American Express (AXP) 10-Q 23 Jul 21 2021 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jul. 19, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7657
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
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 Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		794,433,076
Entity Central Index Key	0000004962
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021		Jun. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2021		Jun. 30, 2020
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	$ 8,425		$ 5,791		$ 15,659		$ 13,771
Interest income
Interest on loans	2,094		2,368		4,238		5,277
Interest and dividends on investment securities	24		27		48		65
Deposits with banks and other	22		31		46		130
Total interest income	2,140		2,426		4,332		5,472
Interest expense
Deposits	113		260		247		586
Long-term debt and other	209		282		437		672
Total interest expense	322		542		684		1,258
Net interest income	1,818		1,884		3,648		4,214
Total revenues net of interest expense	10,243		7,675		19,307		17,985
Provisions for credit losses
Provisions	(606)		1,555		(1,281)		4,176
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for credit losses	10,849		6,120		20,588		13,809
Expenses
Marketing and business development	2,219		1,362		3,985		3,067
Card Member rewards	2,712		1,349		4,955		3,741
Card Member services	432		208		749		664
Salaries and employee benefits	1,539		1,349		3,089		2,744
Other, net	1,007		1,230		1,877		2,519
Total expenses	7,909		5,498		14,655		12,735
Pretax income	2,940		622		5,933		1,074
Income tax provision	660		365		1,418		450
Net income	$ 2,280		$ 257		$ 4,515		$ 624
Earnings per Common Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.81	[1]	$ 0.29	[1]	$ 5.55	[2]	$ 0.71	[2]
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.80	[1]	$ 0.29	[1]	$ 5.54	[2]	$ 0.71	[2]
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:
Basic (in shares)	801		804		802		806
Diluted (in shares)	802		805		803		807
Card Member Receivables
Provisions for credit losses
Provisions	$ (125)		$ 355		$ (135)		$ 952
Card Member Loans
Provisions for credit losses
Provisions	(396)		969		(969)		2,845
Other Loans
Provisions for credit losses
Provisions	(85)		231		(177)		379
Discount revenue
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	6,327		4,015		11,569		9,853
Net card fees
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	1,286		1,141		2,539		2,251
Other fees and commissions
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	560		449		1,080		1,169
Other
Non-interest revenues
Non-interest revenues	$ 252		$ 186		$ 471		$ 498
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $16 million and $2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $15 million and $17 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
[2]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $31 million and $4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $29 million and $49 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Consolidated Statements of In_2

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$ 16	$ 2	$ 31	$ 4
Dividends on preferred shares	$ 15	$ 17	$ 29	$ 49

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,280	$ 257	$ 4,515	$ 624
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized debt securities (losses) gains, net of tax	(11)	(5)	(23)	52
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	19	123	2	(199)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	9	(33)	35	(27)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	17	85	14	(174)
Comprehensive income	$ 2,297	$ 342	$ 4,529	$ 450

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and due from banks (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities: 2021, $14; 2020, nil)	$ 2,671	$ 2,984
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (includes securities purchased under resale agreements: 2021, $46; 2020, $92)	26,702	29,824
Short-term investment securities (includes restricted investments of consolidated variable interest entities: 2021, $1,379; 2020, $47)	1,423	157
Total cash and cash equivalents	30,796	32,965
Investment securities	12,443	21,631
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization: 2021, $8,084; 2020, $7,540	4,891	5,015
Other assets, less reserves for credit losses: 2021, $39; 2020, $85	17,402	17,679
Total assets	186,973	191,367
Liabilities
Customer deposits	84,905	86,875
Accounts payable	9,708	9,444
Short-term borrowings	1,864	1,878
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities: 2021, $11,866; 2020, $12,760)	37,363	42,952
Other liabilities	27,594	27,234
Total liabilities	161,434	168,383
Contingencies (Note 7)
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred shares, $1.662/3 par value, authorized 20 million shares; issued and outstanding 1,600 shares as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020	0	0
Common shares, $0.20 par value, authorized 3.6 billion shares; issued and outstanding 798 million shares as of June 30, 2021 and 805 million shares as of December 31, 2020	160	161
Additional paid-in capital	11,858	11,881
Retained earnings	16,402	13,837
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized debt securities gains (losses), net of tax	42	65
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(2,227)	(2,229)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	(696)	(731)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,881)	(2,895)
Total shareholders’ equity	25,539	22,984
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	186,973	191,367
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,841	606
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Liabilities
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities: 2021, $11,866; 2020, $12,760)	11,866	12,760
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,379	47
Card Member Receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Financing receivables, net	47,512	43,434
Card Member Loans
Cash and cash equivalents
Financing receivables, net	71,775	68,029
Other Loans
Cash and cash equivalents
Financing receivables, net	$ 2,154	$ 2,614

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	$ 46	$ 92
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,841	606
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	8,084	7,540
Other assets, reserves for credit losses	39	85
Liabilities
Long-term debt	$ 37,363	$ 42,952
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	798,000,000	805,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	798,000,000	805,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized debt securities, tax	$ 14	$ 20
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(411)	(381)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	(223)	(236)
Card Member Receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Financing receivables, gross	47,585	43,701
Allowance for credit losses	73	267
Card Member Loans
Cash and cash equivalents
Financing receivables, gross	75,610	73,373
Allowance for credit losses	3,835	5,344
Other Loans
Cash and cash equivalents
Allowance for credit losses	72	238
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash	14	0
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,379	47
Liabilities
Long-term debt	11,866	12,760
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Financing receivables, gross	4,787	4,296
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Loans
Cash and cash equivalents
Financing receivables, gross	$ 25,149	$ 25,908

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 4,515	$ 624
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provisions for credit losses	(1,281)	4,176
Depreciation and amortization	834	711
Deferred taxes and other	(294)	335
Stock-based compensation	183	109
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other assets	282	(792)
Accounts payable & other liabilities	1,226	(5,252)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	5,465	(89)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investment securities	37	36
Maturities and redemptions of investment securities	9,684	4,573
Purchase of investments	(824)	(16,132)
Net (increase) decrease in Card Member loans and receivables, and other loans	(6,280)	34,356
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales: 2021, $40; 2020, nil	(609)	(689)
Other investing activities	1	2
Net cash provided by investing activities	2,009	22,146
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net (decrease) increase in customer deposits	(1,966)	11,519
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	17	(4,859)
Proceeds from long-term debt	18	0
Payments of long-term debt	(5,409)	(9,699)
Issuance of American Express common shares	45	33
Repurchase of American Express common shares and other	(1,397)	(1,025)
Dividends paid	(724)	(749)
Net cash used in financing activities	(9,416)	(4,780)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(227)	380
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,169)	17,657
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	32,965	24,446
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 30,796	$ 42,103

Consolidated Statements of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Sales of premises and equipment	$ 40	$ 0
Cash and cash equivalents reconciliation
Total cash and cash equivalents	30,796	42,103	$ 32,965	$ 24,446
Restricted balances included in Cash and cash equivalents	1,841	606	606	514
Total cash and cash equivalents excluding restricted balances	$ 28,955	$ 41,497	$ 32,359	$ 23,932

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	[1]	Preferred Shares	Common Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Series B Preferred Stock	Series B Preferred StockRetained Earnings	Series C Preferred Stock	Series C Preferred StockRetained Earnings
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 23,071	$ (882)		$ 0	$ 163	$ 11,774	$ (2,737)	$ 13,871
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	624							624
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(174)						(174)	0
Repurchase of common shares	(875)				(2)	(105)		(768)
Other changes, primarily employee plans	43					91		(48)
Cash dividends declared preferred									$ (20)	$ (20)	$ (29)	$ (29)
Cash dividends declared common	(696)							(696)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 21,062			0	161	11,760	(2,911)	12,052
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 21,006			0	161	11,680	(2,996)	12,161
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	257							257
Other comprehensive income (loss)	85						85	0
Other changes, primarily employee plans	79					80		(1)
Cash dividends declared preferred									(9)	(9)	(8)	(8)
Cash dividends declared common	(348)							(348)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	21,062			0	161	11,760	(2,911)	12,052
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	22,984			0	161	11,881	(2,895)	13,837
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	4,515							4,515
Other comprehensive income (loss)	14						14	0
Repurchase of common shares	(1,346)				(2)	(134)		(1,210)
Other changes, primarily employee plans	94				1	111		(18)
Cash dividends declared preferred									(14)	(14)	(15)	(15)
Cash dividends declared common	(693)							(693)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	25,539			0	160	11,858	(2,881)	16,402
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	24,449			0	161	11,878	(2,898)	15,308
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	2,280							2,280
Other comprehensive income (loss)	17						17	0
Repurchase of common shares	(908)				(1)	(85)		(822)
Other changes, primarily employee plans	62					65		(3)
Cash dividends declared preferred									$ (7)	$ (7)	$ (8)	$ (8)
Cash dividends declared common	(346)							(346)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 25,539			$ 0	$ 160	$ 11,858	$ (2,881)	$ 16,402
[1]	Represents $1,170 million, net of tax of $288 million, related to the impact as of January 1, 2020 of adopting the current expected credit loss methodology for the recognition of credit losses on certain financial instruments.

Consolidated Statements of Sh_2

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash dividends declared
Common stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.43	$ 0.86	$ 0.86
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Cash dividends declared
Impact of new accounting guidance, net of tax					$ 1,170
Impact of new accounting guidance, tax					$ 288
Series B Preferred Stock
Cash dividends declared
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)	12.08	12.37	24.51	26.46
Series C Preferred Stock
Cash dividends declared
Preferred stock, dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 10.43	$ 10.29	$ 20.73	$ 34.79

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 our 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, 2020. 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. Effective April 1, 2021, we prospectively changed the recognition of certain costs paid to a third party previously recognized over the twelve month card membership period in Net card fees in the Consolidated Statements of Income; such costs are now recorded as incurred in Marketing and business development expense. This change is not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2021, we elected to change our accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects from the equity method of accounting to the proportional amortization method (PAM) in accordance with the accounting guidance. PAM results in the amortization of the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the related tax credits, and recognition of the net investment performance in the statement of income as a component of Income tax provision, while the equity method reflected losses related to the investments as a component of Other, net expenses. As a result, we believe PAM is preferable as it better reflects the economics of our tax credit investments. Since the impact of this change is immaterial to our prior and current period financial statements, we implemented PAM on a prospective basis which resulted in a one-time charge to Income tax provision of $55 million in the first quarter of 2021, reflecting the cumulative impact of the difference in the timing of expense recognition between the equity method and PAM.

Loans and Card Member Receivabl

Loans and Card Member Receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Receivables [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. Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of: (Millions) 2021 2020 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 60,561 $ 60,084 Global Commercial Services 15,049 13,289 Card Member loans 75,610 73,373 Less: Reserves for credit losses 3,835 5,344 Card Member loans, net $ 71,775 $ 68,029 Other loans, net (b) $ 2,154 $ 2,614 (a) Includes approximately $25.1 billion and $25.9 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. (b) Other loans represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products, and Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. There were $0.2 billion and $0.6 billion of gross PPP loans outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Other loans are presented net of reserves for credit losses of $72 million and $238 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Card Member receivables by segment as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of: (Millions) 2021 2020 Global Consumer Services Group $ 19,932 $ 18,685 Global Commercial Services (a) 27,653 25,016 Card Member receivables 47,585 43,701 Less: Reserves for credit losses 73 267 Card Member receivables, net $ 47,512 $ 43,434 (a) Includes $4.8 billion and $4.3 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 2021 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 60,138 $ 119 $ 86 $ 218 $ 60,561 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 14,927 22 14 31 14,994 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 55 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 19,844 34 16 38 19,932 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 15,853 $ 32 $ 14 $ 30 $ 15,929 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 32 $ 11,724 2020 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 59,442 $ 177 $ 148 $ 317 $ 60,084 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 13,132 27 20 47 13,226 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 63 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 18,570 33 26 56 18,685 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 14,023 $ 37 $ 21 $ 38 $ 14,119 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 60 $ 10,897 (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 six months ended June 30: 2021 2020 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 1.3 % 1.7 % 0.7 % 2.7 % 3.3 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 0.8 % 1.0 % 0.4 % 2.1 % 2.4 % 1.6 % Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 0.4 % 0.5 % 0.4 % 2.2 % 2.4 % 1.3 % Global Small Business Services 0.3 % 0.4 % 0.5 % 2.4 % 2.6 % 2.1 % Global Corporate Payments (d) (b) (0.3) % (c) (b) 2.2 % (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 0.3% and 2.5% as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (d) The net write-off rate for the current year includes a $37 million partial recovery in Card Member receivables related to a corporate client bankruptcy, which had resulted in a $53 million write-off in the prior year. 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) non-accrual 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.” The following tables provide additional information with respect to our impaired loans and receivables as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: As of June 30, 2021 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2021 (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 $ 136 $ 88 $ 1,057 $ 729 $ 2,010 $ 655 Global Commercial Services 15 16 256 263 550 229 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 154 86 240 52 Global Commercial Services — — 282 220 502 86 Other Loans (f) 1 1 140 5 147 13 Total $ 152 $ 105 $ 1,889 $ 1,303 $ 3,449 $ 1,035 As of December 31, 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 $ 203 $ 146 $ 1,586 $ 248 $ 2,183 $ 782 Global Commercial Services 21 29 478 67 595 285 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 240 34 274 60 Global Commercial Services — — 534 75 609 139 Other Loans (f) 2 1 248 6 257 80 Total $ 226 $ 176 $ 3,086 $ 430 $ 3,918 $ 1,346 (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 $29 million and $32 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and $11 million that are non-accruals as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. (d) In Program TDRs include accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. (e) Out of Program TDRs include $1,140 million and $316 million of accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $163 million and $114 million of accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. (f) Other loans primarily represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products. Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs The following tables provide additional information with respect to loans and receivables that entered a financial relief program and were modified as TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Number of Account Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 23 $ 172 13 (b) 61 $ 459 13 (b) Card Member Receivables 4 83 (c) 18 11 200 (c) 18 Other Loans (d) 1 2 3 18 2 $ 10 3 15 Total 28 $ 257 74 $ 669 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Number of Account Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 116 $ 1,103 14 (b) 140 $ 1,298 14 (b) Card Member Receivables 22 744 (c) 18 25 818 (c) 19 Other Loans (d) 5 $ 154 4 15 5 $ 154 4 15 Total 143 $ 2,001 170 $ 2,270 (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. The following tables provide information with respect to loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within twelve months of modification. A customer can miss up to three payments before being considered in default, depending on the terms of the modification program. Three Months Ended Six 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 9 $ 69 16 $ 116 Card Member Receivables 3 19 4 38 Other Loans (b) 1 3 2 8 Total 13 $ 91 22 $ 162 Three Months Ended Six 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 3 $ 24 7 $ 52 Card Member Receivables 1 9 2 18 Other Loans (b) 1 1 1 $ 1 Total 5 $ 34 10 $ 71 (a) The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on loans, and principal and fees on receivables. (b) Other loans primarily represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products.

Reserves for Credit Losses

Reserves for Credit Losses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 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), which is approximately three years, beyond the balance sheet date. We make various judgments combined with historical loss experience to determine 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 by immediately reverting to long-term average 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 and applies 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 (GDP), 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. 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. The following table reflects the range of macroeconomic scenario key variables used, in conjunction with other inputs, to calculate reserves for credit losses: U.S. Unemployment Rate U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) (a) June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Second quarter of 2021 6% 8% - 10% 11% 4% - (4)% Fourth quarter of 2021 4% - 8% 7% - 11% 7% - (3)% 6% - (2)% Fourth quarter of 2022 4% - 9% 6% - 12% 2% 4% - 3% Fourth quarter of 2023 3% - 7% 4% -10% 3% - 2% 5% - 3% (a) Real GDP quarter over quarter percentage change seasonally adjusted to annualized rates. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Credit Losses Card Member loans reserve for credit losses decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, driven by lower delinquencies, improved portfolio quality and improving macroeconomic outlooks, all of which were partially offset by an increase in the outstanding balance of loans. Card Member loans reserve for credit losses increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, driven by the deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by a decline in the outstanding balance of loans. The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for credit losses for the three and six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Beginning Balance $ 4,467 $ 5,236 $ 5,344 $ 4,027 Provisions (a) (396) 969 (969) 2,845 Net write-offs (b) Principal (185) (499) (426) (1,017) Interest and fees (58) (103) (121) (210) Other (c) 7 25 7 (17) Ending Balance $ 3,835 $ 5,628 $ 3,835 $ 5,628 (a) Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (b) Principal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $172 million and $134 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $340 million and $279 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were not significant. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(43) million and $(32) million for the three months June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(88) million and $(63) million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (c) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $7 million and $25 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $6 million and $(17) million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Credit Losses Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, driven by lower delinquencies, improved portfolio quality and improving macroeconomic outlooks, all of which were partially offset by an increase in the outstanding balance of receivables. Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, driven by the deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by a decline in the outstanding balance of receivables. The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses for the three and six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Beginning Balance $ 202 $ 459 $ 267 $ 126 Provisions (a) (125) 355 (135) 952 Net write-offs (b) (4) (299) (57) (557) Other (c) — 4 (2) (2) Ending Balance $ 73 $ 519 $ 73 $ 519 (a) Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (b) Net write-offs are presented less recoveries of $127 million and $88 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $224 million and $180 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(16) million and $(9) million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(36) million and $(16) million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (c) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of nil and $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(1) million for both the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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. Unrealized losses attributable to credit deterioration are recorded in 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 $21 million and $26 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 2021 2020 Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gross Gross Estimated Cost Gross Gross Estimated Available-for-sale debt securities: State and municipal obligations $ 133 $ 6 $ (1) $ 138 $ 172 $ 7 $ — $ 179 U.S. Government agency obligations 6 — — 6 7 — — 7 U.S. Government treasury obligations 11,397 49 — 11,446 20,655 76 — 20,731 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 22 2 — 24 28 2 — 30 Foreign government bonds and obligations 741 — — 741 581 — — 581 Other (b) 37 — — 37 22 — — 22 Equity securities (c) 52 1 (2) 51 56 27 (2) 81 Total $ 12,388 $ 58 $ (3) $ 12,443 $ 21,521 $ 112 $ (2) $ 21,631 (a) Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. (b) Represents investments in Corporate debt securities and debt securities issued by Community Development Financial Institutions. (c) 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 June 30, 2021. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2020. 2021 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Gross Estimated Fair Value Gross State and municipal obligations $ 26 $ (1) $ — $ — Total $ 26 $ (1) $ — $ — The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of June 30, 2021. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 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 2021: 90%–100% 6 $ 26 $ (1) — $ — $ — 6 $ 26 $ (1) Less than 90% — — — — — — — — — Total as of June 30, 2021 6 $ 26 $ (1) — $ — $ — 6 $ 26 $ (1) Contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of June 30, 2021 were as follows: (Millions) Cost Estimated Due within 1 year $ 11,001 $ 11,014 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 1,201 1,235 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 35 42 Due after 10 years 99 101 Total $ 12,336 $ 12,392 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our ownership of variable interests was $13.5 billion and $13.4 billion, respectively, for the Lending Trust and $4.8 billion and $4.3 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. Restricted cash and cash equivalents held by the Lending Trust and Charge Trust was $1.4 billion and nil, respectively, as of June 30, 2021 and $47 million and nil, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. 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 six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, no such triggering events occurred.

Customer Deposits

Customer Deposits	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Deposits [Abstract]
Customer Deposits	Customer Deposits As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows: (Millions) 2021 2020 U.S.: Interest-bearing $ 83,823 $ 85,583 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $442; 2020, $576) 466 599 Non-U.S.: Interest-bearing 19 19 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $593; 2020, $671) 597 674 Total customer deposits $ 84,905 $ 86,875 Customer deposits by deposit type as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows: (Millions) 2021 2020 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 65,472 $ 63,512 Certificates of deposit: Direct 1,963 2,440 Third-party (brokered) 3,757 5,561 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 12,631 14,070 Other deposits: U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 24 23 Non-U.S. deposits 23 22 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 1,035 1,247 Total customer deposits $ 84,905 $ 86,875 The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of June 30, 2021 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2021 $ 1,432 $ 4 $ 1,436 2022 3,104 4 3,108 2023 682 — 682 2024 283 — 283 2025 210 — 210 After 5 years 9 — 9 Total $ 5,720 $ 8 $ 5,728 As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2021 2020 U.S. $ 745 $ 930 Non-U.S. 1 1 Total $ 746 $ 931

Contingencies

Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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, regulatory proceedings, 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.” The case has been stayed pending the outcome of arbitration proceedings. On January 29, 2019, we were named in a putative class action brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, captioned Anthony Oliver, et al. v. American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc. , in which the plaintiffs are holders of MasterCard, Visa and/or Discover credit cards (but not American Express cards) and allege they paid higher prices as a result of our anti-steering and non-discrimination provisions in violation of federal antitrust law and the antitrust and consumer laws of various states. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and other forms of relief. The court dismissed plaintiffs’ federal antitrust claim, numerous state antitrust and consumer protection claims and their unjust enrichment claim. The remaining claims in plaintiffs’ complaint arise under the antitrust laws of 11 states and the consumer protection laws of six states. 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 $210 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 and results of operations. In addition, we face exposure associated with Card Member purchases, 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 purchases, 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.” We have an accrual of $33 million related to these exposures as of June 30, 2021. To date, we have not experienced significant losses related to these exposures; however, our historical experience may not be representative in the current environment given the economic and financial disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting containment measures. A reasonably possible loss related to these exposures in excess of the recorded accrual cannot be quantified as the Card Member purchases that may include or result in claims are not sufficiently estimable, although we believe our risk of loss has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 and foreign exchange rates, 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. A majority of our derivative assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are subject to master netting agreements with our derivative counterparties. Accordingly, where appropriate, we have elected to present derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty on a net basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 June 30, 2021, these derivatives were not in a material net liability position. Based on our assessment of the credit risk of our derivative counterparties and our own credit risk as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, no credit risk adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required. The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ 352 $ 500 $ — $ — Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 76 24 129 474 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 428 524 129 474 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 153 105 65 228 Total derivatives, gross 581 629 194 702 Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (97) (98) (97) (98) Cash collateral netting (c) (352) (500) — (16) Total derivatives, net $ 132 $ 31 $ 97 $ 588 (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. We posted $23 million and $34 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 had $12.9 billion and $15.8 billion of fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 six months ended June 30: Gains (losses) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fixed-rate long-term debt $ 55 $ 4 $ 198 $ (593) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (54) (10) (199) 601 Total $ 1 $ (6) $ (1) $ 8 The carrying values of the hedged liabilities, recorded within Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $13.2 billion and $16.4 billion as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, including the cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments of $424 million and $622 million for the respective periods. We recognized net decreases of $63 million and $81 million in Interest expense on Long-term debt for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and net decreases of $136 million and $102 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, primarily related to the net settlements including interest accruals on our interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Net Investment Hedges We primarily designate foreign currency derivatives as net investment hedges to reduce our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates on our investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. We had notional amounts of approximately $10.8 billion and $10.5 billion of foreign currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, were losses of $108 million and $339 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and a loss of $102 million and a gain of $393 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net investment hedge reclassifications out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of taxes, were not significant for any of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. 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. We had notional amounts of approximately $14.4 billion as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in net losses of $9 million and $2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and a net loss of $14 million and a net gain of $18 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that are recognized in Other, net expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Values

Fair Values	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 2021 2020 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities $ 51 $ 50 $ 1 $ — $ 81 $ 80 $ 1 $ — Debt securities (b) 12,392 — 12,372 20 21,550 — 21,550 — Derivatives, gross (a) 581 — 581 — 629 — 629 — Total Assets 13,024 50 12,954 20 22,260 80 22,180 — Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 194 — 194 — 702 — 702 — Total Liabilities $ 194 $ — $ 194 $ — $ 702 $ — $ 702 $ — (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. (b) Level 3 fair value amount represents investments in debt securities issued by Community Development Financial Institutions. 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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 2021 (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) $ 31 $ 31 $ 28 $ 3 $ — Other financial assets (b) 50 50 — 50 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 74 78 — — 78 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 101 101 — 101 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 6 6 — 6 — Long-term debt (c) $ 37 $ 39 $ — $ 39 $ — 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 $ 31 $ 2 $ — Other financial assets (b) 46 46 — 46 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 71 75 — — 75 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 101 101 — 101 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 8 8 — 8 — Long-term debt (c) $ 43 $ 45 $ — $ 45 $ — (a) Level 2 fair value amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. (b) Balances include Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively), other receivables and other miscellaneous assets. (c) Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $25.2 billion and $25.8 billion as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and the fair values of Long-term debt were $12.0 billion and $13.0 billion as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment. We estimate the Level 3 fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair values based on price changes as of the date of new similar equity financing transactions completed by the companies in our portfolio. The carrying value of equity investments without readily determinable fair values totaled $1.2 billion and $530 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These amounts are included within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recorded net unrealized gains of $248 million and $7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and $625 million and $22 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Unrealized losses including any impairments were not significant for any of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. Beginning in January 2018, cumulative net unrealized gains for equity investments without readily determinable fair values totaled $977 million and $347 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, we also have certain equity investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient. Such investments were immaterial as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Guarantees

Guarantees	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 $26 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2021, and $1 billion and $24 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020, 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 (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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 six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of March 31, 2021 $ 53 $ (2,246) $ (705) $ (2,898) Net unrealized losses (11) — — (11) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — 127 — 127 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — (108) — (108) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 9 9 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (11) 19 9 17 Balances as of June 30, 2021 $ 42 $ (2,227) $ (696) $ (2,881) Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of December 31, 2020 $ 65 $ (2,229) $ (731) $ (2,895) Net unrealized losses (23) — — (23) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — 104 — 104 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — (102) — (102) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 35 35 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (23) 2 35 14 Balances as of June 30, 2021 $ 42 $ (2,227) $ (696) $ (2,881) Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balances as of March 31, 2020 $ 90 $ (2,511) $ (575) $ (2,996) Net unrealized losses (5) — — (5) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings — (3) — (3) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — 465 — 465 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — (339) — (339) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (33) (33) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (5) 123 (33) 85 Balances as of June 30, 2020 $ 85 $ (2,388) $ (608) $ (2,911) Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balances as of December 31, 2019 $ 33 $ (2,189) $ (581) $ (2,737) Net unrealized gains 52 — — 52 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings — (3) — (3) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — (589) — (589) Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — 393 — 393 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (27) (27) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 52 (199) (27) (174) Balances as of June 30, 2020 $ 85 $ (2,388) $ (608) $ (2,911) The following table shows the tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30 for the changes in each component of AOCI presented above: Tax expense (benefit) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net unrealized (losses) gains on debt securities $ (3) $ (2) $ (6) $ 16 Net translation on investments in foreign operations (3) (6) 5 24 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations (35) (106) (35) 124 Pension and other postretirement benefits 2 (1) 13 11 Total tax impact $ (39) $ (115) $ (23) $ 175 Reclassifications out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of taxes, were not significant for any of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Other Fees and Commissions and

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fees charged to Card Members: Delinquency fees $ 146 $ 196 $ 294 $ 456 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 109 57 205 250 Other customer fees: Loyalty coalition-related fees 121 90 245 198 Travel commissions and fees 57 5 90 65 Service fees and other (a) 127 101 246 200 Total Other fees and commissions $ 560 $ 449 $ 1,080 $ 1,169 (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 six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Data processing and equipment (a) $ 577 $ 564 $ 1,159 $ 1,113 Professional services 458 406 861 845 Net unrealized gains on Amex Ventures equity investments (b) (248) (7) (625) (22) Other (c) 220 267 482 583 Total Other expenses $ 1,007 $ 1,230 $ 1,877 $ 2,519 (a) Effective for the first quarter of 2021, we changed the expense category name from Occupancy and equipment to Data processing and equipment to better reflect the nature and components of the expense. (b) Represents net unrealized gains on equity investments without a readily determinable fair value. (c) Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, communication expenses, non-income taxes, Card Member and merchant-related fraud losses, foreign currency-related gains and losses and litigation expenses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective tax rate was 22.4 percent and 58.7 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 23.9 percent and 41.9 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in both periods primarily reflected the impact of discrete tax charges and lower pretax income in the prior year. 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 twelve months by as much as $133 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 $133 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $105 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 six months ended June 30 were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions, except per share amounts) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 2,280 $ 257 $ 4,515 $ 624 Preferred dividends (15) (17) (29) (49) Net income available to common shareholders $ 2,265 $ 240 $ 4,486 $ 575 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (16) (2) (31) (4) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 2,249 $ 238 $ 4,455 $ 571 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 801 804 802 806 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 1 1 1 1 Diluted 802 805 803 807 Basic EPS $ 2.81 $ 0.29 $ 5.55 $ 0.71 Diluted EPS $ 2.80 $ 0.29 $ 5.54 $ 0.71 (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 0.01 million and 1.51 million of options for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 0.21 million and 0.59 million of options for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Reportable Operating Segments

Reportable Operating Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Operating Segments	Reportable Operating Segments As a result of organizational changes announced during the second quarter of 2021, our loyalty coalition businesses results, which were previously reported within the Global Merchant and Network Services (GMNS) segment, are now reported within the GCSG segment. Prior period segment results have been revised to conform with current period presentation. The following table presents certain selected financial information for our reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other as of or for the three and six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 4,464 $ 2,815 $ 1,204 $ (58) $ 8,425 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 3,223 2,411 1,135 (7) 6,762 Interest income 1,749 345 4 42 2,140 Interest expense 174 111 (20) 57 322 Total revenues net of interest expense 6,039 3,049 1,228 (73) 10,243 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 1,882 $ 839 $ 527 $ (308) $ 2,940 Total assets (billions) $ 90 $ 46 $ 14 $ 37 $ 187 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 8,283 $ 5,247 $ 2,265 $ (136) $ 15,659 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 5,837 4,463 2,129 (13) 12,416 Interest income 3,557 681 8 86 4,332 Interest expense 362 227 (37) 132 684 Total revenues net of interest expense 11,478 5,701 2,310 (182) 19,307 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 4,037 $ 1,504 $ 912 $ (520) $ 5,933 Total assets (billions) $ 90 $ 46 $ 14 $ 37 $ 187 Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 3,024 $ 2,014 $ 827 $ (74) $ 5,791 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 1,927 1,652 784 (6) 4,357 Interest income 1,971 402 4 49 2,426 Interest expense 272 154 (6) 122 542 Total revenues net of interest expense 4,723 2,262 837 (147) 7,675 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 843 $ (22) $ 188 $ (387) $ 622 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 38 $ 11 $ 59 $ 189 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 7,030 $ 4,802 $ 2,060 $ (121) $ 13,771 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 4,729 4,024 1,916 (16) 10,653 Interest income 4,382 901 10 179 5,472 Interest expense 600 354 (42) 346 1,258 Total revenues net of interest expense 10,812 5,349 2,112 (288) 17,985 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 1,102 $ (3) $ 713 $ (738) $ 1,074 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 38 $ 11 $ 59 $ 189 (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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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. Effective April 1, 2021, we prospectively changed the recognition of certain costs paid to a third party previously recognized over the twelve month card membership period in Net card fees in the Consolidated Statements of Income; such costs are now recorded as incurred in Marketing and business development expense. This change is not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	Effective January 1, 2021, we elected to change our accounting for investments in qualified affordable housing projects from the equity method of accounting to the proportional amortization method (PAM) in accordance with the accounting guidance. PAM results in the amortization of the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the related tax credits, and recognition of the net investment performance in the statement of income as a component of Income tax provision, while the equity method reflected losses related to the investments as a component of Other, net expenses. As a result, we believe PAM is preferable as it better reflects the economics of our tax credit investments. Since the impact of this change is immaterial to our prior and current period financial statements, we implemented PAM on a prospective basis which resulted in a one-time charge to Income tax provision of $55 million in the first quarter of 2021, reflecting the cumulative impact of the difference in the timing of expense recognition between the equity method and PAM.
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) non-accrual 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.”
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 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), which is approximately three years, beyond the balance sheet date. We make various judgments combined with historical loss experience to determine 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 by immediately reverting to long-term average 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 and applies 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 (GDP), 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.
Investments	Investment securities principally include available-for-sale debt securities carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized losses attributable to credit deterioration are recorded in 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. 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 $210 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 and results of operations. In addition, we face exposure associated with Card Member purchases, 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 purchases, 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	A majority of our derivative assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are subject to master netting agreements with our derivative counterparties. Accordingly, where appropriate, we have elected to present derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty on a net basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures.
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. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment. We estimate the Level 3 fair value of equity investments without readily determinable fair values based on price changes as of the date of new similar equity financing transactions completed by the companies in our portfolio. The carrying value of equity investments without readily determinable fair values totaled $1.2 billion and $530 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These amounts are included within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recorded net unrealized gains of $248 million and $7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and $625 million and $22 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Unrealized losses including any impairments were not significant for any of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. Beginning in January 2018, cumulative net unrealized gains for equity investments without readily determinable fair values totaled $977 million and $347 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, we also have certain equity investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient. Such investments were immaterial as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Card Member receivables segment and other loans detail	Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of: (Millions) 2021 2020 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 60,561 $ 60,084 Global Commercial Services 15,049 13,289 Card Member loans 75,610 73,373 Less: Reserves for credit losses 3,835 5,344 Card Member loans, net $ 71,775 $ 68,029 Other loans, net (b) $ 2,154 $ 2,614 (a) Includes approximately $25.1 billion and $25.9 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. (b) Other loans represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products, and Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. There were $0.2 billion and $0.6 billion of gross PPP loans outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Other loans are presented net of reserves for credit losses of $72 million and $238 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Card Member receivables by segment as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of: (Millions) 2021 2020 Global Consumer Services Group $ 19,932 $ 18,685 Global Commercial Services (a) 27,653 25,016 Card Member receivables 47,585 43,701 Less: Reserves for credit losses 73 267 Card Member receivables, net $ 47,512 $ 43,434
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	The following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 2021 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 60,138 $ 119 $ 86 $ 218 $ 60,561 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 14,927 22 14 31 14,994 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 55 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 19,844 34 16 38 19,932 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 15,853 $ 32 $ 14 $ 30 $ 15,929 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 32 $ 11,724 2020 (Millions) Current 30-59 60-89 90+ Total Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 59,442 $ 177 $ 148 $ 317 $ 60,084 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 13,132 27 20 47 13,226 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) — 63 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 18,570 33 26 56 18,685 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services $ 14,023 $ 37 $ 21 $ 38 $ 14,119 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) $ 60 $ 10,897 (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 six months ended June 30: 2021 2020 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 1.3 % 1.7 % 0.7 % 2.7 % 3.3 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 0.8 % 1.0 % 0.4 % 2.1 % 2.4 % 1.6 % Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group 0.4 % 0.5 % 0.4 % 2.2 % 2.4 % 1.3 % Global Small Business Services 0.3 % 0.4 % 0.5 % 2.4 % 2.6 % 2.1 % Global Corporate Payments (d) (b) (0.3) % (c) (b) 2.2 % (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 0.3% and 2.5% as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (d) The net write-off rate for the current year includes a $37 million partial recovery in Card Member receivables related to a corporate client bankruptcy, which had resulted in a $53 million write-off in the prior year.
Impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following tables provide additional information with respect to our impaired loans and receivables as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: As of June 30, 2021 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) 2021 (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 $ 136 $ 88 $ 1,057 $ 729 $ 2,010 $ 655 Global Commercial Services 15 16 256 263 550 229 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 154 86 240 52 Global Commercial Services — — 282 220 502 86 Other Loans (f) 1 1 140 5 147 13 Total $ 152 $ 105 $ 1,889 $ 1,303 $ 3,449 $ 1,035 As of December 31, 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 $ 203 $ 146 $ 1,586 $ 248 $ 2,183 $ 782 Global Commercial Services 21 29 478 67 595 285 Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group — — 240 34 274 60 Global Commercial Services — — 534 75 609 139 Other Loans (f) 2 1 248 6 257 80 Total $ 226 $ 176 $ 3,086 $ 430 $ 3,918 $ 1,346 (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 $29 million and $32 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and $11 million that are non-accruals as of both June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. (d) In Program TDRs include accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. (e) Out of Program TDRs include $1,140 million and $316 million of accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $163 million and $114 million of accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. (f) Other loans primarily represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products.
Troubled debt restructurings	The following tables provide additional information with respect to loans and receivables that entered a financial relief program and were modified as TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Number of Account Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 23 $ 172 13 (b) 61 $ 459 13 (b) Card Member Receivables 4 83 (c) 18 11 200 (c) 18 Other Loans (d) 1 2 3 18 2 $ 10 3 15 Total 28 $ 257 74 $ 669 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Number of Account Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Number of Outstanding Balances (millions) (a) Average Interest Average Payment Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 116 $ 1,103 14 (b) 140 $ 1,298 14 (b) Card Member Receivables 22 744 (c) 18 25 818 (c) 19 Other Loans (d) 5 $ 154 4 15 5 $ 154 4 15 Total 143 $ 2,001 170 $ 2,270 (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 tables provide information with respect to loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within twelve months of modification. A customer can miss up to three payments before being considered in default, depending on the terms of the modification program. Three Months Ended Six 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 9 $ 69 16 $ 116 Card Member Receivables 3 19 4 38 Other Loans (b) 1 3 2 8 Total 13 $ 91 22 $ 162 Three Months Ended Six 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 3 $ 24 7 $ 52 Card Member Receivables 1 9 2 18 Other Loans (b) 1 1 1 $ 1 Total 5 $ 34 10 $ 71 (a) The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on loans, and principal and fees on receivables. (b) Other loans primarily represent consumer and commercial non-card financing products.

Reserves for Credit Losses (Tab

Reserves for Credit Losses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Schedule of Key Variables in Macroeconomic Scenarios Utilized for Computation of Reserves for Credit Losses	The following table reflects the range of macroeconomic scenario key variables used, in conjunction with other inputs, to calculate reserves for credit losses: U.S. Unemployment Rate U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) (a) June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Second quarter of 2021 6% 8% - 10% 11% 4% - (4)% Fourth quarter of 2021 4% - 8% 7% - 11% 7% - (3)% 6% - (2)% Fourth quarter of 2022 4% - 9% 6% - 12% 2% 4% - 3% Fourth quarter of 2023 3% - 7% 4% -10% 3% - 2% 5% - 3% (a) Real GDP quarter over quarter percentage change seasonally adjusted to annualized rates.
Card Member Loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Schedule of Changes in Card Member Loans and Receivables	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for credit losses for the three and six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Beginning Balance $ 4,467 $ 5,236 $ 5,344 $ 4,027 Provisions (a) (396) 969 (969) 2,845 Net write-offs (b) Principal (185) (499) (426) (1,017) Interest and fees (58) (103) (121) (210) Other (c) 7 25 7 (17) Ending Balance $ 3,835 $ 5,628 $ 3,835 $ 5,628 (a) Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (b) Principal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $172 million and $134 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $340 million and $279 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were not significant. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(43) million and $(32) million for the three months June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(88) million and $(63) million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (c) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $7 million and $25 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $6 million and $(17) million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Card Member Receivables
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Schedule of Changes in Card Member Loans and Receivables	The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses for the three and six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Beginning Balance $ 202 $ 459 $ 267 $ 126 Provisions (a) (125) 355 (135) 952 Net write-offs (b) (4) (299) (57) (557) Other (c) — 4 (2) (2) Ending Balance $ 73 $ 519 $ 73 $ 519 (a) Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs. (b) Net write-offs are presented less recoveries of $127 million and $88 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $224 million and $180 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amounts include net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs of $(16) million and $(9) million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(36) million and $(16) million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (c) Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments of nil and $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $(1) million for both the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of available for sale securities by type	The following is a summary of investment securities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 2021 2020 Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gross Gross Estimated Cost Gross Gross Estimated Available-for-sale debt securities: State and municipal obligations $ 133 $ 6 $ (1) $ 138 $ 172 $ 7 $ — $ 179 U.S. Government agency obligations 6 — — 6 7 — — 7 U.S. Government treasury obligations 11,397 49 — 11,446 20,655 76 — 20,731 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 22 2 — 24 28 2 — 30 Foreign government bonds and obligations 741 — — 741 581 — — 581 Other (b) 37 — — 37 22 — — 22 Equity securities (c) 52 1 (2) 51 56 27 (2) 81 Total $ 12,388 $ 58 $ (3) $ 12,443 $ 21,521 $ 112 $ (2) $ 21,631 (a) Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. (b) Represents investments in Corporate debt securities and debt securities issued by Community Development Financial Institutions. (c) 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 June 30, 2021. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2020. 2021 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Gross Estimated Fair Value Gross State and municipal obligations $ 26 $ (1) $ — $ — Total $ 26 $ (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 June 30, 2021. There were no available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 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 2021: 90%–100% 6 $ 26 $ (1) — $ — $ — 6 $ 26 $ (1) Less than 90% — — — — — — — — — Total as of June 30, 2021 6 $ 26 $ (1) — $ — $ — 6 $ 26 $ (1)
Contractual maturities of investment securities	Contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of June 30, 2021 were as follows: (Millions) Cost Estimated Due within 1 year $ 11,001 $ 11,014 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 1,201 1,235 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 35 42 Due after 10 years 99 101 Total $ 12,336 $ 12,392

Customer Deposits (Tables)

Customer Deposits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits by component alternative	As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows: (Millions) 2021 2020 U.S.: Interest-bearing $ 83,823 $ 85,583 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $442; 2020, $576) 466 599 Non-U.S.: Interest-bearing 19 19 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $593; 2020, $671) 597 674 Total customer deposits $ 84,905 $ 86,875
Deposits by type	Customer deposits by deposit type as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows: (Millions) 2021 2020 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 65,472 $ 63,512 Certificates of deposit: Direct 1,963 2,440 Third-party (brokered) 3,757 5,561 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 12,631 14,070 Other deposits: U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 24 23 Non-U.S. deposits 23 22 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 1,035 1,247 Total customer deposits $ 84,905 $ 86,875
Time deposits by maturity	The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of June 30, 2021 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2021 $ 1,432 $ 4 $ 1,436 2022 3,104 4 3,108 2023 682 — 682 2024 283 — 283 2025 210 — 210 After 5 years 9 — 9 Total $ 5,720 $ 8 $ 5,728
Time deposits $250,000 or more	As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2021 2020 U.S. $ 745 $ 930 Non-U.S. 1 1 Total $ 746 $ 931

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ 352 $ 500 $ — $ — Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 76 24 129 474 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 428 524 129 474 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 153 105 65 228 Total derivatives, gross 581 629 194 702 Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (97) (98) (97) (98) Cash collateral netting (c) (352) (500) — (16) Total derivatives, net $ 132 $ 31 $ 97 $ 588 (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.
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 six months ended June 30: Gains (losses) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fixed-rate long-term debt $ 55 $ 4 $ 198 $ (593) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (54) (10) (199) 601 Total $ 1 $ (6) $ (1) $ 8

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: 2021 2020 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities $ 51 $ 50 $ 1 $ — $ 81 $ 80 $ 1 $ — Debt securities (b) 12,392 — 12,372 20 21,550 — 21,550 — Derivatives, gross (a) 581 — 581 — 629 — 629 — Total Assets 13,024 50 12,954 20 22,260 80 22,180 — Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 194 — 194 — 702 — 702 — Total Liabilities $ 194 $ — $ 194 $ — $ 702 $ — $ 702 $ — (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. (b) Level 3 fair value amount represents investments in debt securities issued by Community Development Financial Institutions.
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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 2021 (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) $ 31 $ 31 $ 28 $ 3 $ — Other financial assets (b) 50 50 — 50 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 74 78 — — 78 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 101 101 — 101 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 6 6 — 6 — Long-term debt (c) $ 37 $ 39 $ — $ 39 $ — 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 $ 31 $ 2 $ — Other financial assets (b) 46 46 — 46 — Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member and Other loans, less reserves (c) 71 75 — — 75 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 101 101 — 101 — Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 8 8 — 8 — Long-term debt (c) $ 43 $ 45 $ — $ 45 $ — (a) Level 2 fair value amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. (b) Balances include Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively), other receivables and other miscellaneous assets. (c) Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $25.2 billion and $25.8 billion as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and the fair values of Long-term debt were $12.0 billion and $13.0 billion as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of March 31, 2021 $ 53 $ (2,246) $ (705) $ (2,898) Net unrealized losses (11) — — (11) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — 127 — 127 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — (108) — (108) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 9 9 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (11) 19 9 17 Balances as of June 30, 2021 $ 42 $ (2,227) $ (696) $ (2,881) Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Balances as of December 31, 2020 $ 65 $ (2,229) $ (731) $ (2,895) Net unrealized losses (23) — — (23) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — 104 — 104 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — (102) — (102) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — 35 35 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (23) 2 35 14 Balances as of June 30, 2021 $ 42 $ (2,227) $ (696) $ (2,881) Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balances as of March 31, 2020 $ 90 $ (2,511) $ (575) $ (2,996) Net unrealized losses (5) — — (5) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings — (3) — (3) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — 465 — 465 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — (339) — (339) Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (33) (33) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (5) 123 (33) 85 Balances as of June 30, 2020 $ 85 $ (2,388) $ (608) $ (2,911) Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions), net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities Foreign Currency Net Unrealized Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balances as of December 31, 2019 $ 33 $ (2,189) $ (581) $ (2,737) Net unrealized gains 52 — — 52 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings — (3) — (3) Net translation on investments in foreign operations — (589) — (589) Net hedges of investments in foreign operations — 393 — 393 Pension and other postretirement benefits — — (27) (27) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 52 (199) (27) (174) Balances as of June 30, 2020 $ 85 $ (2,388) $ (608) $ (2,911)
AOCI income tax effect	The following table shows the tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30 for the changes in each component of AOCI presented above: Tax expense (benefit) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net unrealized (losses) gains on debt securities $ (3) $ (2) $ (6) $ 16 Net translation on investments in foreign operations (3) (6) 5 24 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations (35) (106) (35) 124 Pension and other postretirement benefits 2 (1) 13 11 Total tax impact $ (39) $ (115) $ (23) $ 175

Other Fees and Commissions an_2

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fees charged to Card Members: Delinquency fees $ 146 $ 196 $ 294 $ 456 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 109 57 205 250 Other customer fees: Loyalty coalition-related fees 121 90 245 198 Travel commissions and fees 57 5 90 65 Service fees and other (a) 127 101 246 200 Total Other fees and commissions $ 560 $ 449 $ 1,080 $ 1,169 (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 six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Data processing and equipment (a) $ 577 $ 564 $ 1,159 $ 1,113 Professional services 458 406 861 845 Net unrealized gains on Amex Ventures equity investments (b) (248) (7) (625) (22) Other (c) 220 267 482 583 Total Other expenses $ 1,007 $ 1,230 $ 1,877 $ 2,519 (a) Effective for the first quarter of 2021, we changed the expense category name from Occupancy and equipment to Data processing and equipment to better reflect the nature and components of the expense. (b) Represents net unrealized gains on equity investments without a readily determinable fair value. (c) Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, communication expenses, non-income taxes, Card Member and merchant-related fraud losses, foreign currency-related gains and losses and litigation expenses.

Earnings Per Common Share (EP_2

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted EPS	The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30 were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (Millions, except per share amounts) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 2,280 $ 257 $ 4,515 $ 624 Preferred dividends (15) (17) (29) (49) Net income available to common shareholders $ 2,265 $ 240 $ 4,486 $ 575 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (16) (2) (31) (4) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 2,249 $ 238 $ 4,455 $ 571 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 801 804 802 806 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 1 1 1 1 Diluted 802 805 803 807 Basic EPS $ 2.81 $ 0.29 $ 5.55 $ 0.71 Diluted EPS $ 2.80 $ 0.29 $ 5.54 $ 0.71 (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 0.01 million and 1.51 million of options for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 0.21 million and 0.59 million of options for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Reportable Operating Segments (

Reportable Operating Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
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 six months ended June 30: Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 4,464 $ 2,815 $ 1,204 $ (58) $ 8,425 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 3,223 2,411 1,135 (7) 6,762 Interest income 1,749 345 4 42 2,140 Interest expense 174 111 (20) 57 322 Total revenues net of interest expense 6,039 3,049 1,228 (73) 10,243 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 1,882 $ 839 $ 527 $ (308) $ 2,940 Total assets (billions) $ 90 $ 46 $ 14 $ 37 $ 187 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 8,283 $ 5,247 $ 2,265 $ (136) $ 15,659 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 5,837 4,463 2,129 (13) 12,416 Interest income 3,557 681 8 86 4,332 Interest expense 362 227 (37) 132 684 Total revenues net of interest expense 11,478 5,701 2,310 (182) 19,307 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 4,037 $ 1,504 $ 912 $ (520) $ 5,933 Total assets (billions) $ 90 $ 46 $ 14 $ 37 $ 187 Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 3,024 $ 2,014 $ 827 $ (74) $ 5,791 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 1,927 1,652 784 (6) 4,357 Interest income 1,971 402 4 49 2,426 Interest expense 272 154 (6) 122 542 Total revenues net of interest expense 4,723 2,262 837 (147) 7,675 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 843 $ (22) $ 188 $ (387) $ 622 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 38 $ 11 $ 59 $ 189 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Millions, except where indicated) GCSG GCS GMNS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated Total non-interest revenues $ 7,030 $ 4,802 $ 2,060 $ (121) $ 13,771 Revenue from contracts with customers (b) 4,729 4,024 1,916 (16) 10,653 Interest income 4,382 901 10 179 5,472 Interest expense 600 354 (42) 346 1,258 Total revenues net of interest expense 10,812 5,349 2,112 (288) 17,985 Pretax segment income (loss) $ 1,102 $ (3) $ 713 $ (738) $ 1,074 Total assets (billions) $ 81 $ 38 $ 11 $ 59 $ 189 (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, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax provision		$ 660	$ 365	$ 1,418	$ 450
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2014-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax provision	$ 55

Loans and Card Member Receiva_3

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Card Member Loans
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	$ 75,610		$ 73,373
Less: Reserves for credit losses	3,835	$ 4,467	5,344	$ 5,628	$ 5,236	$ 4,027
Financing receivables, net	71,775		68,029
Card Member Receivables
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	47,585		43,701
Less: Reserves for credit losses	73	$ 202	267	$ 519	$ 459	$ 126
Financing receivables, net	47,512		43,434
Other Loans
Loans segment information
Less: Reserves for credit losses	72		238
Financing receivables, net	2,154		2,614
PPP Loans | Other Loans
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	200		600
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Loans
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	25,149		25,908
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Receivables
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	4,787		4,296
GCSG | Card Member Loans
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	60,561		60,084
GCSG | Card Member Receivables
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	19,932		18,685
GCSG | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Loans
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	25,100		25,900
GCS | Card Member Loans
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	15,049		13,289
GCS | Card Member Receivables
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	27,653		25,016
GCS | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Receivables
Loans segment information
Financing receivables, gross	$ 4,800		$ 4,300

Loans and Card Member Receiva_4

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Card Member Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	$ 75,610	$ 73,373
Card Member Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	47,585	43,701
GCSG | Card Member Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	60,561	60,084
GCSG | Card Member Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	19,932	18,685
GCSG | Current | Card Member Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	60,138	59,442
GCSG | Current | Card Member Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	19,844	18,570
GCSG | 30 to 59 Days Past Due | Card Member Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	119	177
GCSG | 30 to 59 Days Past Due | Card Member Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	34	33
GCSG | 60 to 89 Days Past Due | Card Member Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	86	148
GCSG | 60 to 89 Days Past Due | Card Member Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	16	26
GCSG | 90+ Days Past Due | Card Member Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	218	317
GCSG | 90+ Days Past Due | Card Member Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	38	56
GCS | Card Member Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	15,049	13,289
GCS | Card Member Loans | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	14,994	13,226
GCS | Card Member Loans | Global Corporate Payments
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	55	63
GCS | Card Member Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	27,653	25,016
GCS | Card Member Receivables | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	15,929	14,119
GCS | Card Member Receivables | Global Corporate Payments
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	11,724	10,897
GCS | Current | Card Member Loans | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	14,927	13,132
GCS | Current | Card Member Receivables | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	15,853	14,023
GCS | 30 to 59 Days Past Due | Card Member Loans | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	22	27
GCS | 30 to 59 Days Past Due | Card Member Receivables | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	32	37
GCS | 60 to 89 Days Past Due | Card Member Loans | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	14	20
GCS | 60 to 89 Days Past Due | Card Member Receivables | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	14	21
GCS | 90+ Days Past Due | Card Member Loans | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	31	47
GCS | 90+ Days Past Due | Card Member Loans | Global Corporate Payments
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	0	0
GCS | 90+ Days Past Due | Card Member Receivables | Global Small Business Services
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	30	38
GCS | 90+ Days Past Due | Card Member Receivables | Global Corporate Payments
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, gross	$ 32	$ 60

Loans and Card Member Receiva_5

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
90+ Days Past Billing as a % of total	0.30%	2.50%	0.30%	2.50%
Card Member Receivables
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net write-offs	$ (4)	$ (299)	$ (57)	$ (557)
GCSG | Card Member Loans
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.70%	1.60%	0.70%	1.60%
GCSG | Card Member Loans | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			1.30%	2.70%
GCSG | Card Member Loans | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			1.70%	3.30%
GCSG | Card Member Receivables
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.40%	1.30%	0.40%	1.30%
GCSG | Card Member Receivables | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			0.40%	2.20%
GCSG | Card Member Receivables | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			0.50%	2.40%
GCS | Global Small Business Services | Card Member Loans
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.40%	1.60%	0.40%	1.60%
GCS | Global Small Business Services | Card Member Loans | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			0.80%	2.10%
GCS | Global Small Business Services | Card Member Loans | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			1.00%	2.40%
GCS | Global Small Business Services | Card Member Receivables
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.50%	2.10%	0.50%	2.10%
GCS | Global Small Business Services | Card Member Receivables | Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			0.30%	2.40%
GCS | Global Small Business Services | Card Member Receivables | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			0.40%	2.60%
GCS | Global Corporate Payments | Card Member Receivables
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net write-offs			$ 37	$ (53)
GCS | Global Corporate Payments | Card Member Receivables | Net Write-Off Rate Principal Interest, and Fees
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate			(0.30%)	2.20%

Loans and Card Member Receiva_6

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$ 152	$ 226
Non-accrual loans	105	176
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	1,889	3,086
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	1,303	430
Total impaired loans and receivables	3,449	3,918
Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs	1,035	1,346
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	29	32
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	11	11
Out of Program TDR accounts that completed modification programs	1,140	316
Out of Program TDR accounts not in compliance with modification programs	163	114
Other Loans
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	1	2
Non-accrual loans	1	1
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	140	248
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	5	6
Total impaired loans and receivables	147	257
Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs	13	80
GCSG | Card Member Loans
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	136	203
Non-accrual loans	88	146
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	1,057	1,586
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	729	248
Total impaired loans and receivables	2,010	2,183
Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs	655	782
GCSG | Card Member Receivables
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	154	240
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	86	34
Total impaired loans and receivables	240	274
Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs	52	60
GCS | Card Member Loans
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	15	21
Non-accrual loans	16	29
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	256	478
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	263	67
Total impaired loans and receivables	550	595
Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs	229	285
GCS | Card Member Receivables
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	282	534
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	220	75
Total impaired loans and receivables	502	609
Reserve for Credit Losses - TDRs	$ 86	$ 139

Loans and Card Member Receiva_7

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 4) account in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)account	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)account	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)account	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)account
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	28	143	74	170
Account Balances	$ 257	$ 2,001
Outstanding Balances			$ 669	$ 2,270
Card Member Loans
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	23	116	61	140
Account Balances	$ 172	$ 1,103
Average Interest Rate Reduction (as a percentage)	13.00%	14.00%	13.00%	14.00%
Outstanding Balances			$ 459	$ 1,298
Card Member Receivables
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	4	22	11	25
Account Balances	$ 83	$ 744
Average Payment Term Extension (in months)	18 months	18 months	18 months	19 months
Outstanding Balances			$ 200	$ 818
Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	1	5	2	5
Account Balances	$ 2	$ 154
Average Interest Rate Reduction (as a percentage)	3.00%	4.00%	3.00%	400.00%
Average Payment Term Extension (in months)	18 months	15 months	15 months	15 months
Outstanding Balances			$ 10	$ 154

Loans and Card Member Receiva_8

Loans and Card Member Receivables (Details 5) account in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)account	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)account	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)account	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)account
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	13	5	22	10
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 91	$ 34	$ 162	$ 71
Card Member Loans
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	9	3	16	7
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 69	$ 24	$ 116	$ 52
Card Member Receivables
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	3	1	4	2
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 19	$ 9	$ 38	$ 18
Other Loans
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Number of Accounts | account	1	1	2	1
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Default | $	$ 3	$ 1	$ 8	$ 1

Reserves for Credit Losses (Det

Reserves for Credit Losses (Details)	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Second quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.06
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Minimum | Second quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input		0.08
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Minimum | Fourth quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.04	0.07
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Minimum | Fourth quarter of 2022
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.04	0.06
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Minimum | Fourth quarter of 2023
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.03	0.04
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Maximum | Second quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input		0.10
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Maximum | Fourth quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.08	0.11
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Maximum | Fourth quarter of 2022
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.09	0.12
U.S. Unemployment Rate | Maximum | Fourth quarter of 2023
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.07	0.10
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Second quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.11
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Fourth quarter of 2022
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.02
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Minimum | Second quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input		0.04
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Minimum | Fourth quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.07	0.06
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Minimum | Fourth quarter of 2022
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input		0.04
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Minimum | Fourth quarter of 2023
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.03	0.05
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Maximum | Second quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input		(0.04)
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Maximum | Fourth quarter of 2021
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	(0.03)	(0.02)
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Maximum | Fourth quarter of 2022
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input		0.03
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) | Maximum | Fourth quarter of 2023
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Financing receivable, reserves for credit losses, measurement input	0.02	0.03

Reserves for Credit Losses (D_2

Reserves for Credit Losses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Provisions	$ (606)	$ 1,555	$ (1,281)	$ 4,176
Card Member Loans
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,467	5,236	5,344	4,027
Provisions	(396)	969	(969)	2,845
Other	7	25	7	(17)
Ending Balance	3,835	5,628	3,835	5,628
Net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs	(43)	(32)	(88)	(63)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7	25	6	(17)
Card Member Loans | Principal
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Net write-offs	(185)	(499)	(426)	(1,017)
Recoveries	172	134	340	279
Card Member Loans | Interest and fees
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Net write-offs	$ (58)	$ (103)	$ (121)	$ (210)

Reserves for Credit Losses (D_3

Reserves for Credit Losses (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Provisions	$ (606)	$ 1,555	$ (1,281)	$ 4,176
Card Member Receivables
Reserve for Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	202	459	267	126
Provisions	(125)	355	(135)	952
Net write-offs	(4)	(299)	(57)	(557)
Other	0	4	(2)	(2)
Ending Balance	73	519	73	519
Recoveries	127	88	224	180
Net (write-offs) recoveries from TDRs	(16)	(9)	(36)	(16)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 0	$ 4	$ (1)	$ (1)

Investment Securities (Details)

Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Accrued interest available-for-sale debt securities	$ 21	$ 26
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Cost	12,336
Estimated Fair Value	12,392
Equity securities
Cost	52	56
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	27
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	(2)
Estimated Fair Value	51	81
Total Cost	12,388	21,521
Total Gross Unrealized Gains	58	112
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	(3)	(2)
Total Estimated Fair Value	12,443	21,631
State and municipal obligations
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Cost	133	172
Gross Unrealized Gains	6	7
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	0
Estimated Fair Value	138	179
U.S. Government agency obligations
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Cost	6	7
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	6	7
U.S. Government treasury obligations
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Cost	11,397	20,655
Gross Unrealized Gains	49	76
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	11,446	20,731
Mortgage-backed securities
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Cost	22	28
Gross Unrealized Gains	2	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	24	30
Foreign government bonds and obligations
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Cost	741	581
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	741	581
Other Debt Securities
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Cost	37	22
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	$ 37	$ 22

Investment Securities (Details

Investment Securities (Details 1) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2020security
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Number of securities with gross unrealized losses | security	6	0
Estimated Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 26
12 months or more	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(1)
12 months or more	0
State and municipal obligations
Estimated Fair Value
Less than 12 months	26
12 months or more	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(1)
12 months or more	$ 0

Investment Securities (Detail_2

Investment Securities (Details 2) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2020security
Number of Securities
Less than 12 months | security	6
12 months or more | security	0
Total | security	6	0
Estimated Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 26
12 months or more	0
Total	26
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(1)
12 months or more	0
Total	$ (1)
90%-100%
Number of Securities
Less than 12 months | security	6
12 months or more | security	0
Total | security	6
Estimated Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 26
12 months or more	0
Total	26
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(1)
12 months or more	0
Total	$ (1)
Less than 90%
Number of Securities
Less than 12 months | security	0
12 months or more | security	0
Total | security	0
Estimated Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 0
12 months or more	0
Total	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	0
12 months or more	0
Total	$ 0

Investment Securities (Detail_3

Investment Securities (Details 3) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Cost
Due within 1 year	$ 11,001
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	1,201
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	35
Due after 10 years	99
Total	12,336
Estimated Fair Value
Due within 1 year	11,014
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	1,235
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	42
Due after 10 years	101
Total	$ 12,392

Asset Securitizations (Details)

Asset Securitizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted balances included in Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,841	$ 606	$ 606	$ 514
American Express Lending Trust
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	13,500	13,400
Restricted balances included in Cash and cash equivalents	1,400	47
American Express Charge Trust
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	4,800	4,300
Restricted balances included in Cash and cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0

Customer Deposits (Details)

Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
U.S.:
Interest-bearing	$ 83,823	$ 85,583
Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $442; 2020, $576)	466	599
Non-U.S.:
Interest-bearing	19	19
Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $593; 2020, $671)	597	674
Total customer deposits	84,905	86,875
Card Member Credit Balances
U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $442; 2020, $576)	442	576
Non-U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2021, $593; 2020, $671)	$ 593	$ 671

Customer Deposits (Details 1)

Customer Deposits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
U.S. retail deposits:
Savings accounts – Direct	$ 65,472	$ 63,512
Certificates of deposit:
Direct	1,963	2,440
Third-party (brokered)	3,757	5,561
Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered)	12,631	14,070
Other deposits:
U.S. non-interest bearing deposits	24	23
Non-U.S. deposits	23	22
Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S.	1,035	1,247
Total customer deposits	$ 84,905	$ 86,875

Customer Deposits (Details 2)

Customer Deposits (Details 2) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Time Deposits By Maturity
2021	$ 1,436
2022	3,108
2023	682
2024	283
2025	210
After 5 years	9
Total	5,728
U.S.
Time Deposits By Maturity
2021	1,432
2022	3,104
2023	682
2024	283
2025	210
After 5 years	9
Total	5,720
Non-U.S.
Time Deposits By Maturity
2021	4
2022	4
2023	0
2024	0
2025	0
After 5 years	0
Total	$ 8

Customer Deposits (Details 3)

Customer Deposits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $250,000 or More	$ 746	$ 931
U.S.
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $250,000 or More	745	930
Non-U.S.
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $250,000 or More	$ 1	$ 1

Contingencies (Details Textuals

Contingencies (Details Textuals)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2019state
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Current estimate of possible loss	$ 0
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Current estimate of possible loss	210,000,000
Exposure Associated with Card Member Purchases of Goods and Services
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss accrual	$ 33,000,000
Violation Of Federal Antitrust Law And Consumer Laws Class Action Case
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of states with remaining claims under antitrust laws | state		11
Number of states with remaining claims under consumer protection laws | state		6

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 581	$ 629
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	194	702
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting, assets	(97)	(98)
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting, liabilities	(97)	(98)
Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	132	31
Cash collateral netting, assets	(352)	(500)
Other Assets | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	428	524
Other Assets | Interest Rate Contract | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	352	500
Other Assets | Foreign Exchange Contract | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	76	24
Other Assets | Foreign Exchange Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	153	105
Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities, net	97	588
Cash collateral netting, liabilities	0	(16)
Other Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	129	474
Other Liabilities | Interest Rate Contract | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities, net	0	0
Other Liabilities | Foreign Exchange Contract | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative liabilities, net	129	474
Other Liabilities | Foreign Exchange Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	$ 65	$ 228

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Margin on interest rate swaps	$ 23,000,000		$ 23,000,000		$ 34,000,000
Carrying values of hedged liabilities	13,200,000,000		13,200,000,000		16,400,000,000
Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment	424,000,000		424,000,000		622,000,000
Net decrease in interest expense on long term debt and other	63,000,000	$ 81,000,000	136,000,000	$ (102,000,000)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	14,400,000,000		14,400,000,000		14,400,000,000
Other Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
(Gain) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives and related underlying foreign currency exposures	9,000,000	2,000,000	14,000,000	(18,000,000)
Fair Value Hedging | Fixed-Rate Debt Obligations
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships	12,900,000,000		12,900,000,000		15,800,000,000
Net Investment Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of derivatives	10,800,000,000		10,800,000,000		$ 10,500,000,000
Net hedges of investments in foreign operations	108,000,000	339,000,000	102,000,000	(393,000,000)
Reclassifications out of AOCI	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Interest Expense - Interest Rate Contract - Fair Value Hedging - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fixed-rate long-term debt	$ 55	$ 4	$ 198	$ (593)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	(54)	(10)	(199)	601
Total	$ 1	$ (6)	$ (1)	$ 8

Fair Values (Details)

Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Investment securities:
Equity securities	$ 51	$ 81
Debt securities	12,392
Fair Value, Recurring
Investment securities:
Equity securities	51	81
Debt securities	12,392	21,550
Derivatives, gross	581	629
Total Assets	13,024	22,260
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	194	702
Total Liabilities	194	702
Level 1 | Fair Value, Recurring
Investment securities:
Equity securities	50	80
Debt securities	0	0
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Assets	50	80
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 2 | Fair Value, Recurring
Investment securities:
Equity securities	1	1
Debt securities	12,372	21,550
Derivatives, gross	581	629
Total Assets	12,954	22,180
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	194	702
Total Liabilities	194	702
Level 3 | Fair Value, Recurring
Investment securities:
Equity securities	0	0
Debt securities	20	0
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Assets	20	0
Liabilities
Derivatives, gross	0	0
Total Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details 2)

Fair Values (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Card Member Receivables
Fair Values (Textuals)
Financing receivables, gross	$ 47,585	$ 43,701
Card Member Loans
Fair Values (Textuals)
Financing receivables, gross	75,610	73,373
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Receivables
Fair Values (Textuals)
Financing receivables, gross	4,787	4,296
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Loans
Fair Values (Textuals)
Financing receivables, gross	25,149	25,908
Carrying Value
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	31,000	33,000
Other financial assets	50,000	46,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	74,000	71,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	101,000	101,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	6,000	8,000
Long-term debt	37,000	43,000
Fair Values (Textuals)
Long-term debt	37,000	43,000
Corresponding Fair Value Amount
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	31,000	33,000
Other financial assets	50,000	46,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	101,000	101,000
Corresponding Fair Value Amount | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Receivables
Fair Values (Textuals)
Financing receivables, gross	4,800	4,200
Corresponding Fair Value Amount | Level 1
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	28,000	31,000
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Corresponding Fair Value Amount | Level 2
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	3,000	2,000
Other financial assets	50,000	46,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	101,000	101,000
Corresponding Fair Value Amount | Level 3
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
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	78,000	75,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	6,000	8,000
Long-term debt	39,000	45,000
Fair Values (Textuals)
Long-term debt	39,000	45,000
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	12,000	13,000
Fair Values (Textuals)
Long-term debt	12,000	13,000
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Card Member Loans
Fair Values (Textuals)
Financing receivables, gross	25,200	25,800
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Level 1
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
Fair Values (Textuals)
Long-term debt	0	0
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Level 2
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	6,000	8,000
Long-term debt	39,000	45,000
Fair Values (Textuals)
Long-term debt	39,000	45,000
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement | Level 3
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member and Other loans, less reserves	78,000	75,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Fair Values (Textuals)
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details Textuals)

Fair Values (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net upward adjustments of equity securities without readily determinable fair values	$ 248	$ 7	$ 625	$ 22
Fair Value, Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of equity securities without readily determinable fair values	1,200		1,200		$ 530
Net upward adjustments of equity securities without readily determinable fair values	248	$ 7	625	$ 22
Cumulative net unrealized gains for equity investments without readily determinable fair values	$ 977		$ 977		$ 347

Guarantees (Details)

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Guarantees [Abstract]
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Amount of related liability	$ 26	$ 24

Changes in Accumulated Other _3

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 24,449	$ 21,006	$ 22,984	$ 23,071
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	17	85	14	(174)
Ending Balance	25,539	21,062	25,539	21,062
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Total tax impact	(39)	(115)	(23)	175
Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(3)	0	(3)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(2,898)	(2,996)	(2,895)	(2,737)
Ending Balance	(2,881)	(2,911)	(2,881)	(2,911)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	53	90	65	33
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(11)	(5)	(23)	52
Ending Balance	42	85	42	85
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Total tax impact	(3)	(2)	(6)	16
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Gains (Losses)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(2,246)	(2,511)	(2,229)	(2,189)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	19	123	2	(199)
Ending Balance	(2,227)	(2,388)	(2,227)	(2,388)
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(705)	(575)	(731)	(581)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	9	(33)	35	(27)
Ending Balance	(696)	(608)	(696)	(608)
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Total tax impact	2	(1)	13	11
Net translation on investments in foreign operations
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	127	465	104	(589)
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Total tax impact	(3)	(6)	5	24
Net hedges of investments in foreign operations
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(108)	(339)	(102)	393
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Total tax impact	$ (35)	$ (106)	$ (35)	$ 124

Changes in Accumulated Other _4

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 17	$ 85	$ 14	$ (174)
Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 0	$ (3)	$ 0	$ (3)

Other Fees and Commissions an_3

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Fees charged to Card Members:
Delinquency fees	$ 146	$ 196	$ 294	$ 456
Foreign currency conversion fee revenue	109	57	205	250
Other customer fees:
Loyalty coalition-related fees	121	90	245	198
Travel commissions and fees	57	5	90	65
Service fees and other	127	101	246	200
Other fees and commissions
Other customer fees:
Total Other fees and commissions	$ 560	$ 449	$ 1,080	$ 1,169

Other Fees and Commissions an_4

Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Other Fees and Commissions and Other Expenses [Abstract]
Data processing and equipment	$ 577	$ 564	$ 1,159	$ 1,113
Professional services	458	406	861	845
Net unrealized gains on Amex Ventures equity investments	(248)	(7)	(625)	(22)
Other	220	267	482	583
Total Other expenses	$ 1,007	$ 1,230	$ 1,877	$ 2,519

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Actual tax rates	22.40%	58.70%	23.90%	41.90%
Unrecognized tax benefits change as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$ 133		$ 133
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, could impact effective tax rate	$ 105		$ 105

Earnings Per Common Share (EP_3

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021		Jun. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2021		Jun. 30, 2020
Basic and diluted:
Net income	$ 2,280		$ 257		$ 4,515		$ 624
Preferred dividends	(15)		(17)		(29)		(49)
Net income available to common shareholders	2,265		240		4,486		575
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	(16)		(2)		(31)		(4)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 2,249		$ 238		$ 4,455		$ 571
Denominator:
Basic: Weighted-average common stock (in shares)	801,000		804,000		802,000		806,000
Add: Weighted-average stock options (in shares)	1,000		1,000		1,000		1,000
Diluted (in shares)	802,000		805,000		803,000		807,000
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 2.81	[1]	$ 0.29	[1]	$ 5.55	[2]	$ 0.71	[2]
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 2.80	[1]	$ 0.29	[1]	$ 5.54	[2]	$ 0.71	[2]
Stock options
Denominator:
The dilutive effect of securities excluded from the calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	10		1,510		210		590
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $16 million and $2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $15 million and $17 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
[2]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $31 million and $4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $29 million and $49 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Reportable Operating Segments_2

Reportable Operating Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	$ 8,425	$ 5,791	$ 15,659	$ 13,771
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,762	4,357	12,416	10,653
Interest income	2,140	2,426	4,332	5,472
Interest expense	322	542	684	1,258
Total revenues net of interest expense	10,243	7,675	19,307	17,985
Pretax segment income (loss)	2,940	622	5,933	1,074
Total assets	186,973	189,000	186,973	189,000	$ 191,367
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	(58)	(74)	(136)	(121)
Revenue from contracts with customers	(7)	(6)	(13)	(16)
Interest income	42	49	86	179
Interest expense	57	122	132	346
Total revenues net of interest expense	(73)	(147)	(182)	(288)
Pretax segment income (loss)	(308)	(387)	(520)	(738)
Total assets	37,000	59,000	37,000	59,000
GCSG | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	4,464	3,024	8,283	7,030
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,223	1,927	5,837	4,729
Interest income	1,749	1,971	3,557	4,382
Interest expense	174	272	362	600
Total revenues net of interest expense	6,039	4,723	11,478	10,812
Pretax segment income (loss)	1,882	843	4,037	1,102
Total assets	90,000	81,000	90,000	81,000
GCS | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,815	2,014	5,247	4,802
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,411	1,652	4,463	4,024
Interest income	345	402	681	901
Interest expense	111	154	227	354
Total revenues net of interest expense	3,049	2,262	5,701	5,349
Pretax segment income (loss)	839	(22)	1,504	(3)
Total assets	46,000	38,000	46,000	38,000
GMNS | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,204	827	2,265	2,060
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,135	784	2,129	1,916
Interest income	4	4	8	10
Interest expense	(20)	(6)	(37)	(42)
Total revenues net of interest expense	1,228	837	2,310	2,112
Pretax segment income (loss)	527	188	912	713
Total assets	$ 14,000	$ 11,000	$ 14,000	$ 11,000