American Express (AXP) 10-Q 23 Oct 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 19, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7657
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000004962
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NY
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-4922250
Entity Address, Address Line One	200 Vesey Street
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10285
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	640-2000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common shares (par value $0.20 per share)
Trading Symbol	AXP
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		805,201,951
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Shell Company	false

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020		Sep. 30, 2019		Sep. 30, 2020		Sep. 30, 2019
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	$ 6,877		$ 8,786		$ 20,648		$ 25,855
Interest income
Interest on loans	2,266		2,885		7,543		8,374
Interest and dividends on investment securities	33		53		98		138
Deposits with banks and other	25		142		155		487
Total interest income	2,324		3,080		7,796		8,999
Interest expense
Deposits	202		401		788		1,206
Long-term debt and other	248		476		920		1,457
Total interest expense	450		877		1,708		2,663
Net interest income	1,874		2,203		6,088		6,336
Total revenues net of interest expense	8,751		10,989		26,736		32,191
Provisions for credit losses
Card Member receivables	117		238		1,069		715
Card Member loans	571		604		3,416		1,732
Other	(23)		37		356		102
Total provisions for credit losses	665		879		4,841		2,549
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for credit losses	8,086		10,110		21,895		29,642
Expenses
Marketing and business development	1,822		1,821		4,889		5,172
Card Member rewards	2,004		2,614		5,745		7,717
Card Member services	259		558		923		1,671
Salaries and employee benefits	1,408		1,499		4,152		4,288
Other, net	1,229		1,352		3,748		4,351
Total expenses	6,722		7,844		19,457		23,199
Pretax income	1,364		2,266		2,438		6,443
Income tax provision	291		511		741		1,377
Net income	$ 1,073		$ 1,755		$ 1,697		$ 5,066
Earnings per Common Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.31	[1]	$ 2.09	[1]	$ 2.01	[2]	$ 5.97	[2]
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	[1]	$ 2.08	[1]	$ 2.01	[2]	$ 5.95	[2]
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:
Basic (in shares)	804		825		805		833
Diluted (in shares)	805		827		806		835
Discount revenue [Member]
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	$ 4,999		$ 6,566		$ 14,852		$ 19,338
Net card fees [Member]
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	1,191		1,033		3,442		2,965
Other fees and commissions [Member]
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	478		825		1,647		2,465
Other [Member]
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	$ 209		$ 362		$ 707		$ 1,087
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $7 million and $11 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $16 million and $21 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
[2]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $10 million and $35 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $65 million and $61 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Consolidated Statements of In_2

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$ 7	$ 11	$ 10	$ 35
Dividends on preferred shares	$ 16	$ 21	$ 65	$ 61

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,073	$ 1,755	$ 1,697	$ 5,066
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized debt securities (losses) gains, net of tax	(9)	3	43	46
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	40	(59)	(159)	(87)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	8	1	(19)	(23)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	39	(55)	(135)	(64)
Comprehensive income	$ 1,112	$ 1,700	$ 1,562	$ 5,002

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and due from banks	$ 2,105	$ 3,402
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (includes securities purchased under resale agreements)	30,817	20,392
Short-term investment securities	108	138
Total cash and cash equivalents	33,030	23,932
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves for credit losses	40,389	56,794
Card Member loans (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves for credit losses	63,918	84,998
Other loans, less reserves for credit losses	3,144	4,626
Investment securities	22,443	8,406
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,835	4,834
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities), less reserves for credit losses	19,500	14,731
Total assets	187,259	198,321
Liabilities
Customer deposits	85,461	73,287
Accounts payable	8,232	12,738
Short-term borrowings	1,716	6,442
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	44,777	57,835
Other liabilities	25,204	24,948
Total liabilities	165,390	175,250
Contingencies (Note 7)
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares	0	0
Common shares	161	163
Additional paid-in capital	11,818	11,774
Retained earnings	12,762	13,871
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net unrealized debt securities gains (losses), net of tax	76	33
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(2,348)	(2,189)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	(600)	(581)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,872)	(2,737)
Total shareholders’ equity	21,869	23,071
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 187,259	$ 198,321

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	$ 304	$ 87
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, gross	40,811	57,413
Card Member receivables, reserves for credit losses	422	619
Loans
Card Member loans, gross	69,606	87,381
Card Member loans, reserves for credit losses	5,688	2,383
Other loans, reserves for credit losses	370	152
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	7,470	6,562
Restricted cash	2,597	514
Other assets, reserves for credit losses	85	27
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt	$ 44,777	$ 57,835
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.667	$ 1.667
Preferred shares, authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred shares, issued	1,600	1,600
Preferred shares, outstanding	1,600	1,600
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	805,000,000	810,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	805,000,000	810,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net unrealized debt securities gains (losses), tax	$ 24	$ 11
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(242)	(319)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	(198)	(208)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, gross	4,247	8,284
Loans
Card Member loans, gross	25,219	32,230
Restricted cash	2,065	85
Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt	$ 14,582	$ 19,668

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 1,697	$ 5,066
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for credit losses	4,841	2,549
Depreciation and amortization	1,115	883
Deferred taxes and other	79	619
Stock-based compensation	175	217
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other assets	(1,432)	(43)
Accounts payable & other liabilities	(4,384)	1,145
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,091	10,436
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investment securities	58	0
Maturities and redemptions of investment securities	4,881	5,072
Purchase of investments	(18,977)	(8,917)
Net decrease (increase) in Card Member loans and receivables, and other loans	32,262	(6,071)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(1,042)	(1,214)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired	0	(270)
Other investing activities	7	148
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	17,189	(11,252)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	12,158	3,346
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	(4,737)	(285)
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	12,710
Payments of long-term debt	(13,699)	(13,279)
Issuance of American Express common shares	34	77
Repurchase of American Express common shares and other	(1,026)	(3,463)
Dividends paid	(1,112)	(1,048)
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,382)	(1,942)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	283	304
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	11,181	(2,454)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	24,446	27,808
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 35,627	$ 25,354

Consolidated Statements of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Sales of premises and equipment	$ 1	$ 41
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	33,030	24,266
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets	2,597	1,088
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 35,627	$ 25,354

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses	Preferred Shares [Member]	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	Series C Preferred Stock [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 22,290		$ 0	$ 170	$ 12,218	$ (2,597)	$ 12,499
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	5,066						5,066
Other comprehensive loss	(64)					(64)	0
Repurchase of common shares	(3,325)			(6)	(517)		(2,802)
Other changes, primarily employee plans	127			1	168		(42)
Cash dividends declared preferred									$ (19)	$ (19)	$ (42)	$ (42)
Cash dividends declared common	(1,008)						(1,008)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	23,025		0	165	11,869	(2,661)	13,652
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)									$ 26		$ 49
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	23,092		0	167	11,980	(2,606)	13,551
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,755						1,755
Other comprehensive loss	(55)					(55)	0
Repurchase of common shares	(1,450)			(2)	(170)		(1,278)
Other changes, primarily employee plans	58				59		(1)
Cash dividends declared preferred											$ (21)	(21)
Cash dividends declared common	(354)						(354)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	23,025		0	165	11,869	(2,661)	13,652
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)											$ 24.50
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 23,071	$ (882)	0	163	11,774	(2,737)	13,871	$ (882)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Ending Balance at Jan. 01, 2020								(882)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Impact of new accounting guidance, tax		288
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 23,071	(882)	0	163	11,774	(2,737)	13,871	$ (882)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,697						1,697
Other comprehensive loss	(135)					(135)	0
Repurchase of common shares	(875)			(2)	(105)		(768)
Other changes, primarily employee plans	102				149		(47)
Cash dividends declared preferred									$ (27)	(27)	$ (38)	(38)
Cash dividends declared common	(1,044)						(1,044)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	21,869		0	161	11,818	(2,872)	12,762
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)									$ 36.44		$ 43.99
Impact of new accounting guidance, net of tax		$ 1,170
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	21,062		0	161	11,760	(2,911)	12,052
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,073						1,073
Other comprehensive loss	39					39	0
Other changes, primarily employee plans	59				58		1
Cash dividends declared preferred									$ (7)	$ (7)	$ (9)	$ (9)
Cash dividends declared common	(348)						(348)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 21,869		$ 0	$ 161	$ 11,818	$ (2,872)	$ 12,762
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)									$ 9.98		$ 9.20

Consolidated Statements of Sh_2

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash dividends declared
Common stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.43	$ 1.29	$ 1.21
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash dividends declared
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)	9.98		36.44	26
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash dividends declared
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.20	$ 24.50	$ 43.99	$ 49

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Company We are a globally integrated payments company that provides our customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Our principal products and services are credit and charge card products, along with travel and lifestyle 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. Our 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 through various channels, including mobile and online applications, affiliate marketing, customer referral programs, third-party vendors and business partners, direct mail, telephone, in-house sales teams, and direct response advertising. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. If not materially different, certain note disclosures included therein have been omitted from these Consolidated Financial Statements. The interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report have not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim Consolidated Financial Statements, 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 estimates 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 Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted the new credit reserving methodology, applicable to certain financial instruments, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss

Loans and Card Member Receivabl

Loans and Card Member Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans and Card Member Receivables	Loans and Card Member Receivables Our lending and charge payment card products result in the generation of Card Member loans and Card Member receivables. We also extend credit to consumer and commercial customers through non-card financing products, resulting in Other loans. Reserves for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented using the CECL methodology, while comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss methodology in effect for prior periods. Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of: (Millions) 2020 2019 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 57,538 $ 73,266 Global Commercial Services 12,068 14,115 Card Member loans 69,606 87,381 Less: Reserve for credit losses 5,688 2,383 Card Member loans, net $ 63,918 $ 84,998 Other loans, net (b) $ 3,144 $ 4,626 (a) Includes approximately $25.2 billion and $32.2 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (b) Other loans represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products, and Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. There were $0.7 billion of gross PPP loans as of September 30, 2020. Other loans are presented net of reserves for credit losses of $370 million and $152 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Card Member receivables by segment as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of: (Millions) 2020 2019 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 16,093 $ 22,844 Global Commercial Services (b) 24,718 34,569 Card Member receivables 40,811 57,413 Less: Reserve for credit losses 422 619 Card Member receivables, net $ 40,389 $ 56,794 (a) Includes nil and $8.3 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (b) Includes $4.2 billion and nil of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Card Member Loans and 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 2020 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 56,833 $ 174 $ 141 $ 390 $ 57,538 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 11,880 30 25 77 12,012 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 56 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 15,963 36 27 67 16,093 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 14,171 $ 35 $ 26 $ 77 $ 14,309 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 67 $ 10,409 2019 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 72,101 $ 322 $ 253 $ 590 $ 73,266 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 13,898 56 40 85 14,079 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 36 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 22,560 86 58 140 22,844 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 17,113 $ 99 $ 58 $ 134 $ 17,404 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 136 $ 17,165 (a) Global Corporate Payments (GCP) reflects global, large and middle market corporate accounts. 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 we initiate collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member loan or 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). (b) Delinquency data for periods other than 90+ days past billing is 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 Card Member Loans and Receivables The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the nine months ended September 30: 2020 2019 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: Global Consumer Services Group 2.7 % 3.2 % 1.2 % 2.3 % 2.8 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 2.1 % 2.4 % 1.1 % 1.8 % 2.1 % 1.3 % Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 2.0 % 2.2 % 0.8 % 1.7 % 1.8 % 1.4 % Global Small Business Services 2.3 % 2.6 % 1.0 % 1.9 % 2.1 % 1.7 % Global Corporate Payments (b) 2.2 % (c) (b) (d) (c) (a) We present 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 we consider uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating our reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. (b) Net write-off rate based on principal losses only is not available due to system constraints. (c) For GCP Card Member receivables, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. Delinquency data for periods other than 90+ days past billing is not available due to system constraints. 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of total was 0.6% and 0.7% for the periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (d) Net loss ratio was the credit quality indicator for GCP Card Member receivables for prior periods and represents the ratio of GCP Card Member receivables write-offs, consisting of principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee components, less recoveries, on Card Member receivables expressed as a percentage of gross amounts billed to corporate Card Members. The net loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was 0.08%. Refer to Note 3 for additional indicators, including external environmental qualitative factors, management considers in its evaluation process for reserves for credit losses. Impaired Loans and Receivables Impaired loans and receivables are individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smaller balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the customer agreement. We consider impaired loans and receivables to include (i) loans over 90 days past due still accruing interest, (ii) nonaccrual loans and (iii) loans and receivables modified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). In instances where the customer is experiencing financial difficulty, we may modify, through various financial relief programs, loans and receivables with the intention to minimize losses and improve collectability, while providing customers with temporary or permanent financial relief. We have classified loans and receivables in these modification programs as TDRs and continue to classify customer accounts that have exited a modification program as a TDR, with such accounts identified as “Out of Program TDRs.” Such modifications to the loans and receivables primarily include (i) temporary interest rate reductions (possibly as low as zero percent, in which case the loan is characterized as non-accrual in our TDR disclosures), (ii) placing the customer on a fixed payment plan not to exceed 60 months and (iii) suspending delinquency fees until the customer exits the modification program. Upon entering the modification program, the customer’s ability to make future purchases is either limited, canceled, or in certain cases suspended until the customer successfully exits from the modification program. In accordance with the modification agreement with the customer, loans and/or receivables may revert back to the original contractual terms (including the contractual interest rate where applicable) when the customer exits the modification program, which is (i) when all payments have been made in accordance with the modification agreement or (ii) when the customer defaults out of the modification program. Reserves for modifications deemed TDRs are measured individually and incorporate a discounted cash flow model. All changes in the impairment measurement are included within provisions for credit losses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States introduced the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which among other things provides financial institutions with the option to temporarily suspend (i) certain requirements under U.S. GAAP for loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic that would otherwise be treated as TDRs and (ii) any determination that a loan modified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is a TDR (including impairment for accounting purposes). Based on the nature of our programs, we have not elected the accounting and reporting relief afforded by this guidance and continue to report modifications as TDRs. In the first quarter of 2020, we created a Customer Pandemic Relief (CPR) program for customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a concession in the form of payment deferrals and waivers of certain fees and interest. We assessed the CPR program and determined that eligible loan modifications were temporary in nature, for example, less than three months, and not considered TDRs. Our short-term CPR programs are no longer widely available with immaterial balances remaining in the program as of September 30, 2020. The following tables provide additional information with respect to our impaired loans and receivables as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: As of September 30, 2020 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2020 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non- Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 243 $ 186 $ 1,479 $ 209 $ 2,117 $ 825 Global Commercial Services 37 45 473 56 611 297 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 232 22 254 38 Global Commercial Services — — 605 57 662 105 Other Loans (f) 4 1 283 3 291 101 Total $ 284 $ 232 $ 3,072 $ 347 $ 3,935 $ 1,366 As of December 31, 2019 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2019 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non- Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 384 $ 284 $ 500 $ 175 $ 1,343 $ 137 Global Commercial Services 44 54 97 38 233 22 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 56 16 72 3 Global Commercial Services — — 109 30 139 6 Total $ 428 $ 338 $ 762 $ 259 $ 1,787 $ 168 (a) Our policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). We establish reserves for interest that we believe will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude loans classified as a TDR. (b) Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain loans placed with outside collection agencies for which we have ceased accruing interest. Amounts presented exclude loans classified as TDRs. (c) Accounts classified as a TDR include $31 million and $26 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $9 million and $10 million that are non-accruals as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (d) In Program TDRs include accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. (e) Out of Program TDRs include $256 million and $188 million of accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $91 million and $72 million of accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (f) Other loans primarily represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products. Prior period balances were not significant. Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs The following table provides additional information with respect to loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 76 $ 649 14 (b) 216 $ 1,947 14 (b) Card Member Receivables 13 231 (c) 18 38 1,049 (c) 19 Other Loans (d) 3 $ 165 3 17 8 $ 319 3 16 Total 92 $ 1,045 262 $ 3,315 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 21 $ 160 13 (b) 55 $ 425 13 (b) Card Member Receivables 2 54 (c) 27 6 144 (c) 27 Total 23 $ 214 61 $ 569 (a) Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on loans and principal and fees on receivables. Modifications did not reduce the principal balance. (b) For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. (c) We do not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing. (d) Other loans primarily represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products. Prior period balances were not significant. The following table provides information with respect to loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification. A customer can miss up to three payments before being considered in default, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all customers that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for loans and receivables. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Accounts (thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Number of Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 4 $ 32 11 $ 84 Card Member Receivables 1 16 3 34 Other Loans (b) 1 1 2 2 Total 6 $ 49 16 $ 120 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Accounts (thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Number of Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 4 $ 23 9 $ 59 Card Member Receivables 1 5 3 13 Total 5 $ 28 12 $ 72 (a) The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on loans, and principal and fees on receivables.

Reserves for Credit Losses

Reserves for Credit Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Reserve for Credit Losses	Reserves for Credit Losses Reserves for credit losses represent our best estimate of the expected credit losses in our outstanding portfolio of Card Member loans and receivables as of the balance sheet date. The CECL methodology, which became effective January 1, 2020, requires us to estimate lifetime expected credit losses by incorporating historical loss experience, as well as current and future economic conditions over a reasonable and supportable period (R&S Period) beyond the balance sheet date. We make various judgments combined with historical loss experience to calculate a reserve rate that is applied to the outstanding loan or receivable balance to produce a reserve for expected credit losses . We use a combination of statistically-based models that incorporate current and future economic conditions throughout the R&S Period. The process of estimating expected credit losses is based on several key models: Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD), and future recoveries for each month of the R&S Period. Beyond the R&S Period, we estimate expected credit losses using our historical loss rates. • PD models are used to estimate the likelihood an account will be written-off. • EAD models are used to estimate the balance of an account at the time of write-off. This includes balances less expected repayments based on historical payment and revolve behavior, which vary by customer. Due to the nature of revolving loan portfolios, the EAD models are complex and involve assumptions regarding the relationship between future spend and payment behaviors. • Recovery models are used to estimate amounts that are expected to be received from Card Members after default occurs, typically as a result of collection efforts. Future recoveries are estimated taking into consideration the time of default, time elapsed since default and macroeconomic conditions. We also estimate the likelihood and magnitude of recovery of previously written off accounts considering how long ago the account was written off and future economic conditions. Our models are developed using historical loss experience covering the economic cycle and consider the impact of account characteristics on expected losses. Future economic conditions that are incorporated over the R&S Period include multiple macroeconomic scenarios provided to us by an independent third party. Management reviews these economic scenarios quarterly and uses their judgment to weight them in order to reflect the uncertainty surrounding these scenarios. These macroeconomic scenarios contain certain variables, including unemployment rates and real gross domestic product, that are significant to our models. We also evaluate whether to include qualitative reserves to cover losses that are expected but, in our assessment, may not be adequately represented in the quantitative methods or the economic assumptions. We consider whether to adjust the quantitative reserves (higher or lower) to address possible limitations within the models or factors not included within the models, such as external conditions, emerging portfolio trends, the nature and size of the portfolio, portfolio concentrations, the volume and severity of past due accounts, or management risk actions. Lifetime losses for most of our loans and receivables are evaluated at an appropriate level of granularity, including assessment on a pooled basis where financial assets share similar risk characteristics, such as past spend and remittance behaviors, credit bureau scores where available, delinquency status, tenure of balance outstanding, amongst others. Credit losses on accrued interest are measured and presented as part of Reserves for credit losses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and within the Provisions for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, rather than reversing interest income. Separate models are used for accounts deemed a troubled debt restructuring, which are measured individually using a discounted cash flow model. See Note 2 for information on troubled debt restructurings. Loans and receivable balances are written off when we consider amounts to be uncollectible, which is generally determined by the number of days past due and is typically no later than 180 days past due for pay in full or revolving loans and 120 days past due for term loans. Loans and receivables in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented using the CECL methodology while comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss methodology in effect for prior periods. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Credit Losses Card Member loans reserve for credit losses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily driven by further deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook and greater weight placed on the downside scenario given continued high levels of uncertainty regarding the pace of recovery, partially offset by improved credit performance. Card Member loans reserve for credit losses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily driven by deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, including unemployment and GDP, and changes in portfolio mix, partially offset by a decline in outstanding balances. The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Beginning Balance (a) $ 5,628 $ 2,168 $ 4,027 $ 2,134 Provisions (b) 571 604 3,416 1,732 Net write-offs (c) Principal (432) (447) (1,449) (1,367) Interest and fees (91) (91) (301) (277) Other (d) 12 (2) (5) 10 Ending Balance $ 5,688 $ 2,232 $ 5,688 $ 2,232 (a) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, beginning balance includes an increase of $1,643 million as of January 1, 2020, related to the adoption of the CECL (b) Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (c) Principal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $142 million and $135 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $421 million and $389 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were not significant. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(35) million and $(20) million for the three months September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(98) million and $(53) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (d) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $13 million and $(6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(4) million and $(3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Credit Losses Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily driven by improved credit performance. Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily driven by deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, including unemployment and GDP, partially offset by a decline in outstanding balances. The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Beginning Balance (a) $ 519 $ 616 $ 126 $ 573 Provisions (b) 117 238 1,069 715 Net write-offs (c) (219) (231) (776) (657) Other (d) 5 (8) 3 (16) Ending Balance $ 422 $ 615 $ 422 $ 615 (a) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, beginning balance includes a decrease of $493 million as of January 1, 2020, related to the adoption of the CECL (b) Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (c) Net write-offs are presented less recoveries of $103 million and $94 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $283 million and $278 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(15) million and $(5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(31) million and $(11) million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (d) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $3 million and $(6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $2 million and $(3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	Investment Securities Investment securities principally include available-for-sale debt securities carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The CECL methodology, which became effective January 1, 2020, requires us to estimate lifetime expected credit losses for all available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position. Comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the methodology in effect for prior periods. When estimating a security’s probability of default and the recovery rate, we assess the security’s credit indicators, including credit ratings. If our assessment indicates that an expected credit loss exists, we determine the portion of the unrealized loss attributable to credit deterioration and record an allowance for the expected credit loss through the Consolidated Statements of Income in Other loans Provision for credit losses. Unrealized gains and any portion of a security’s unrealized loss attributable to non-credit losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, net of tax. We had accrued interest on our available-for-sale debt securities totaling $54 million and $20 million, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, presented as Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investment securities also include equity securities carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income as Other, net expense. 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 2020 2019 Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gross Gross Estimated Cost Gross Gross Estimated Available-for-sale debt securities: State and municipal obligations $ 173 $ 7 $ — $ 180 $ 236 $ 8 $ (1) $ 243 U.S. Government agency obligations 8 — — 8 9 — — 9 U.S. Government treasury obligations 21,431 89 — 21,520 7,395 35 (1) 7,429 Corporate debt securities 24 — — 24 27 — — 27 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 31 3 — 34 39 2 — 41 Foreign government bonds and obligations 577 1 — 578 578 1 — 579 Equity securities (b) 57 44 (2) 99 55 25 (2) 78 Total $ 22,301 $ 144 $ (2) $ 22,443 $ 8,339 $ 71 $ (4) $ 8,406 (a) Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. (b) Equity securities comprise investments in common stock, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds. The following table provides information about our available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2019. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2020. 2019 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Gross Estimated Fair Value Gross State and municipal obligations $ 18 $ (1) $ — $ — U.S. Government treasury obligations — — 324 (1) Total $ 18 $ (1) $ 324 $ (1) The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of December 31, 2019. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2020. Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost (Dollars in millions) Number of Estimated Gross Number of Estimated Gross Number of Estimated Gross 2019: 90%–100% 2 $ 18 $ (1) 3 $ 324 $ (1) 5 $ 342 $ (2) Total as of December 31, 2019 2 $ 18 $ (1) 3 $ 324 $ (1) 5 $ 342 $ (2) Contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (Millions) Cost Estimated Due within 1 year $ 14,313 $ 14,326 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 7,618 7,680 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 181 201 Due after 10 years 132 137 Total $ 22,244 $ 22,344 The expected payments on state and municipal obligations, U.S. government agency 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, 2020
Asset Securitizations [Abstract]
Asset Securitizations	Asset Securitizations We periodically securitize Card Member loans and receivables arising from our card businesses through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts, American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust) and American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust and together with the Lending Trust, the Trusts). The Trusts then issue debt securities collateralized by the transferred assets to third-party investors. The Trusts are considered VIEs as they have insufficient equity at risk to finance their activities, which are to issue debt securities that are collateralized by the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. We perform the servicing and key decision making for the Trusts, and therefore have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Trusts’ economic performance, which are the collection of the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. In addition, we hold all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the debt securities issued to third-party investors. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, our ownership of variable interests was $10.9 billion and $12.9 billion, respectively, for the Lending Trust and $4.3 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively, for the Charge Trust. These variable interests held by us provide us 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. Based on these considerations, we are the primary beneficiary of the Trusts and therefore consolidate the Trusts. The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the Trusts as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2020 2019 Lending Trust $ 2,065 $ 85 Charge Trust — — Total $ 2,065 $ 85 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. Under the respective terms of the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust agreements, the occurrence of certain triggering 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, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019, no such triggering events occurred.

Customer Deposits

Customer Deposits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Deposits [Abstract]
Customer Deposits	Customer Deposits As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows: (Millions) 2020 2019 U.S.: Interest-bearing $ 83,963 $ 72,445 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2020, $701; 2019, $389) 726 415 Non-U.S.: Interest-bearing 20 23 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2020, $749; 2019, $401) 752 404 Total customer deposits $ 85,461 $ 73,287 Customer deposits by deposit type as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows: (Millions) 2020 2019 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 60,370 $ 46,394 Certificates of deposit: Direct 2,592 1,854 Third-party (brokered) 6,899 8,076 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 14,102 16,121 Other deposits: U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 25 26 Non-U.S. deposits 23 26 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 1,450 790 Total customer deposits $ 85,461 $ 73,287 The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2020 $ 1,612 $ 3 $ 1,615 2021 3,744 5 3,749 2022 3,013 1 3,014 2023 644 — 644 2024 274 — 274 After 5 years 204 — 204 Total $ 9,491 $ 9 $ 9,500 As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2020 2019 U.S. $ 966 $ 622 Non-U.S. 1 4 Total $ 967 $ 626

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we and our 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). Based on our current knowledge, and taking into consideration our litigation-related liabilities, we do not believe we are a party to, nor are any of our properties the subject of, any legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, including the fact that some pending legal proceedings are at preliminary stages or seek an indeterminate amount of damages, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings could have a material impact on our results of operations. Certain legal proceedings involving us or our subsidiaries are described below. A putative merchant class action in the Eastern District of New York, consolidated in 2011 and collectively captioned In re: American Express Anti-Steering Rules Antitrust Litigation (II) , alleged that provisions in our merchant agreements prohibiting merchants from differentially surcharging our cards or steering a customer to use another network’s card or another type of general-purpose card (“anti-steering” and “non-discrimination” contractual provisions) violate U.S. antitrust laws. On January 15, 2020, our motion to compel arbitration of claims brought by merchants who accept American Express and to dismiss claims of merchants who do not was granted. Plaintiffs have appealed part of this decision. On February 25, 2020, we were named as a defendant in a case filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, captioned Laurelwood Cleaners LLC v. American Express Co., et al. , in which the plaintiff seeks a public injunction prohibiting American Express from enforcing its anti-steering and non-discrimination provisions and from requiring merchants “to offer the service of Amex-card acceptance for free.” We intend to vigorously defend the case. In July 2004, we were named as a defendant in another putative class action filed in the Southern District of New York and subsequently transferred to the Eastern District of New York, captioned The Marcus Corporation v. American Express Co., et al. , in which the plaintiffs allege an unlawful antitrust tying arrangement between certain of our charge cards and credit cards in violation of various state and federal laws. The plaintiffs in this action seek injunctive relief and an unspecified amount of damages. On March 8, 2016, plaintiffs B&R Supermarket, Inc. d/b/a Milam’s Market and Grove Liquors LLC, on behalf of themselves and others, filed a suit, captioned B&R Supermarket, Inc. d/b/a Milam’s Market, et al. v. Visa Inc., et al. , for violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, California’s Cartwright Act and unjust enrichment in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, against American Express Company, other credit and charge card networks, other issuing banks and EMVCo, LLC. Plaintiffs allege that the defendants, through EMVCo, conspired to shift liability for fraudulent, faulty and otherwise rejected consumer credit card transactions from themselves to merchants after the implementation of EMV chip payment terminals. Plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief. An amended complaint was filed on July 15, 2016. On September 30, 2016, the court denied our motion to dismiss as to claims brought by merchants who do not accept American Express cards, and on May 4, 2017, the California court transferred the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. On August 28, 2020, the court granted plaintiffs' motion for class certification. We are being challenged in a number of countries regarding our application of value-added taxes (VAT) to certain of our international transactions, which are in various stages of audit, or are being contested in legal actions. While we believe we have complied with all applicable tax laws, rules and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, the tax authorities may determine that we owe additional VAT. In certain jurisdictions where we are contesting the assessments, we were required to pay the VAT assessments prior to contesting. Our legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of putative class members to governmental proceedings. These legal proceedings involve various lines of business and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, application 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 us specify the damages sought, many seek an unspecified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. Even when the amount of damages claimed against us 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 us to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss, while other matters have progressed sufficiently such that we are able to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss. We have accrued for certain of our outstanding legal proceedings. An accrual is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the accrual. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the accrual that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable. For those disclosed material legal proceedings where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a recorded accrual for legal or tax contingencies, or where there is no such accrual, and for which we are able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $200 million in excess of any accruals related to those matters. This range represents management’s estimate based on currently available information and does not represent our maximum loss exposure; actual results may vary significantly. As such legal proceedings evolve, we may need to increase our range of possible loss or recorded accruals. In addition, it is possible that significantly increased merchant steering or other actions impairing the Card Member experience as a result of an adverse resolution in one or any combination of the disclosed merchant cases could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we face exposure associated with Card Member purchases of goods and services, including with respect to the following: • Return Protection — refunds the price of qualifying purchases made with eligible cards, where the merchant will not accept the return, for up to 90 days from the date of purchase; and • Merchant Protection — protects Card Members primarily against non-delivery of goods and services, usually in the event of the bankruptcy or liquidation of a merchant. When this occurs, the Card Member may dispute the transaction for which we will generally credit the Card Member’s account. If we are unable to collect the amount from the merchant, we may bear the loss for the amount credited to the Card Member. The largest component of the exposure relates to Card Member transactions associated with travel-related merchants, primarily through business arrangements where we have remitted payment to such merchants for a Card Member travel purchase that has not yet been used or “flown.”

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Derivatives and Hedging Activities We use derivative financial instruments 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 an 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 our market risk management. We do not transact in derivatives for trading purposes. In relation to our credit risk, certain of our bilateral derivative agreements include provisions that allow our counterparties to terminate the agreement in the event of a downgrade of our debt credit rating below investment grade and settle the outstanding net liability position. As of September 30, 2020, these derivatives were not in a significant net liability position. Based on our assessment of the credit risk of our derivative counterparties and our own credit risk as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, no credit risk adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required. A majority of our derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are subject to master netting agreements with our derivative counterparties. We present derivative assets and liabilities subject to enforceable netting arrangements with the same counterparty on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ 565 $ 185 $ — $ — Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 150 24 134 186 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 715 209 134 186 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 164 134 182 254 Total derivatives, gross 879 343 316 440 Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (158) (90) (158) (90) Cash collateral netting (c)(d) (566) (185) (17) (9) Total derivatives, net $ 155 $ 68 $ 141 $ 341 (a) For our centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral. (b) Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. (c) Represents the offsetting of the fair value of bilateral interest rate contracts and certain foreign exchange contracts with the right to cash collateral held from the counterparty or cash collateral posted with the counterparty. (d) We posted $42 million and $47 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, as initial margin on our centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Fair Value Hedges We are exposed to interest rate risk associated with our fixed-rate debt obligations. At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate long-term debt obligations are designated in fair value hedging relationships, using interest rate swaps, to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate. We have $15.8 billion and $22.6 billion of fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The following table presents the gains and losses recognized in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the fair value hedges of our fixed-rate long-term debt for the three and nine months ended September 30: Gains (losses) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Fixed-rate long-term debt $ 96 $ (123) $ (497) $ (563) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (97) 127 504 571 Total $ (1) $ 4 $ 7 $ 8 The carrying values of the hedged liabilities, recorded within Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $16.5 billion and $22.7 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, including the cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments of $714 million and $217 million for the respective periods. We recognized a net decrease of $81 million and a net increase of $28 million in Interest expense on Long-term debt for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and a net decrease of $183 million and a net increase of $102 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and 2019, respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on our interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Net Investment Hedges We had notional amounts of approximately $10.1 billion and $9.8 billion of foreign currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, was a loss of $170 million and a gain of $138 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and gains of $223 million and $63 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net investment hedge reclassifications out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the sale or liquidation of a business, net of taxes, were nil for both the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, a gain of $1 million and nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 exposures resulted in net gains of $4 million and $25 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and net gains of $22 million and $52 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, that are recognized in Other, net expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Values

Fair Values	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values	Fair Values Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value The following table summarizes our financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 2020 2019 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities $ 99 $ 98 $ 1 $ — $ 78 $ 77 $ 1 $ — Debt securities 22,344 — 22,344 — 8,328 — 8,328 — Derivatives, gross (a) 879 — 879 — 343 — 343 — Total Assets 23,322 98 23,224 — 8,749 77 8,672 — Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 316 — 316 — 440 — 440 — Total Liabilities $ 316 $ — $ 316 $ — $ 440 $ — $ 440 $ — (a) Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 8 for the fair values of derivative 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 our financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost, and not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and require management’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of American Express be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2020 (Billions) 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) $ 33 $ 33 $ 32 $ 1 $ — Other financial assets (b) 45 45 — 45 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 67 72 — — 72 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 95 95 — 95 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 9 10 — 10 — Long-term debt (c) $ 45 $ 47 $ — $ 47 $ — Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2019 (Billions) 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) $ 24 $ 24 $ 23 $ 1 $ — Other financial assets (b) 60 60 — 60 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 90 91 — — 91 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 92 92 — 92 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 10 10 — 10 — Long-term debt (c) $ 58 $ 60 $ — $ 60 $ — (a) Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. (b) Balances include Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $4.2 billion and $8.2 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively), other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. (c) Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $25.1 billion and $32.0 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and the fair values of Long-term debt were $14.9 billion and $19.8 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (d) Presented as a component of Customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements We have certain assets that are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if they are determined to be impaired or where there are observable price changes for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019, we did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment and there were no material fair value adjustments for equity investments without readily determinable fair values.

Guarantees

Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees The maximum potential undiscounted future payments and related liability resulting from guarantees and indemnifications provided by us in the ordinary course of business were $1 billion and $23 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2020, and $1 billion and $29 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019, all of which were primarily related to our real estate and business dispositions. To date, we have not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees or indemnifications. Our recognition of these instruments is at fair value. In addition, we establish reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	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, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of June 30, 2020 $ 85 $ (2,388) $ (608) $ (2,911) Net unrealized losses (9) — — (9) Net translation gains on investments in foreign operations — 210 — 210 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — (170) — (170) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 8 8 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (9) 40 8 39 Balances as of September 30, 2020 $ 76 $ (2,348) $ (600) $ (2,872) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of December 31, 2019 $ 33 $ (2,189) $ (581) $ (2,737) Net unrealized gains 43 — — 43 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings — (3) — (3) Net translation losses on investments in foreign operations — (379) — (379) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — 223 — 223 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (19) (19) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 43 (159) (19) (135) Balances as of September 30, 2020 $ 76 $ (2,348) $ (600) $ (2,872) Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Balances as of June 30, 2019 $ 35 $ (2,161) $ (480) $ (2,606) Net unrealized gains 3 — — 3 Net translation losses on investments in foreign operations — (197) — (197) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — 138 — 138 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 1 1 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 3 (59) 1 (55) Balances as of September 30, 2019 $ 38 $ (2,220) $ (479) $ (2,661) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ (8) $ (2,133) $ (456) $ (2,597) Net unrealized gains 46 — — 46 Net translation losses on investments in foreign operations — (150) — (150) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — 63 — 63 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (23) (23) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 46 (87) (23) (64) Balances as of September 30, 2019 $ 38 $ (2,220) $ (479) $ (2,661) 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 expense (benefit) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Net unrealized debt securities $ (3) $ 1 $ 13 $ 14 Net translation on investments in foreign operations (14) (4) 10 11 Net hedges on investments in foreign operations (57) 45 67 23 Pension and other postretirement benefits (1) 2 10 (5) Total tax impact $ (75) $ 44 $ 100 $ 43 Reclassifications out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the sale or liquidation of a business, net of taxes, were nil for both the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and a gain of $3 million and nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Other Fees and Commissions and

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses [Abstract]
Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses	Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses The following is a detail of Other fees and commissions for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Fees charged to Card Members: Delinquency fees $ 159 $ 257 $ 615 $ 763 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 86 252 336 732 Other customer fees: Loyalty coalition-related fees 112 106 309 329 Travel commissions and fees 19 108 84 337 Service fees and other (a) 102 102 303 304 Total Other fees and commissions $ 478 $ 825 $ 1,647 $ 2,465 (a) Other includes Membership Rewards program fees that are not related to contracts with customers. Revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less and contracts with variable consideration (e.g. discount revenue) are not required to be disclosed. Non-interest revenue expected to be recognized in future periods through remaining contracts with customers is not material. The following is a detail of Other expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Occupancy and equipment $ 577 $ 544 $ 1,690 $ 1,569 Professional services 421 491 1,266 1,497 Other (a) 231 317 792 1,285 Total Other expenses $ 1,229 $ 1,352 $ 3,748 $ 4,351 (a) Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, unrealized gains and losses on certain equity investments, communication expenses, Card Member and merchant-related fraud losses, non-income taxes, foreign currency-related gains and losses, and litigation expenses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective tax rate was 21.3 percent and 22.6 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 30.4 percent and 21.4 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decline in the effective tax rate for the three month period primarily reflected changes in the level and geographic mix of pretax income. The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine month period primarily reflected the impact of discrete tax charges in the current period related to the realizability of certain foreign deferred tax assets. We are under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which we have significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. We are currently under examination by the IRS for the 2017 and 2018 tax years. We believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $106 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 the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $106 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $90 million relates to amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate in a future period.

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 1,073 $ 1,755 $ 1,697 $ 5,066 Preferred dividends (16) (21) (65) (61) Net income available to common shareholders $ 1,057 $ 1,734 $ 1,632 $ 5,005 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (7) (11) (10) (35) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 1,050 $ 1,723 $ 1,622 $ 4,970 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 804 825 805 833 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 1 2 1 2 Diluted 805 827 806 835 Basic EPS $ 1.31 $ 2.09 $ 2.01 $ 5.97 Diluted EPS $ 1.30 $ 2.08 $ 2.01 $ 5.95 (a) Our 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. (b) The dilutive effect of unexercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 0.9 million and nil of options for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 0.6 million and 0.3 million of options for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Reportable Operating Segments

Reportable Operating Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Operating Segments	Reportable Operating Segments Effective for the first quarter of 2020, we made certain enhancements to our transfer pricing methodology related to the sharing of revenues between our card issuing, network and merchant businesses, and our methodology related to the allocation of certain funding costs primarily related to our Card Member loan and Card Member receivable portfolios. These enhancements resulted in certain changes to Non-interest revenues, Interest expense and operating expenses across our reportable operating segments. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to the current period presentation. These changes had no impact on our Consolidated Results of Operations. The following table presents certain selected financial information for our reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other as of or for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 3,517 $ 2,327 $ 1,111 $ (78) $ 6,877 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 2,364 1,969 1,053 (6) 5,380 Interest income 1,916 351 4 53 2,324 Interest expense 242 139 (18) 87 450 Total revenues net of interest expense 5,191 2,539 1,133 (112) 8,751 Net income (loss) $ 855 $ 220 $ 263 $ (265) $ 1,073 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 40 $ 12 $ 54 $ 187 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 10,343 $ 7,129 $ 3,376 $ (200) $ 20,648 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 6,893 5,993 3,168 (21) 16,033 Interest income 6,298 1,252 14 232 7,796 Interest expense 842 493 (60) 433 1,708 Total revenues net of interest expense 15,799 7,888 3,450 (401) 26,736 Net income (loss) $ 1,583 $ 198 $ 746 $ (830) $ 1,697 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 40 $ 12 $ 54 $ 187 Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 4,226 $ 3,070 $ 1,471 $ 19 $ 8,786 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 3,047 2,668 1,337 (1) 7,051 Interest income 2,402 485 6 187 3,080 Interest expense 437 262 (74) 252 877 Total revenues net of interest expense 6,191 3,293 1,551 (46) 10,989 Net income (loss) $ 991 $ 568 $ 523 $ (327) $ 1,755 Total assets (billions) $ 99 $ 54 $ 17 $ 24 $ 194 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 12,331 $ 9,055 $ 4,398 $ 71 $ 25,855 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 8,931 7,874 4,017 5 20,827 Interest income 6,971 1,407 22 599 8,999 Interest expense 1,318 787 (241) 799 2,663 Total revenues net of interest expense 17,984 9,675 4,661 (129) 32,191 Net income (loss) $ 2,826 $ 1,641 $ 1,658 $ (1,059) $ 5,066 Total assets (billions) $ 99 $ 54 $ 17 $ 24 $ 194 (a) Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity. (b) Includes discount revenue, certain other fees and commissions and other revenues from customers.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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 estimates 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 Adopted Accounting Standards	Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted the new credit reserving methodology, applicable to certain financial instruments, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss
Impaired Loans and Receivables	Impaired Loans and Receivables Impaired loans and receivables are individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smaller balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the customer agreement. We consider impaired loans and receivables to include (i) loans over 90 days past due still accruing interest, (ii) nonaccrual loans and (iii) loans and receivables modified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). In instances where the customer is experiencing financial difficulty, we may modify, through various financial relief programs, loans and receivables with the intention to minimize losses and improve collectability, while providing customers with temporary or permanent financial relief. We have classified loans and receivables in these modification programs as TDRs and continue to classify customer accounts that have exited a modification program as a TDR, with such accounts identified as “Out of Program TDRs.” Such modifications to the loans and receivables primarily include (i) temporary interest rate reductions (possibly as low as zero percent, in which case the loan is characterized as non-accrual in our TDR disclosures), (ii) placing the customer on a fixed payment plan not to exceed 60 months and (iii) suspending delinquency fees until the customer exits the modification program. Upon entering the modification program, the customer’s ability to make future purchases is either limited, canceled, or in certain cases suspended until the customer successfully exits from the modification program. In accordance with the modification agreement with the customer, loans and/or receivables may revert back to the original contractual terms (including the contractual interest rate where applicable) when the customer exits the modification program, which is (i) when all payments have been made in accordance with the modification agreement or (ii) when the customer defaults out of the modification program. Reserves for modifications deemed TDRs are measured individually and incorporate a discounted cash flow model. All changes in the impairment measurement are included within provisions for credit losses.
Reserves for Credit Losses	Reserves for credit losses represent our best estimate of the expected credit losses in our outstanding portfolio of Card Member loans and receivables as of the balance sheet date. The CECL methodology, which became effective January 1, 2020, requires us to estimate lifetime expected credit losses by incorporating historical loss experience, as well as current and future economic conditions over a reasonable and supportable period (R&S Period) beyond the balance sheet date. We make various judgments combined with historical loss experience to calculate a reserve rate that is applied to the outstanding loan or receivable balance to produce a reserve for expected credit losses . We use a combination of statistically-based models that incorporate current and future economic conditions throughout the R&S Period. The process of estimating expected credit losses is based on several key models: Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD), and future recoveries for each month of the R&S Period. Beyond the R&S Period, we estimate expected credit losses using our historical loss rates. • PD models are used to estimate the likelihood an account will be written-off. • EAD models are used to estimate the balance of an account at the time of write-off. This includes balances less expected repayments based on historical payment and revolve behavior, which vary by customer. Due to the nature of revolving loan portfolios, the EAD models are complex and involve assumptions regarding the relationship between future spend and payment behaviors. • Recovery models are used to estimate amounts that are expected to be received from Card Members after default occurs, typically as a result of collection efforts. Future recoveries are estimated taking into consideration the time of default, time elapsed since default and macroeconomic conditions. We also estimate the likelihood and magnitude of recovery of previously written off accounts considering how long ago the account was written off and future economic conditions. Our models are developed using historical loss experience covering the economic cycle and consider the impact of account characteristics on expected losses. Future economic conditions that are incorporated over the R&S Period include multiple macroeconomic scenarios provided to us by an independent third party. Management reviews these economic scenarios quarterly and uses their judgment to weight them in order to reflect the uncertainty surrounding these scenarios. These macroeconomic scenarios contain certain variables, including unemployment rates and real gross domestic product, that are significant to our models. We also evaluate whether to include qualitative reserves to cover losses that are expected but, in our assessment, may not be adequately represented in the quantitative methods or the economic assumptions. We consider whether to adjust the quantitative reserves (higher or lower) to address possible limitations within the models or factors not included within the models, such as external conditions, emerging portfolio trends, the nature and size of the portfolio, portfolio concentrations, the volume and severity of past due accounts, or management risk actions. Lifetime losses for most of our loans and receivables are evaluated at an appropriate level of granularity, including assessment on a pooled basis where financial assets share similar risk characteristics, such as past spend and remittance behaviors, credit bureau scores where available, delinquency status, tenure of balance outstanding, amongst others. Credit losses on accrued interest are measured and presented as part of Reserves for credit losses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and within the Provisions for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, rather than reversing interest income. Separate models are used for accounts deemed a troubled debt restructuring, which are measured individually using a discounted cash flow model. See Note 2 for information on troubled debt restructurings. Loans and receivable balances are written off when we consider amounts to be uncollectible, which is generally determined by the number of days past due and is typically no later than 180 days past due for pay in full or revolving loans and 120 days past due for term loans. Loans and receivables in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented using the CECL methodology while comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss methodology in effect for prior periods.
Investments	Investment securities principally include available-for-sale debt securities carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The CECL methodology, which became effective January 1, 2020, requires us to estimate lifetime expected credit losses for all available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position. Comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the methodology in effect for prior periods. When estimating a security’s probability of default and the recovery rate, we assess the security’s credit indicators, including credit ratings. If our assessment indicates that an expected credit loss exists, we determine the portion of the unrealized loss attributable to credit deterioration and record an allowance for the expected credit loss through the Consolidated Statements of Income in Other loans Provision for credit losses. Unrealized gains and any portion of a security’s unrealized loss attributable to non-credit losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, net of tax. Investment securities also include equity securities carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with unrealized gains and losses recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income as Other, net expense. Realized gains and losses are recognized upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method.
Asset Securitizations	We periodically securitize Card Member loans and receivables arising from our card businesses through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts, American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust) and American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust and together with the Lending Trust, the Trusts). The Trusts then issue debt securities collateralized by the transferred assets to third-party investors.The Trusts are considered VIEs as they have insufficient equity at risk to finance their activities, which are to issue debt securities that are collateralized by the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. We perform the servicing and key decision making for the Trusts, and therefore have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Trusts’ economic performance, which are the collection of the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. In addition, we hold all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the debt securities issued to third-party investors.These variable interests held by us provide us 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. Based on these considerations, we are the primary beneficiary of the Trusts and therefore consolidate the Trusts.
Contingencies	We have accrued for certain of our outstanding legal proceedings. An accrual is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the accrual. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the accrual that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable.
Derivatives	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.
Fair Values	We have certain assets that are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if they are determined to be impaired or where there are observable price changes for equity investments without readily determinable fair values.
Guarantees	Our recognition of these instruments is at fair value. In addition, we establish reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Loans and Card Member Receiva_2

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Card Member receivables segment and other loans detail	Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of: (Millions) 2020 2019 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 57,538 $ 73,266 Global Commercial Services 12,068 14,115 Card Member loans 69,606 87,381 Less: Reserve for credit losses 5,688 2,383 Card Member loans, net $ 63,918 $ 84,998 Other loans, net (b) $ 3,144 $ 4,626 (a) Includes approximately $25.2 billion and $32.2 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (b) Other loans represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products, and Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. There were $0.7 billion of gross PPP loans as of September 30, 2020. Other loans are presented net of reserves for credit losses of $370 million and $152 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Card Member receivables by segment as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of: (Millions) 2020 2019 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 16,093 $ 22,844 Global Commercial Services (b) 24,718 34,569 Card Member receivables 40,811 57,413 Less: Reserve for credit losses 422 619 Card Member receivables, net $ 40,389 $ 56,794 (a) Includes nil and $8.3 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	The following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 2020 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 56,833 $ 174 $ 141 $ 390 $ 57,538 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 11,880 30 25 77 12,012 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 56 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 15,963 36 27 67 16,093 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 14,171 $ 35 $ 26 $ 77 $ 14,309 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 67 $ 10,409 2019 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 72,101 $ 322 $ 253 $ 590 $ 73,266 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 13,898 56 40 85 14,079 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 36 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 22,560 86 58 140 22,844 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 17,113 $ 99 $ 58 $ 134 $ 17,404 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 136 $ 17,165 (a) Global Corporate Payments (GCP) reflects global, large and middle market corporate accounts. 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 we initiate collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member loan or 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). (b) Delinquency data for periods other than 90+ days past billing is 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: 2020 2019 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: Global Consumer Services Group 2.7 % 3.2 % 1.2 % 2.3 % 2.8 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 2.1 % 2.4 % 1.1 % 1.8 % 2.1 % 1.3 % Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 2.0 % 2.2 % 0.8 % 1.7 % 1.8 % 1.4 % Global Small Business Services 2.3 % 2.6 % 1.0 % 1.9 % 2.1 % 1.7 % Global Corporate Payments (b) 2.2 % (c) (b) (d) (c) (a) We present 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 we consider uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating our reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. (b) Net write-off rate based on principal losses only is not available due to system constraints. (c) For GCP Card Member receivables, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. Delinquency data for periods other than 90+ days past billing is not available due to system constraints. 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of total was 0.6% and 0.7% for the periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following tables provide additional information with respect to our impaired loans and receivables as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: As of September 30, 2020 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2020 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non- Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 243 $ 186 $ 1,479 $ 209 $ 2,117 $ 825 Global Commercial Services 37 45 473 56 611 297 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 232 22 254 38 Global Commercial Services — — 605 57 662 105 Other Loans (f) 4 1 283 3 291 101 Total $ 284 $ 232 $ 3,072 $ 347 $ 3,935 $ 1,366 As of December 31, 2019 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2019 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non- Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 384 $ 284 $ 500 $ 175 $ 1,343 $ 137 Global Commercial Services 44 54 97 38 233 22 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 56 16 72 3 Global Commercial Services — — 109 30 139 6 Total $ 428 $ 338 $ 762 $ 259 $ 1,787 $ 168 (a) Our policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). We establish reserves for interest that we believe will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude loans classified as a TDR. (b) Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain loans placed with outside collection agencies for which we have ceased accruing interest. Amounts presented exclude loans classified as TDRs. (c) Accounts classified as a TDR include $31 million and $26 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $9 million and $10 million that are non-accruals as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (d) In Program TDRs include accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. (e) Out of Program TDRs include $256 million and $188 million of accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $91 million and $72 million of accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (f) Other loans primarily represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products. Prior period balances were not significant.
Troubled debt restructurings	The following table provides additional information with respect to loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 76 $ 649 14 (b) 216 $ 1,947 14 (b) Card Member Receivables 13 231 (c) 18 38 1,049 (c) 19 Other Loans (d) 3 $ 165 3 17 8 $ 319 3 16 Total 92 $ 1,045 262 $ 3,315 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 21 $ 160 13 (b) 55 $ 425 13 (b) Card Member Receivables 2 54 (c) 27 6 144 (c) 27 Total 23 $ 214 61 $ 569 (a) Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on loans and principal and fees on receivables. Modifications did not reduce the principal balance. (b) For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. (c) We do 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 loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification. A customer can miss up to three payments before being considered in default, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all customers that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for loans and receivables. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Accounts (thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Number of Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 4 $ 32 11 $ 84 Card Member Receivables 1 16 3 34 Other Loans (b) 1 1 2 2 Total 6 $ 49 16 $ 120 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Number of Accounts (thousands) Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Number of Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 4 $ 23 9 $ 59 Card Member Receivables 1 5 3 13 Total 5 $ 28 12 $ 72 (a) The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on loans, and principal and fees on receivables.

Reserves for Credit Losses (Tab

Reserves for Credit Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for credit losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Beginning Balance (a) $ 5,628 $ 2,168 $ 4,027 $ 2,134 Provisions (b) 571 604 3,416 1,732 Net write-offs (c) Principal (432) (447) (1,449) (1,367) Interest and fees (91) (91) (301) (277) Other (d) 12 (2) (5) 10 Ending Balance $ 5,688 $ 2,232 $ 5,688 $ 2,232 (a) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, beginning balance includes an increase of $1,643 million as of January 1, 2020, related to the adoption of the CECL (b) Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (c) Principal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $142 million and $135 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $421 million and $389 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were not significant. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(35) million and $(20) million for the three months September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(98) million and $(53) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (d) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $13 million and $(6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(4) million and $(3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for credit losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Beginning Balance (a) $ 519 $ 616 $ 126 $ 573 Provisions (b) 117 238 1,069 715 Net write-offs (c) (219) (231) (776) (657) Other (d) 5 (8) 3 (16) Ending Balance $ 422 $ 615 $ 422 $ 615 (a) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, beginning balance includes a decrease of $493 million as of January 1, 2020, related to the adoption of the CECL (b) Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (c) Net write-offs are presented less recoveries of $103 million and $94 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $283 million and $278 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(15) million and $(5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(31) million and $(11) million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (d) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $3 million and $(6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $2 million and $(3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of available for sale securities by type	The following is a summary of investment securities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 2020 2019 Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gross Gross Estimated Cost Gross Gross Estimated Available-for-sale debt securities: State and municipal obligations $ 173 $ 7 $ — $ 180 $ 236 $ 8 $ (1) $ 243 U.S. Government agency obligations 8 — — 8 9 — — 9 U.S. Government treasury obligations 21,431 89 — 21,520 7,395 35 (1) 7,429 Corporate debt securities 24 — — 24 27 — — 27 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 31 3 — 34 39 2 — 41 Foreign government bonds and obligations 577 1 — 578 578 1 — 579 Equity securities (b) 57 44 (2) 99 55 25 (2) 78 Total $ 22,301 $ 144 $ (2) $ 22,443 $ 8,339 $ 71 $ (4) $ 8,406 (a) Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. (b) Equity securities comprise investments in common stock, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds.
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	The following table provides information about our available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2019. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2020. 2019 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Gross Estimated Fair Value Gross State and municipal obligations $ 18 $ (1) $ — $ — U.S. Government treasury obligations — — 324 (1) Total $ 18 $ (1) $ 324 $ (1)
Available for sale securities ratio of fair value to amortized cost	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of December 31, 2019. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2020. Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost (Dollars in millions) Number of Estimated Gross Number of Estimated Gross Number of Estimated Gross 2019: 90%–100% 2 $ 18 $ (1) 3 $ 324 $ (1) 5 $ 342 $ (2) Total as of December 31, 2019 2 $ 18 $ (1) 3 $ 324 $ (1) 5 $ 342 $ (2)
Contractual maturities of investment securities	Contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (Millions) Cost Estimated Due within 1 year $ 14,313 $ 14,326 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 7,618 7,680 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 181 201 Due after 10 years 132 137 Total $ 22,244 $ 22,344

Asset Securitizations (Tables)

Asset Securitizations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Asset Securitizations [Abstract]
Restricted cash held by trusts	The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the Trusts as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2020 2019 Lending Trust $ 2,065 $ 85 Charge Trust — — Total $ 2,065 $ 85

Customer Deposits (Tables)

Customer Deposits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits by component alternative	As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows: (Millions) 2020 2019 U.S.: Interest-bearing $ 83,963 $ 72,445 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2020, $701; 2019, $389) 726 415 Non-U.S.: Interest-bearing 20 23 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2020, $749; 2019, $401) 752 404 Total customer deposits $ 85,461 $ 73,287
Deposits by type	Customer deposits by deposit type as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows: (Millions) 2020 2019 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 60,370 $ 46,394 Certificates of deposit: Direct 2,592 1,854 Third-party (brokered) 6,899 8,076 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 14,102 16,121 Other deposits: U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 25 26 Non-U.S. deposits 23 26 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 1,450 790 Total customer deposits $ 85,461 $ 73,287
Time deposits by maturity	The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2020 $ 1,612 $ 3 $ 1,615 2021 3,744 5 3,749 2022 3,013 1 3,014 2023 644 — 644 2024 274 — 274 After 5 years 204 — 204 Total $ 9,491 $ 9 $ 9,500
Time deposits $250,000 or more	As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2020 2019 U.S. $ 966 $ 622 Non-U.S. 1 4 Total $ 967 $ 626

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [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, 2020 and December 31, 2019: Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ 565 $ 185 $ — $ — Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 150 24 134 186 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 715 209 134 186 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 164 134 182 254 Total derivatives, gross 879 343 316 440 Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (158) (90) (158) (90) Cash collateral netting (c)(d) (566) (185) (17) (9) Total derivatives, net $ 155 $ 68 $ 141 $ 341 (a) For our centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral. (b) Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. (c) Represents the offsetting of the fair value of bilateral interest rate contracts and certain foreign exchange contracts with the right to cash collateral held from the counterparty or cash collateral posted with the counterparty. (d) We posted $42 million and $47 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, as initial margin on our centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	The following table presents the gains and losses recognized in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the fair value hedges of our fixed-rate long-term debt for the three and nine months ended September 30: Gains (losses) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Fixed-rate long-term debt $ 96 $ (123) $ (497) $ (563) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (97) 127 504 571 Total $ (1) $ 4 $ 7 $ 8

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following table summarizes our financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 2020 2019 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities $ 99 $ 98 $ 1 $ — $ 78 $ 77 $ 1 $ — Debt securities 22,344 — 22,344 — 8,328 — 8,328 — Derivatives, gross (a) 879 — 879 — 343 — 343 — Total Assets 23,322 98 23,224 — 8,749 77 8,672 — Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 316 — 316 — 440 — 440 — Total Liabilities $ 316 $ — $ 316 $ — $ 440 $ — $ 440 $ — (a) Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 8 for the fair values of derivative 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 our financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost, and not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and require management’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of American Express be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2020 (Billions) 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) $ 33 $ 33 $ 32 $ 1 $ — Other financial assets (b) 45 45 — 45 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 67 72 — — 72 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 95 95 — 95 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 9 10 — 10 — Long-term debt (c) $ 45 $ 47 $ — $ 47 $ — Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2019 (Billions) 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) $ 24 $ 24 $ 23 $ 1 $ — Other financial assets (b) 60 60 — 60 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 90 91 — — 91 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 92 92 — 92 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 10 10 — 10 — Long-term debt (c) $ 58 $ 60 $ — $ 60 $ — (a) Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. (b) Balances include Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $4.2 billion and $8.2 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively), other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. (c) Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $25.1 billion and $32.0 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and the fair values of Long-term debt were $14.9 billion and $19.8 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. (d) Presented as a component of Customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Changes in Accumulated Other _2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	Changes in each component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of June 30, 2020 $ 85 $ (2,388) $ (608) $ (2,911) Net unrealized losses (9) — — (9) Net translation gains on investments in foreign operations — 210 — 210 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — (170) — (170) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 8 8 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (9) 40 8 39 Balances as of September 30, 2020 $ 76 $ (2,348) $ (600) $ (2,872) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of December 31, 2019 $ 33 $ (2,189) $ (581) $ (2,737) Net unrealized gains 43 — — 43 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings — (3) — (3) Net translation losses on investments in foreign operations — (379) — (379) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — 223 — 223 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (19) (19) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 43 (159) (19) (135) Balances as of September 30, 2020 $ 76 $ (2,348) $ (600) $ (2,872) Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Balances as of June 30, 2019 $ 35 $ (2,161) $ (480) $ (2,606) Net unrealized gains 3 — — 3 Net translation losses on investments in foreign operations — (197) — (197) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — 138 — 138 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 1 1 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 3 (59) 1 (55) Balances as of September 30, 2019 $ 38 $ (2,220) $ (479) $ (2,661) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ (8) $ (2,133) $ (456) $ (2,597) Net unrealized gains 46 — — 46 Net translation losses on investments in foreign operations — (150) — (150) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations — 63 — 63 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (23) (23) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 46 (87) (23) (64) Balances as of September 30, 2019 $ 38 $ (2,220) $ (479) $ (2,661)
Accumulated other comprehensive 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 expense (benefit) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Net unrealized debt securities $ (3) $ 1 $ 13 $ 14 Net translation on investments in foreign operations (14) (4) 10 11 Net hedges on investments in foreign operations (57) 45 67 23 Pension and other postretirement benefits (1) 2 10 (5) Total tax impact $ (75) $ 44 $ 100 $ 43

Other Fees and Commissions an_2

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses [Abstract]
Other commissions and fees	The following is a detail of Other fees and commissions for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Fees charged to Card Members: Delinquency fees $ 159 $ 257 $ 615 $ 763 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 86 252 336 732 Other customer fees: Loyalty coalition-related fees 112 106 309 329 Travel commissions and fees 19 108 84 337 Service fees and other (a) 102 102 303 304 Total Other fees and commissions $ 478 $ 825 $ 1,647 $ 2,465 (a) Other includes Membership Rewards program fees that are not related to contracts with customers.
Other net expense	The following is a detail of Other expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Occupancy and equipment $ 577 $ 544 $ 1,690 $ 1,569 Professional services 421 491 1,266 1,497 Other (a) 231 317 792 1,285 Total Other expenses $ 1,229 $ 1,352 $ 3,748 $ 4,351 (a) Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, unrealized gains and losses on certain equity investments, communication expenses, Card Member and merchant-related fraud losses, non-income taxes, foreign currency-related gains and losses, and litigation expenses.

Earnings Per Common Share (EP_2

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted EPS	The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 1,073 $ 1,755 $ 1,697 $ 5,066 Preferred dividends (16) (21) (65) (61) Net income available to common shareholders $ 1,057 $ 1,734 $ 1,632 $ 5,005 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (7) (11) (10) (35) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 1,050 $ 1,723 $ 1,622 $ 4,970 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 804 825 805 833 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 1 2 1 2 Diluted 805 827 806 835 Basic EPS $ 1.31 $ 2.09 $ 2.01 $ 5.97 Diluted EPS $ 1.30 $ 2.08 $ 2.01 $ 5.95 (a) Our 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. (b) The dilutive effect of unexercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 0.9 million and nil of options for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 0.6 million and 0.3 million of options for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Reportable Operating Segments (

Reportable Operating Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating segment information	The following table presents certain selected financial information for our reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other as of or for the three and nine months ended September 30: Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 3,517 $ 2,327 $ 1,111 $ (78) $ 6,877 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 2,364 1,969 1,053 (6) 5,380 Interest income 1,916 351 4 53 2,324 Interest expense 242 139 (18) 87 450 Total revenues net of interest expense 5,191 2,539 1,133 (112) 8,751 Net income (loss) $ 855 $ 220 $ 263 $ (265) $ 1,073 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 40 $ 12 $ 54 $ 187 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 10,343 $ 7,129 $ 3,376 $ (200) $ 20,648 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 6,893 5,993 3,168 (21) 16,033 Interest income 6,298 1,252 14 232 7,796 Interest expense 842 493 (60) 433 1,708 Total revenues net of interest expense 15,799 7,888 3,450 (401) 26,736 Net income (loss) $ 1,583 $ 198 $ 746 $ (830) $ 1,697 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 40 $ 12 $ 54 $ 187 Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 4,226 $ 3,070 $ 1,471 $ 19 $ 8,786 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 3,047 2,668 1,337 (1) 7,051 Interest income 2,402 485 6 187 3,080 Interest expense 437 262 (74) 252 877 Total revenues net of interest expense 6,191 3,293 1,551 (46) 10,989 Net income (loss) $ 991 $ 568 $ 523 $ (327) $ 1,755 Total assets (billions) $ 99 $ 54 $ 17 $ 24 $ 194 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 12,331 $ 9,055 $ 4,398 $ 71 $ 25,855 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 8,931 7,874 4,017 5 20,827 Interest income 6,971 1,407 22 599 8,999 Interest expense 1,318 787 (241) 799 2,663 Total revenues net of interest expense 17,984 9,675 4,661 (129) 32,191 Net income (loss) $ 2,826 $ 1,641 $ 1,658 $ (1,059) $ 5,066 Total assets (billions) $ 99 $ 54 $ 17 $ 24 $ 194 (a) Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity. (b) Includes discount revenue, certain other fees and commissions and other revenues from customers.

Basis of Presentation (Details

Basis of Presentation (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Total receivable reserves decrease		$ 422		$ 619
Shareholders' equity		21,869	$ 21,062	23,071	$ 23,025	$ 23,092	$ 22,290
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity		$ 12,762	$ 12,052	13,871	$ 13,652	$ 13,551	$ 12,499
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total loan reserves increase	$ 1,663
Total receivable reserves decrease	(493)
Current and deferred tax impact	288
Shareholders' equity				(882)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses | Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity	$ (882)			$ (882)

Loans and Card Member Receiva_3

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals
Card Member loans	$ 69,606	$ 87,381
Loans segment information
Less: Reserve for credit losses	5,688	2,383
Card Member loans, net	63,918	84,998
Other loans, net	3,144	4,626
Other loans, reserves for credit losses	370	152
PPP Loans
Loans segment information
Gross PPP loans	700
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals
Card Member loans	25,219	32,230
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals
Card Member loans	57,538	73,266
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals
Card Member loans	25,200	32,200
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals
Card Member loans	$ 12,068	$ 14,115

Loans and Card Member Receiva_4

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 1) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 40,811,000,000	$ 57,413,000,000
Less: Reserve for credit losses	422,000,000	619,000,000
Card Member receivables, net	40,389,000,000	56,794,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	4,247,000,000	8,284,000,000
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	16,093,000,000	22,844,000,000
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	0	8,300,000,000
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	24,718,000,000	34,569,000,000
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 4,200,000,000	$ 0

Loans and Card Member Receiva_5

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Card Member loans total aging	$ 69,606	$ 87,381
Card Member receivables total aging	40,811	57,413
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Card Member loans total aging	57,538	73,266
Card Member receivables total aging	16,093	22,844
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	56,833	72,101
Card Member loans total aging	57,538	73,266
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	15,963	22,560
Card Member receivables total aging	16,093	22,844
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	174	322
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	36	86
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	141	253
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	27	58
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	390	590
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	67	140
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Card Member loans total aging	12,068	14,115
Card Member receivables total aging	24,718	34,569
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	11,880	13,898
Card Member loans total aging	12,012	14,079
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Global Corporate Payments [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Card Member loans total aging	56	36
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	14,171	17,113
Card Member receivables total aging	14,309	17,404
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Global Corporate Payments [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Card Member receivables total aging	10,409	17,165
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	30	56
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	35	99
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	25	40
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	26	58
Global Commercial Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	77	85
Global Commercial Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Global Corporate Payments [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	0	0
Global Commercial Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	77	134
Global Commercial Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Global Corporate Payments [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	$ 67	$ 136

Loans and Card Member Receiva_6

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 3)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.70%	2.30%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	3.20%	2.80%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 30 Days Past Due as a % of Total [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	1.20%	1.60%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.00%	1.70%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.20%	1.80%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30 Days Past Due as a % of Total [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	0.80%	1.40%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.10%	1.80%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.40%	2.10%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 30 Days Past Due as a % of Total [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	1.10%	1.30%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.30%	1.90%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.60%	2.10%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30 Days Past Due as a % of Total [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	1.00%	1.70%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | 90+ Days Past Billing As % Of Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	0.60%	0.70%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators	2.20%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Credit Quality Indicators		0.08%

Loans and Card Member Receiva_7

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$ 284	$ 428
Non-accrual loans	232	338
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	3,072	762
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	347	259
Total impaired loans and receivables	3,935	1,787
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	1,366	168
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	31	26
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	9	10
Out of Program TDR accounts that completed modification programs	256	188
Out of Program TDR accounts not in compliance with modification programs	91	72
Other Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	4
Non-accrual loans	1
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	283
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	3
Total impaired loans and receivables	291
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	101
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	243	384
Non-accrual loans	186	284
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	1,479	500
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	209	175
Total impaired loans and receivables	2,117	1,343
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	825	137
Global Consumer Services Group [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
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	232	56
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	22	16
Total impaired loans and receivables	254	72
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	38	3
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	37	44
Non-accrual loans	45	54
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	473	97
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	56	38
Total impaired loans and receivables	611	233
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	297	22
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
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	605	109
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	57	30
Total impaired loans and receivables	662	139
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	$ 105	$ 6

Loans and Card Member Receiva_8

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 5) account in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)account	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)account	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)account	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)account
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	92	23	262	61
Outstanding Balances | $	$ 1,045	$ 214	$ 3,315	$ 569
Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	76	21	216	55
Outstanding Balances | $	$ 649	$ 160	$ 1,947	$ 425
Average Interest Rate Reduction (as a percentage)	14.00%	13.00%	14.00%	13.00%
Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	13	2	38	6
Outstanding Balances | $	$ 231	$ 54	$ 1,049	$ 144
Average Payment Term Extension (in months)	18 months	27 months	19 months	27 months
Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	3		8
Outstanding Balances | $	$ 165		$ 319
Average Interest Rate Reduction (as a percentage)	3.00%		3.00%
Average Payment Term Extension (in months)	17 months		16 months

Loans and Card Member Receiva_9

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 6) account in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)account	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)account	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)account	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)account
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	6	5	16	12
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 49	$ 28	$ 120	$ 72
Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	4	4	11	9
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 32	$ 23	$ 84	$ 59
Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	1	1	3	3
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 16	$ 5	$ 34	$ 13
Other Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	1		2
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 1		$ 2

Reserves for Credit Losses (Det

Reserves for Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,383			$ 2,383
Provisions		$ 571	$ 604	3,416	$ 1,732
Ending Balance		5,688		5,688
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Principal write-offs, recoveries		142	135	421	389
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Increase related to adoption of the CECL methodology	$ 1,643
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses, adjusted balance
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 4,027	5,628	2,168	4,027	2,134
Other		12	(2)	(5)	10
Ending Balance		5,688	2,232	5,688	2,232
Net Write Offs [Member] | Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses, adjusted balance
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Provisions		571	604	3,416	1,732
Principal [Member] | Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses, adjusted balance
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Net write-offs, principal, interest and fees		(432)	(447)	(1,449)	(1,367)
Interest and Fees [Member] | Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses, adjusted balance
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Net write-offs, principal, interest and fees		(91)	(91)	(301)	(277)
Troubled Debt Restructuring [Member]
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Net write-offs, principal, interest and fees		(35)	(20)	(98)	(53)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Other		$ 13	$ (6)	$ (4)	$ (3)

Reserves for Credit Losses (D_2

Reserves for Credit Losses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 619			$ 619
Provisions		$ 117	$ 238	1,069	$ 715
Ending balance		422		422
Decrease in Card Member receivable reserves	$ (619)	(422)		(422)
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Recoveries		103	94	283	278
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Ending balance	$ (493)
Decrease in Card Member receivable reserves	493
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserve for Credit Losses, adjusted balance
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	126	519	616	126	573
Provisions		117	238	1,069	715
Net write-offs		(219)	(231)	(776)	(657)
Other		5	(8)	3	(16)
Ending balance		422	615	422	615
Decrease in Card Member receivable reserves	$ (126)	(422)	(615)	(422)	(615)
Troubled Debt Restructuring [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Net write-offs		(15)	(5)	(31)	(11)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Other		$ 3	$ (6)	$ 2	$ (3)

Investment Securities (Details)

Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Accrued interest available-for-sale debt securities	$ 54	$ 20
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost	22,244
Available-for-sale debt securities, Estimated Fair Value	22,344	8,328
Equity securities
Equity securities, Cost	57	55
Equity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	44	25
Equity securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	(2)
Equity securities, Estimated Fair Value	99	78
Total Cost	22,301	8,339
Total Gross Unrealized Gains	144	71
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	(4)
Total Estimated Fair Value	22,443	8,406
State and municipal obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost	173	236
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	7	8
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(1)
Available-for-sale debt securities, Estimated Fair Value	180	243
US Government agency obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost	8	9
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale debt securities, Estimated Fair Value	8	9
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost	21,431	7,395
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	89	35
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(1)
Available-for-sale debt securities, Estimated Fair Value	21,520	7,429
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost	24	27
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale debt securities, Estimated Fair Value	24	27
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost	31	39
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	3	2
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale debt securities, Estimated Fair Value	34	41
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Available-for-sale debt securities, Cost	577	578
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1	1
Available-for-sale debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale debt securities, Estimated Fair Value	$ 578	$ 579

Investment Securities (Details

Investment Securities (Details 1) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 18
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	324
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(1)
State and municipal obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	18
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	324
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	$ (1)

Investment Securities (Detail_2

Investment Securities (Details 2) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020security	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)security
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses
Number of securities, less than 12 months | security		2
Number of securities, 12 months or more | security		3
Number of securities, total | security	0	5
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months		$ 18
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more		324
Estimated Fair Value, Total		342
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months		(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more		(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total		$ (2)
Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost Between Ninety and One Hundred Percent [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses
Number of securities, less than 12 months | security		2
Number of securities, 12 months or more | security		3
Number of securities, total | security		5
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months		$ 18
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more		324
Estimated Fair Value, Total		342
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months		(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more		(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total		$ (2)

Investment Securities (Detail_3

Investment Securities (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cost
Due within 1 year	$ 14,313
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	7,618
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	181
Due after 10 years	132
Total	22,244
Estimated Fair Value
Due within 1 year	14,326
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	7,680
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	201
Due after 10 years	137
Total	$ 22,344	$ 8,328

Asset Securitizations (Details)

Asset Securitizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 2,597	$ 514	$ 1,088	$ 363
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets	2,065	85
American Express Lending Trust [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets	2,065	85
American Express Charge Trust [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 0	$ 0

Asset Securitizations (Details

Asset Securitizations (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	$ 10.9	$ 12.9
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	$ 4.3	$ 8.3

Customer Deposits (Details)

Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
U.S.:
Interest-bearing	$ 83,963	$ 72,445
Non-interest-bearing	726	415
Non-U.S.:
Interest-bearing	20	23
Non-interest-bearing	752	404
Total customer deposits	85,461	73,287
Card Member Credit Balances [Member]
U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	701	389
Non-U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	$ 749	$ 401

Customer Deposits (Details 1)

Customer Deposits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
U.S. retail deposits:
Savings accounts - Direct	$ 60,370	$ 46,394
Certificates of deposit - Direct	2,592	1,854
Certificates of deposit - Third party	6,899	8,076
Sweep accounts - Third party	14,102	16,121
Other deposits:
U.S. non-interest bearing deposits, Other	25	26
Non-US Deposits, Other	23	26
Card Member credit balances - U.S. and non-U.S.	1,450	790
Total customer deposits	$ 85,461	$ 73,287

Customer Deposits (Details 2)

Customer Deposits (Details 2) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Time Deposits By Maturity
2020	$ 1,615
2021	3,749
2022	3,014
2023	644
2024	274
After 5 years	204
Total	9,500
United States [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2020	1,612
2021	3,744
2022	3,013
2023	644
2024	274
After 5 years	204
Total	9,491
Non-US [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2020	3
2021	5
2022	1
2023	0
2024	0
After 5 years	0
Total	$ 9

Customer Deposits (Details 3)

Customer Deposits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $250,000 or More	$ 967	$ 626
United States [Member]
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $250,000 or More	966	622
Non-US [Member]
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $250,000 or More	$ 1	$ 4

Contingencies (Details Textuals

Contingencies (Details Textuals)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Current estimate of possible loss	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Current estimate of possible loss	200,000,000
Exposure Associated with Card Member Purchases of Goods and Services [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss accrual	$ 17,000,000

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 879	$ 343
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	316	440
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting, assets	(158)	(90)
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting, liabilities	(158)	(90)
Margin on interest rate swaps	42	47
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	155	68
Cash collateral netting, assets	(566)	(185)
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	715	209
Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	565	185
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	150	24
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	164	134
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities, net	141	341
Cash collateral netting, liabilities	(17)	(9)
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	134	186
Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities, net	0	0
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities, net	134	186
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	$ 182	$ 254

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Carrying values of hedged liabilities	$ 16,500,000,000		$ 16,500,000,000		$ 22,700,000,000
Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment	714,000,000		714,000,000		217,000,000
Net increase (reduction) in interest expense on long term debt and other	(81,000,000)	$ 28,000,000	(183,000,000)	$ 102,000,000
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges recorded in AOCI, net of taxes	(170,000,000)	138,000,000	223,000,000	63,000,000
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges reclassification out of AOCI, net of taxes	0	0	1,000,000	0
Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) in changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges	4,000,000	25,000,000	22,000,000	52,000,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Fixed-Rate Debt Obligations [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships	15,800,000,000		15,800,000,000		22,600,000,000
Net Investment Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of derivatives	10,100,000,000		10,100,000,000		$ 9,800,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on net investment hedges recorded in AOCI, net of taxes	$ (170,000,000)	$ 138,000,000	$ 223,000,000	$ (63,000,000)

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Interest Expense [Member] - Interest Rate Contracts [Member] - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fixed-rate long-term debt	$ 96	$ (123)	$ (497)	$ (563)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	(97)	127	504	571
Total	$ (1)	$ 4	$ 7	$ 8

Fair Values (Details)

Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investment securities:
Equity securities	$ 99	$ 78
Debt securities	22,344	8,328
Derivatives, gross	879	343
Total Assets	23,322	8,749
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	316	440
Total Liabilities	316	440
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	98	77
Debt securities	0	0
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Assets	98	77
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	1	1
Debt securities	22,344	8,328
Derivatives, gross	879	343
Total Assets	23,224	8,672
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	316	440
Total Liabilities	316	440
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	0	0
Debt securities	0	0
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details 2)

Fair Values (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	$ 72,000	$ 91,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	10,000	10,000
Long-term debt	47,000	60,000
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	14,900	19,800
Fair Values (Textuals)
Card member loans	25,100	32,000
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	10,000	10,000
Long-term debt	47,000	60,000
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	72,000	91,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Fair Values (Textuals)
Card Member receivables	40,811	57,413
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Fair Values (Textuals)
Card Member receivables	4,247	8,284
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	33,000	24,000
Other financial assets	45,000	60,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	67,000	90,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	95,000	92,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	9,000	10,000
Long-term debt	45,000	58,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	33,000	24,000
Other financial assets	45,000	60,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	95,000	92,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Fair Values (Textuals)
Card Member receivables	4,200	8,200
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	32,000	23,000
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	1,000	1,000
Other financial assets	45,000	60,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	95,000	92,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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 Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details Textuals)

Fair Values (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value due to impairment	$ 0	$ 0

Guarantees (Details)

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Guarantees [Abstract]
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Amount of related liability	$ 23	$ 29

Changes in Accumulated Other _3

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 21,062,000,000	$ 23,092,000,000	$ 23,071,000,000	$ 22,290,000,000
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(9,000,000)	3,000,000	43,000,000	46,000,000
Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings			(3,000,000)
Net translation gains (losses) on investments in foreign operations	210,000,000	(197,000,000)	(379,000,000)	(150,000,000)
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investments in foreign operations	(170,000,000)	138,000,000	223,000,000	63,000,000
Pension and other postretirement benefits	8,000,000	1,000,000	(19,000,000)	(23,000,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	39,000,000	(55,000,000)	(135,000,000)	(64,000,000)
Ending Balance	21,869,000,000	23,025,000,000	21,869,000,000	23,025,000,000
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized debt securities	(3,000,000)	1,000,000	13,000,000	14,000,000
Net translation on investments in foreign operations	(14,000,000)	(4,000,000)	10,000,000	11,000,000
Net hedges on investments in foreign operations	(57,000,000)	45,000,000	67,000,000	23,000,000
Pension and other postretirement benefits	(1,000,000)	2,000,000	10,000,000	(5,000,000)
Total tax impact	(75,000,000)	44,000,000	100,000,000	43,000,000
Reclassification out of AOCI	0	0	3,000,000	0
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	85,000,000	35,000,000	33,000,000	(8,000,000)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(9,000,000)	3,000,000	43,000,000	46,000,000
Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings			0
Net translation gains (losses) on investments in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investments in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,000,000)	3,000,000	43,000,000	46,000,000
Ending Balance	76,000,000	38,000,000	76,000,000	38,000,000
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(2,388,000,000)	(2,161,000,000)	(2,189,000,000)	(2,133,000,000)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	0	0	0	0
Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings			(3,000,000)
Net translation gains (losses) on investments in foreign operations	210,000,000	(197,000,000)	(379,000,000)	(150,000,000)
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investments in foreign operations	(170,000,000)	138,000,000	223,000,000	63,000,000
Pension and other postretirement benefits	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	40,000,000	(59,000,000)	(159,000,000)	(87,000,000)
Ending Balance	(2,348,000,000)	(2,220,000,000)	(2,348,000,000)	(2,220,000,000)
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Gains (Losses) [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(608,000,000)	(480,000,000)	(581,000,000)	(456,000,000)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	0	0	0	0
Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings			0
Net translation gains (losses) on investments in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investments in foreign operations	0	0	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits	8,000,000	1,000,000	(19,000,000)	(23,000,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,000,000	1,000,000	(19,000,000)	(23,000,000)
Ending Balance	(600,000,000)	(479,000,000)	(600,000,000)	(479,000,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(2,911,000,000)	(2,606,000,000)	(2,737,000,000)	(2,597,000,000)
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investments in foreign operations	(170,000,000)	138,000,000	223,000,000	(63,000,000)
Ending Balance	$ (2,872,000,000)	$ (2,661,000,000)	$ (2,872,000,000)	$ (2,661,000,000)

Other Fees and Commissions an_3

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Non Interest Income [Line Items]
Delinquency fees	$ 159	$ 257	$ 615	$ 763
Foreign currency conversion fee revenue	86	252	336	732
Loyalty coalition-related fees	112	106	309	329
Travel commissions and fees	19	108	84	337
Service fees and other	102	102	303	304
Other fees and commissions [Member]
Non Interest Income [Line Items]
Total Other fees and commissions	$ 478	$ 825	$ 1,647	$ 2,465

Other Fees and Commissions an_4

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses [Abstract]
Occupancy and equipment	$ 577	$ 544	$ 1,690	$ 1,569
Professional services	421	491	1,266	1,497
Other	231	317	792	1,285
Total Other expenses	$ 1,229	$ 1,352	$ 3,748	$ 4,351

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Actual tax rates	21.30%	22.60%	30.40%	21.40%
Unrecognized tax benefits change as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$ 106		$ 106
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, could impact effective tax rate.	$ 90		$ 90
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Tax Year 2017 [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction			2017
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Tax Year 2018 [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction			2018

Earnings Per Common Share (EP_3

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020		Sep. 30, 2019		Sep. 30, 2020		Sep. 30, 2019
Basic and diluted:
Net income	$ 1,073		$ 1,755		$ 1,697		$ 5,066
Preferred dividends	(16)		(21)		(65)		(61)
Net income available to common shareholders	1,057		1,734		1,632		5,005
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	(7)		(11)		(10)		(35)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 1,050		$ 1,723		$ 1,622		$ 4,970
Denominator:
Basic: Weighted-average common stock (in shares)	804		825		805		833
Add: Weighted-average stock options (in shares)	1		2		1		2
Diluted (in shares)	805		827		806		835
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 1.31	[1]	$ 2.09	[1]	$ 2.01	[2]	$ 5.97	[2]
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	[1]	$ 2.08	[1]	$ 2.01	[2]	$ 5.95	[2]
Stock options [Member]
Denominator:
The dilutive effect of securities excluded from the calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	0.9		0		0.6		0.3
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $7 million and $11 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $16 million and $21 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
[2]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $10 million and $35 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $65 million and $61 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Reportable Operating Segments_2

Reportable Operating Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	$ 6,877	$ 8,786	$ 20,648	$ 25,855
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,380	7,051	16,033	20,827
Interest income	2,324	3,080	7,796	8,999
Interest expense	450	877	1,708	2,663
Total revenues net of interest expense	8,751	10,989	26,736	32,191
Net income (loss)	1,073	1,755	1,697	5,066
Total assets	187,259	194,000	187,259	194,000	$ 198,321
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	3,517	4,226	10,343	12,331
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,364	3,047	6,893	8,931
Interest income	1,916	2,402	6,298	6,971
Interest expense	242	437	842	1,318
Total revenues net of interest expense	5,191	6,191	15,799	17,984
Net income (loss)	855	991	1,583	2,826
Total assets	81,000	99,000	81,000	99,000
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,327	3,070	7,129	9,055
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,969	2,668	5,993	7,874
Interest income	351	485	1,252	1,407
Interest expense	139	262	493	787
Total revenues net of interest expense	2,539	3,293	7,888	9,675
Net income (loss)	220	568	198	1,641
Total assets	40,000	54,000	40,000	54,000
Global Merchant and Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,111	1,471	3,376	4,398
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,053	1,337	3,168	4,017
Interest income	4	6	14	22
Interest expense	(18)	(74)	(60)	(241)
Total revenues net of interest expense	1,133	1,551	3,450	4,661
Net income (loss)	263	523	746	1,658
Total assets	12,000	17,000	12,000	17,000
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	(78)	19	(200)	71
Revenue from contracts with customers	(6)	(1)	(21)	5
Interest income	53	187	232	599
Interest expense	87	252	433	799
Total revenues net of interest expense	(112)	(46)	(401)	(129)
Net income (loss)	(265)	(327)	(830)	(1,059)
Total assets	$ 54,000	$ 24,000	$ 54,000	$ 24,000