
Card Member loans - provisions	$ 531	$ 319	1,272	831
Card Member loans net write-offs - principal			(856)	(687)
Card Member loans net write-offs - interest and fees			(163)	(128)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other			26	70
Balance, September 30	$ 1,502	$ 1,114	$ 1,502	$ 1,114

Reserves For Losses (Details 1)

Reserves For Losses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Card Member Loans And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately And Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]
Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment	$ 347	$ 346
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment	57	60
Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	67,531	64,919
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	$ 1,445	$ 1,163

Reserves for Losses (Details 2)

Reserves for Losses (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses
Balance, January 1			$ 467	$ 462
Card Member receivables - provisions	$ 214	$ 174	590	496
Card Member receivables - net write-offs			(548)	(518)
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other			3	(3)
Balance, September 30	$ 512	$ 437	$ 512	$ 437

Reserves for Losses (Details 3)

Reserves for Losses (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Card Member Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]
Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment	$ 68	$ 55
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment	12	28
Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	51,446	47,253
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	$ 500	$ 439

Reserves For Losses (Details Te

Reserves For Losses (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other		$ 3	$ (3)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other		26	70
Allowance for Card Member Receivables and Reserves, Recoveries of Bad Debts		271	301
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts		307	280
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR		2	16
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR		25	24
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other		18	0
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other		14	(3)
Other Items [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other		(15)	(3)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other		$ 12	6
CardMember loans transferred from HFS to held for investment	$ 0		265
CardMember reserves associated with loans held for investments	$ 0		$ 67

Investment Securities (Details)

Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	$ 3,231	$ 3,144
Gross Unrealized Gains	28	35
Gross Unrealized Losses	(9)	(22)
Estimated Fair Value	3,250	3,157
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	1,412	2,019
Gross Unrealized Gains	17	28
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	(11)
Estimated Fair Value	1,427	2,036
U.S. Government agency obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	12	12
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	12	12
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	1,115	465
Gross Unrealized Gains	8	3
Gross Unrealized Losses	(5)	(8)
Estimated Fair Value	1,118	460
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	28	19
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	28	19
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	74	92
Gross Unrealized Gains	2	3
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	76	95
Equity securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	1	1
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	1	1
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	539	486
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(1)
Estimated Fair Value	540	486
Availabe For Sale Securities Other [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	50	50
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	(2)
Estimated Fair Value	$ 48	$ 48

Investment Securities (Details

Investment Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 467	$ 451
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	32
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(7)	(19)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(2)
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	101	153
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(2)	(11)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
U.S. Government agency obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	366	298
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(5)	(8)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
Other [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	0	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	32
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	$ (2)	$ (2)

Investment Securities (Detail53

Investment Securities (Details 2) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)securities	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)securities
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities, less than 12 months | securities	22	37
Number of securities, 12 months or more | securities	6	6
Number of securities, total | securities	28	43
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 467	$ 451
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	32
Estimated Fair Value, Total	499	483
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(7)	(19)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(2)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (9)	$ (21)
Ratio Of Fair Value To Amortized Cost Between Ninety And One Hundred Percent [Member]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities, less than 12 months | securities	22	33
Number of securities, 12 months or more | securities	6	6
Number of securities, total | securities	28	39
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 467	$ 411
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	32
Estimated Fair Value, Total	499	443
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(7)	(13)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(2)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (9)	$ (15)
Ratio Of Fair Value To Amortized Cost Less Than Ninety Percent [Member]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities, less than 12 months | securities	0	4
Number of securities, 12 months or more | securities	0	0
Number of securities, total | securities	0	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 0	$ 40
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Estimated Fair Value, Total	0	40
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	(6)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ 0	$ (6)

Investment Securities (Detail54

Investment Securities (Details 3) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Due within 1 year	$ 648
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	998
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	268
Due after 10 years	1,267
Total	3,181
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	648
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	1,000
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	272
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	1,282
Total	$ 3,202

Investment Securities (Detail55

Investment Securities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment Securities (Details) [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the period	$ 0	$ 0

Asset Securitizations (Details)

Asset Securitizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 1,816	$ 38
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	2	3
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 1,814	$ 35

Asset Securitizations (Details

Asset Securitizations (Details Textuals) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	$ 6.5
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	$ 10.7

Customer Deposits (Details)

Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S.:
Interest-bearing	$ 60,573	$ 52,316
Non-interest-bearing	337	367
Non-U.S.:
Interest-bearing	32	58
Non-interest-bearing	348	301
Total customer deposits	61,290	53,042
Card Member Credit Balances [Member]
U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	300	331
Non-U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	$ 334	$ 285

Customer Deposits (Details 1)

Customer Deposits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. retail deposits:
Savings accounts - Direct	$ 30,780	$ 30,980
Certificates of deposit - Direct	290	291
Certificates of deposit - Third party	17,229	11,925
Sweep accounts - Third party	12,274	9,120
Other retail deposits:
U.S. non-interest bearing deposits, Other	37	36
Non-US Deposits, Other	46	74
Card Member credit balances - U.S. and non-U.S.	634	616
Total customer deposits	$ 61,290	$ 53,042

Customer Deposits (Details 2)

Customer Deposits (Details 2) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,017	$ 1,453
2,018	5,176
2,019	4,252
2,020	3,511
2,021	1,234
After 5 years	1,912
Total	17,538
United States [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,017	1,450
2,018	5,160
2,019	4,252
2,020	3,511
2,021	1,234
After 5 years	1,912
Total	17,519
Non United States [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,017	3
2,018	16
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
After 5 years	0
Total	$ 19

Customer Deposits (Details 3)

Customer Deposits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More	$ 121	$ 124
United States [Member]
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More	113	117
Non Us [Member]
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More	$ 8	$ 7

Customer Deposits (Details Text

Customer Deposits (Details Textuals)	Sep. 30, 2017M
Customer Deposits Textuals [Abstract]
Weighted Average Rate Domestic Deposit Certificates Of Deposit	2.10%
Weighted Average Maturity Certificates of Deposits	44

Contingencies (Details Textuals

Contingencies (Details Textuals) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Estimate Of Possible Loss	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Estimate Of Possible Loss	$ 500

Derivatives and Hedging Activ64

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	$ 235	$ 765
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	327	280
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral netting	17	54
Derivative asset and liability netting	(92)	(157)
Total derivative assets	126	555
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	67	458
Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	26	111
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	41	347
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	168	308
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral netting	(8)	(68)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(92)	(157)
Total derivative liabilities	227	55
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	225	104
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	102	176
Other Liabilities [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	15	69
Other Liabilities [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	210	35
Individually Significant Counterparties [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative assets	0	0
Total derivative liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Activ65

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Other Expense [Member] - Interest Rate Contracts [Member] - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract	$ (31)	$ (123)	$ (100)	$ 103
Hedged item	39	134	64	(90)
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$ 8	$ 11	$ (36)	$ 13

Derivatives and Hedging Activ66

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Net reduction in interest expense on long term debt and other	$ 24	$ 55	$ 105	$ 173
Margin On Interest Rate Swap Not Netted	152		152		$ 169
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	20,700		20,700		17,700
Effective portion of gain (loss) on hedges	(184)	(18)	(515)	25
Net hedge ineffectiveness	0	0
Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in Changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	(15)	(4)	(36)	(12)
Gain on embedded derivatives	1	1	(1)	7
Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from AOCI into income	(18)	0	(18)	5
Net hedge ineffectiveness	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from AOCI into income	0
Not Sold Or Repledged [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities received as collateral	0		0		18
Risk Exposure Low [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total derivative assets					$ 537
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total derivative assets	11		11
Derivative Liability	87		87
Derivative Assets, Cleared Collateral, Offset	11		11
Derivative Liabilities, Cleared Collateral, Offset	$ 79		$ 79

Fair Values (Details)

Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment securities:
Equity securities and other	$ 49	$ 49
Debt securities	3,201	3,108
Derivatives	235	765
Total assets	3,485	3,922
Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities and other	1	1
Debt securities	1,118	460
Derivatives	0	0
Total assets	1,119	461
Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities and other	48	48
Debt securities	2,083	2,648
Derivatives	235	765
Total assets	2,366	3,461
Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities and other	0	0
Debt securities	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Total assets	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details 1)

Fair Values (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 327	$ 280
Total liabilities	327	280
Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	327	280
Total liabilities	327	280
Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details 2)

Fair Values (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 26,168	$ 25,208	$ 26,520	$ 22,762
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	17,538
Long-term debt	48,762	46,990
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, less reserves	51,002	46,841
Card Member loans, net	66,376	64,042
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	15,026	15,113
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	26,000	25,000
Other financial assets	56,000	51,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	69,000	65,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	69,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	18,000	12,000
Long-term debt	49,000	47,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	26,000	25,000
Other financial assets	56,000	51,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	69,000	66,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	69,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	18,000	12,000
Long-term debt	50,000	48,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	15,100	15,200
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, less reserves	7,800	8,800
Card Member loans, net	24,100	26,000
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	24,000	22,000
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	2,000	3,000
Other financial assets	56,000	51,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	69,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	18,000	12,000
Long-term debt	50,000	48,000
Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	69,000	66,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details Textuals)

Fair Values (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value for impairment	$ 0	$ 0

Guarantees (Details)

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Type of Guarantee
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	$ 1,000	$ 48,000
Amount of related liability	$ 54	$ 86

Changes in Accumulated Other 72

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period			$ (2,784)
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings		$ 3
Net unrealized Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	$ 7	7	8	$ 39
Balances as of end of period	(2,316)		(2,316)
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Investment securities	(1)	(9)	2	(7)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(25)	(6)	(204)	30
Cash Flow Hedges	(99)	(18)	(306)	7
Pension and other postretirement benefits	(2)	7	(10)	36
Total tax impact	(127)	(26)	(518)	66
Tax Benefit Recognized in the period			289
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(2,428)	(2,621)	(2,784)	(2,534)
Net unrealized gains	(2)	(14)	4	(5)
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(1)	(1)	(1)	(3)
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations	292	29	972	(140)
Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	(184)	(18)	(515)	25
Net unrealized Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	7	7	8	39
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	112	3	468	(84)
Balances as of end of period	(2,316)	(2,618)	(2,316)	(2,618)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	13	65	7	58
Net unrealized gains	(2)	(14)	4	(5)
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	0	(1)	0	(3)
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Net unrealized Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2)	(15)	4	(8)
Balances as of end of period	11	50	11	50
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(1,913)	(2,170)	(2,262)	(2,044)
Net unrealized gains	0	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(1)	0	(1)	0
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations	292	29	972	(140)
Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	(184)	(18)	(515)	25
Net unrealized Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	107	11	456	(115)
Balances as of end of period	(1,806)	(2,159)	(1,806)	(2,159)
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Gains (Losses) [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(528)	(516)	(529)	(548)
Net unrealized gains	0	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	0	0	0	0
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Net unrealized Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	7	7	8	39
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7	7	8	39
Balances as of end of period	$ (521)	$ (509)	$ (521)	$ (509)

Changes in Accumulated Other 73

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other non-interest revenue	$ 436	$ 483	$ 1,284	$ 1,514
Interest expense on long-term debt and other	354	280	994	841
Other expenses	1,498	1,498	4,281	3,388
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings		3
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	0	(1)	0	(3)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(1)	0	(1)	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(1)	(1)	(1)	(3)
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other non-interest revenue	0	1	0	5
Income tax provision for other non-interest revenue	0	0	0	(2)
Other non-interest revenue, net of taxes	0	1	0	3
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other expenses	(6)	0	(6)	0
Income tax benefit for other, net expense	7	0	7	0
Other, net expense, net of taxes	1	0	1	0
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1	$ 3

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe74

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Delinquency fees	$ 221	$ 183	$ 653	$ 575
Foreign currency conversion fee revenue	219	207	630	610
Loyalty Partner-related fees	116	106	332	304
Travel commissions and fees	93	89	267	256
Other	118	109	350	331
Total Other fees and commissions	$ 767	$ 694	$ 2,232	$ 2,076

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe75

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Global Network Services partner revenues	$ 150	$ 156	$ 456	$ 498
Other	286	327	828	1,016
Total other revenues	$ 436	$ 483	$ 1,284	$ 1,514

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe76

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Professional services	$ 568	$ 429	$ 1,527	$ 1,332
Occupancy and equipment	501	630	1,534	1,862
Gain on sale of held for sale (HFS) portfolio	0	0	0	(1,218)
Other	429	439	1,220	1,412
Total other, net	$ 1,498	$ 1,498	$ 4,281	$ 3,388

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes (Textuals)
Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$ 307		$ 307
Decrease in Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity	$ 253		$ 253
Actual tax rates	25.80%	34.20%	29.70%	33.90%
Tax Benefit Recognized in the period			$ 289
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, could impact effective tax rate.	$ 257		$ 257
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2,008
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2,014

Earnings Per Common Share (EP78

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016
Basic and diluted:
Net income	$ 1,356		$ 1,142		$ 3,933		$ 4,583
Preferred dividends	(21)		(21)		(61)		(61)
Net income available to common stockholders - basic	1,335		1,121		3,872		4,522
Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	1,335		1,121		3,872		4,522
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	(11)		(9)		(32)		(37)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 1,324		$ 1,112		$ 3,840		$ 4,485
Denominator:
Basic	878		920		889		940
Add: Weighted-average stock options	3		3		3		3
Diluted	881		923		892		943
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic (Note 15) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 1.51	[1]	$ 1.21	[1]	$ 4.32	[2]	$ 4.77	[2]
Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted (Note 15) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 1.5	[1]	$ 1.2	[1]	$ 4.3	[2]	$ 4.76	[2]
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per Share, amount	0.5		3.2		0.8		2.2
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 11 million and $ 9 million for the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 21 million for both the three months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 .
[2]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 32 million and $ 37 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 61 million for both the nine months ended September 30 , 2017 and 2016 .

Reportable Operating Segments a

Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	$ 6,761	$ 6,440	$ 19,927	$ 19,734
Interest income	2,242	1,764	6,237	5,654
Interest expense	567	430	1,532	1,291
Total revenues, net of interest expense	8,436	7,774	24,632	24,097
Net income	1,356	1,142	3,933	4,583
Total assets	168,577	153,000	168,577	153,000	$ 158,893
Total equity	21,085	21,000	21,085	21,000	$ 20,501
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,976	1,849	5,832	5,947
Interest income	1,509	1,178	4,186	3,847
Interest expense	202	125	519	404
Total revenues, net of interest expense	3,283	2,902	9,499	9,390
Net income	475	401	1,384	2,162
Total assets	87,700	79,000	87,700	79,000
Total equity	7,100	8,000	7,100	8,000
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,277	1,205	3,719	3,587
Interest income	271	231	752	692
Interest expense	65	55	178	167
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,483	1,381	4,293	4,112
Net income	286	155	713	571
Total assets	38,900	34,000	38,900	34,000
Total equity	2,900	3,000	2,900	3,000
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,360	2,240	6,999	6,710
Interest income	351	282	1,004	913
Interest expense	144	98	382	297
Total revenues, net of interest expense	2,567	2,424	7,621	7,326
Net income	529	466	1,447	1,527
Total assets	52,700	47,000	52,700	47,000
Total equity	7,300	7,000	7,300	7,000
Global Merchant Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,088	1,044	3,191	3,172
Interest income	0	0	1	1
Interest expense	(65)	(60)	(188)	(180)
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,153	1,104	3,380	3,353
Net income	368	359	1,161	1,089
Total assets	26,700	23,000	26,700	23,000
Total equity	2,600	2,000	2,600	2,000
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	60	102	186	318
Interest income	111	73	294	201
Interest expense	221	212	641	603
Total revenues, net of interest expense	(50)	(37)	(161)	(84)
Net income	(302)	(239)	(772)	(766)
Total assets	(38,000)	(30,000)	(38,000)	(30,000)
Total equity	$ 1,100	$ 1,000	$ 1,100	$ 1,000