American Express (AXP) 10-Q27 Apr 162016 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 20, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
Trading Symbol	AXP
Entity Central Index Key	4,962
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		951,033,100

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Non-interest revenues
Discount revenue		$ 4,643	$ 4,660
Net card fees		699	667
Other fees and commissions		680	708
Other		486	468
Total non-interest revenues		6,508	6,503
Interest income
Interest on loans		1,938	1,795
Interest and dividends on investment securities		36	41
Deposits with banks and other		31	21
Total interest income		2,005	1,857
Interest expense
Deposits		150	103
Long-term debt and other		275	307
Total interest expense		425	410
Net interest income		1,580	1,447
Total revenues net of interest expense		8,088	7,950
Provisions for losses
Charge card		169	174
Card Member loans		227	235
Other		38	11
Total provisions for losses		434	420
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses		7,654	7,530
Expenses
Marketing and promotion		727	609
Card Member Rewards		1,703	1,640
Card Member services and other		282	261
Salaries and employee benefits		1,338	1,305
Other, net		1,420	1,399
Total expenses		5,470	5,214
Pretax income		2,184	2,316
Income tax provision		758	791
Net income		$ 1,426	$ 1,525
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic (Note 15) [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	[1]	$ 1.45	$ 1.49
Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted (Note 15) [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	[1]	$ 1.45	$ 1.48
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:
Basic		961	1,019
Diluted		963	1,023
Cash dividends declared per common share		$ 0.29	$ 0.26

[1]	Represents net income less ( i ) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $11 million for both the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 21 million and nil for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Inc3

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$ 11	$ 11
Dividends Preferred Stock	$ 21	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,426	$ 1,525
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	2	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	4	(255)
Pension and other postretirement benefit gains	26	23
Other comprehensive income (loss)	32	(232)
Comprehensive income	$ 1,458	$ 1,293

Consolidated Statements of Com5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Textuals [Abstract]
Net unrealized securities gains (losses), tax	$ (1)	$ 0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(38)	88
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, tax	$ 19	$ 19

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and due from banks	$ 2,761	$ 2,935
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks	21,899	19,569
Short-term investment securities	385	258
Total cash and cash equivalents	25,045	22,762
Card Member loans and receivables held for sale (includes gross loans and receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entities)	11,689	14,992
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	44,027	43,671
Other receivables, less reserves	2,633	3,024
Loans
Card Member loans (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	56,394	57,545
Other loans, less reserves	1,186	1,254
Investment securities	3,839	3,759
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,137	4,108
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	9,866	10,069
Total assets	158,816	161,184
Liabilities
Customer deposits	55,764	54,997
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	3,011	3,247
Accounts payable	12,027	11,822
Short-term borrowings (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entity)	2,596	4,812
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	47,311	48,061
Other liabilities	17,380	17,572
Total liabilities	138,089	140,511
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares	0	0
Common shares	191	194
Additional paid-in capital	13,089	13,348
Retained earnings	9,949	9,665
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	60	58
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(2,040)	(2,044)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax	(522)	(548)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,502)	(2,534)
Total shareholders' equity	20,727	20,673
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 158,816	$ 161,184

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Card Member receivables, gross	$ 44,473	$ 44,133
Card Member loans, gross	57,406	58,573
Other assets	9,866	10,069
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	33	41
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, reserves	446	462
Other receivables, reserves	44	43
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	11,689	14,992
Loans
Card Member loans, reserves	1,012	1,028
Other loans, reserves	35	20
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,972	6,801
Restricted cash	37	155
Short Term Borrowings	2,596	4,812
Long-term Debt	$ 47,311	$ 48,061
Common shares, par value	$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	951,000,000	969,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	951,000,000	969,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock Shares Issued	1,600	1,600
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,600	1,600
Preferred shares, par value	$ 1.667	$ 1.667
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	$ 32	$ 32
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(139)	(100)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	(204)	(223)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Card Member receivables, gross	5,802	6,649
Card Member loans, gross	22,206	23,559
Accounts receivable
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	3,966	4,966
Loans
Restricted cash	37	155
Short Term Borrowings	0	100
Long-term Debt	$ 12,605	$ 13,602

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 1,426	$ 1,525
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	434	420
Depreciation and amortization	261	251
Deferred taxes and other	218	219
Stock-based compensation	70	71
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	427	175
Other assets	232	957
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(356)	(1,230)
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	(243)	(262)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,469	2,126
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sales of available-for-sale investment securities	45	0
Maturities and redemptions of available-for-sale investment securities	226	439
Purchase of investments	(345)	(447)
Net decrease in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale	4,039	3,129
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(302)	(256)
Acquisitions/Dispositions, net of cash acquired	(155)	(59)
Net decrease in restricted cash	132	15
Net cash provided by investing activities	3,640	2,821
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	773	784
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	(2,217)	(1,062)
Issuance of long-term debt	35	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	(1,036)	(3,100)
Issuance of American Express preferred shares	0	841
Issuance of American Express common shares	11	54
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(1,128)	(791)
Dividends paid	(302)	(268)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,864)	(3,542)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	38	(121)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,283	1,284
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	22,762	22,288
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 25,045	$ 23,572

Consolidated Statements of Cas9

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Increase decrease in debt exchange [Line Items]
Sale of premises and equipment	$ 1	$ 17

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1 . Basis of Presentation The Company American Express Company (the Company) is a global services company that provides customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. The Company’s principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the world. Business travel-related services are offered through the non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel (GBT JV). The Company’s various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold throu gh various channels, including direct mail, online applications, in-house and third-party sales forces and direct response advertising . Effective for the first quarter of 2016, the Company realigned its segment presentation to reflect the organizational c hanges announced during the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior periods have been restated to conform to the new reportable operating segments, which are as follows: U.S. Consumer Services (USCS), including the proprietary U.S. Consumer Card Services business an d travel services in the United States ; International Consumer and Network Services (ICNS), including the proprietary International Consumer Card Services business, Global Network Services (GNS) business and travel services outside the United States ; Globa l Commercial Services (GCS), including the proprietary Global Corporate Payments (GCP) business, small business services businesses in the United States and internationally ( collectively, Global Small Business Services (GSBS)), merchant financing products and foreign exchange services operations ; and Global Merchant Services (GMS), including the Global Merchant Services business and global loyalty coalition businesses. Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial S tatements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the Annual Report). If not materially different, certain footnote disclosures included therein have been omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The interim consolidated financial information in this report has not been audited. In the opinion of management, all ad justments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim period consolidated financial information, have been made. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results f or the entire year. The preparation of Consolidated Financial S tatements 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 amou nts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Certain reclassifications of prior period amou nts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. Travel commissions and fees, which were separately disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Income historically, are now included within Other fees and commissions. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The guidance establishes the principles to apply to determine the amount and timing of revenue recognition, specifying the accounting for certain costs related to revenue, and requiring additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and related cash flows. The guidance, as amended, supersedes most of the current revenue recognition requ irements, and is effective January 1, 2018, with early adoption as of January 1, 2017, permitted. The Company does not intend to adopt the new standard early and continues to evaluate the impact this guidance, including the method of implementation, will h ave on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, among other items. In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The standard, which is effect ive January 1, 2018, makes targeted changes to current GAAP, specifically to the classification and measurement of equity securities, and to certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The Company is currently e valuating the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, among other items. In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on leases. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2019, with ear ly adoption permitted, requires virtually all leases to be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and requires retrospective presentation. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of o perations and cash flows, among other items. In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on employee share-based payments. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted, simplifies various aspects of the account ing for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, accounting for award forfeitures, and classification on the Consolidated S tatement s of C ash F lows. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on it s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, among other items.

Divestitures

Divestitures	3 Months Ended
Divestitures	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combination Disclosure [Abstract]
Divestitures	2 . Business Events During the first quarter of 2016, the Company completed the sale of its outstanding Card Member loans held for sale (HFS) portfolio related to its cobrand partnership with JetBlue Airways Corporation and recognized a gain of $127 million in Other expenses. Also during the first quarter of 2016, the Company reached an agreement to sell the outstanding Card Member loans and receivables HFS portfolio related to its cobrand partnership with Costco Wholesale Corporation in the United States. The sale of the portfolio is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to be complet ed in June 2016, at which time a related gain will be recognized. The Company continues to reflect the por tfolio within Card Member loans and receivables held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the associated valuation allowa nce adjustment for credit costs in Other expenses.

Accounts Receivable and Loans

Accounts Receivable and Loans	3 Months Ended
Accounts Receivable and Loans	Mar. 31, 2016
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable and Loans	3 . Accounts Receivable and Loans T he Company’s charge and lending payment card products result in the generation of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, respectively. This Note is presented excluding amounts associated with the Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015. Card Member a ccounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of : (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 10,332 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,563 5,599 Global Commercial Services 28,578 26,727 Card Member receivables (b) 44,473 44,133 Less: Reserve for losses 446 462 Card Member receivables, net $ 44,027 $ 43,671 Other receivables, net (c) $ 2,633 $ 3,024 Includes $ 5.8 b illion and $ 6.6 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Includes approximately $ 12.4 billion and $ 11.9 billion of Card Member receivables outside the United States as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively . Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to ( i ) certain merchants for billed discount reven ue, (ii) GNS partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees and ( iii) l oyalty coalition partners for points issued , as well as program p articipation and servicing fees . Other receivables are presented net of r eserves for losses of $ 44 million and $ 43 million as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Card Member l oans by segment and Other loans as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 42,432 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,646 7,072 Global Commercial Services 8,328 8,006 Card Member loans 57,406 58,573 Less: Reserve for losses 1,012 1,028 Card Member loans, net $ 56,394 $ 57,545 Other loans, net (b) $ 1,186 $ 1,254 I ncludes approximately $ 22.2 billion and $ 23.6 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations o f a consolidated VIE as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Other loans primarily represent loans to merchants . Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 35 million and $ 20 million as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively . Card Member Loans and Card Member Receivables A ging Generally , a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days af ter the billing statement date. T he following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 30-59 60-89 90+ Days Days Days Past Past Past 2016 (Millions) Current Due Due Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 42,006 $ 122 $ 93 $ 211 $ 42,432 International Consumer and Network Services 6,529 37 26 54 6,646 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 8,183 27 19 39 8,268 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 1 60 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 10,187 $ 48 $ 33 $ 64 $ 10,332 International Consumer and Network Services 5,478 27 16 42 5,563 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 12,997 68 49 94 13,208 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 115 15,370 30-59 60-89 90+ Days Days Days Past Past Past 2015 (Millions) Current Due Due Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 43,063 $ 128 $ 94 $ 210 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,961 34 25 52 7,072 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 7,867 26 18 40 7,951 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 1 55 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 11,646 $ 54 $ 32 $ 75 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,515 24 18 42 5,599 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 12,734 69 45 102 12,950 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 124 13,777 For GCP Card Member receivables in GCS, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 9 0 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes. Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not ava ilable 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 Qua lity Indicators for Card Member Loans and Receivables The following table s prese nt the key credit quality indicators as of or for the three months ended March 31 : 2016 2015 Net Write-Off Rate Net Write-Off Rate 30+ Days 30+ Days Principal, Past Due Principal, Past Due Principal Interest, & as a % of Principal Interest, & as a % of Only (a) Fees (a) Total Only (a) Fees (a) Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services 1.5 % 1.7 % 1.0 % 1.5 % 1.7 % 0.9 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.9 % 2.4 % 1.8 % 2.0 % 2.5 % 1.8 % Global Small Business Services 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.0 % 1.3 % 1.6 % 1.0 % Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 1.8 % 2.0 % 1.4 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 1.5 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.2 % 2.4 % 1.5 % 1.9 % 2.1 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 1.8 % 2.1 % 1.6 % 2.2 % 2.4 % 1.8 % 2016 2015 Net Loss Net Loss Ratio as 90+ Days Ratio as 90+ Days a % of Past Billing a % of Past Billing Charge as a % of Charge as a % of Volume Receivables Volume Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.08 % 0.7 % 0.10 % 0.7 % The Company presents a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because the Company considers uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. Impaired Card Member Loans and R eceivables Impaired loans and receivables are individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smaller balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the Card Member agreement. In certain cases , these Card Member loans and receivables are included in on e of the Company’s various Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) modification programs. The following tables provide additional information with respect to the Company’s impaired Card Member loans and receivables. Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant for ICNS as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 ; therefore, the segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables . As of March 31, 2016 Over 90 days Accounts Classified Past Due & as a TDR (c) Total Unpaid Accruing Non- Out of Impaired Principal Allowance 2016 (Millions) Interest (a) Accruals (b) In Program (d) Program (e) Balance Balance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 139 $ 123 $ 147 $ 99 $ 508 $ 469 $ 44 International Consumer and Network Services 54 ― ― ― 54 53 ― Global Commercial Services 24 26 23 19 92 85 8 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 9 4 13 13 6 Global Commercial Services ― ― 20 5 25 24 14 Total $ 217 $ 149 $ 199 $ 127 $ 692 $ 644 $ 72 As of December 31, 2015 Over 90 days Accounts Classified Past Due & as a TDR (c) Total Unpaid Accruing Non- Out of Impaired Principal Allowance 2015 (Millions) Interest (a) Accruals (b) In Program (d) Program (e) Balance Balance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 140 $ 124 $ 149 $ 89 $ 502 $ 463 $ 44 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 24 26 23 18 91 85 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 3 14 14 8 Global Commercial Services ― ― 16 3 19 19 12 Total $ 216 $ 150 $ 199 $ 113 $ 678 $ 632 $ 73 The Company’s policy is generally to accrue inte rest through the date of write -off ( typically 18 0 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that it believes will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude loans classified as a TDR. Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which the Company has ceased accruing interest. Accounts classified as a TDR include $ 18 million and $ 20 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $ 15 million and $ 18 milli on as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively . In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. Out of Program TDRs include $98 million and $84 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $ 29 million and $29 million of Card Me mber accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively . The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s average balances of, and inter est income recognized from, impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the three months ended March 31: 2016 2015 Interest Interest Average Income Average Income (Millions) Balance Recognized Balance Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 505 $ 12 $ 587 $ 10 International Consumer and Network Services 53 4 56 4 Global Commercial Services 92 3 105 3 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 14 ― 14 ― Global Commercial Services 22 ― 24 ― Total $ 686 $ 19 $ 786 $ 17 Card Member Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs The following table provides additional information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 . The ICNS Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant ; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Number of Outstanding Average Interest Average Payment Accounts Balances (a) Rate Reduction Term Extensions (in thousands) ($ in millions) (% points) (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 8 $ 57 13 (b) Card Member Receivables 3 38 (c) 16 Total 11 $ 95 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Number of Outstanding Average Interest Average Payment Accounts Balances (a) Rate Reduction Term Extensions (in thousands) ($ in millions) (% points) (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 11 $ 80 12 (b) Card Member Receivables 3 40 (c) 12 Total 14 $ 120 Represents the outstanding balance im mediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. M odifications did not reduce the principal balance . For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing. The following table provides information for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted w ithin 12 months of modification. A Card Member is considered in default of a modification program after one and up to two consecutive missed payments, depending on the terms of the modification program . For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loan s and receivables. 2016 2015 Outstanding Outstanding Number of Balances Number of Balances Accounts Upon Default Accounts Upon Default (Accounts in thousands, Dollars in millions) (thousands) (millions) (a) (thousands) (millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 1 $ 9 2 $ 10 Card Member Receivables 1 1 1 1 Total 2 $ 10 3 $ 11 The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables.

Reserves for Losses

Reserves for Losses	3 Months Ended
Reserves for Losses	Mar. 31, 2016
Reserves For Losses Card Member Receivables And Loans Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserve for Losses	4 . Reserves for Losses Reserves for losses relating to Card Member receivables and loans represent management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in the Company’s outstanding portfolio of loans and receivables, as of the balance sheet date. Management’s evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments. This Note is presented excluding amounts associated with the Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 462 $ 465 Provisions (a) 169 174 Net write-offs (b) (186) (199) Other (c) 1 (11) Balance, March 31 $ 446 $ 429 P rovisions for principal and fee reserve components. Consists of principal and fee components, less recoveries of $ 101 million and $ 99 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $ 10 million and $ 31 million, for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 2 million and $ (7) million for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively , and other adjustment s of $ (1) million and $ (4) million for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively . Card Member Receivables Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and collectively for impair ment , and related reserves , as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 38 $ 33 Related reserves (a) $ 20 $ 20 Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment $ 44,435 $ 44,100 Related reserves (b) $ 426 $ 442 Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 1,028 $ 1,201 Provisions (a) 227 235 Net write-offs Principal (b) (214) (259) Interest and fees (b) (40) (43) Other (c) 11 (4) Balance, March 31 $ 1,012 $ 1,130 Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Consists of principal write-offs, less recoveries of $ 88 million and $ 103 million , including net write-offs/(recoveries) from TDRs of $ 13 million and $ 16 million , for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis . Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 2 million and $ (7) million and other adjustment s of $ 2 million and $ 3 million for t he three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. T he three months ended March 31 , 2016 also includes the transfer of reserves of $7 million associated with $20 million of Card Member loans transferred from HFS to held for i nvestment . Card Member Loans Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 288 $ 279 Related reserves (a) $ 52 $ 53 Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment (b) $ 57,118 $ 58,294 Related reserves (b) $ 960 $ 975 Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves. Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans , and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	3 Months Ended
Investment Securities	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment Securities	5 . Investment Securities Investment securities principally include debt securities that the Company classifies as available-for- sale and carries at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets , with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss , net of income taxes . Realized gains and losses are recognized on a trade-date basis in results of operations upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method. The following is a summ ary of investment securities as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 2016 2015 Gross Gross Estimated Gross Gross Estimated Unrealized Unrealized Fair Unrealized Unrealized Fair Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gains Losses Value Cost Gains Losses Value State and municipal obligations $ 2,695 $ 76 $ (4) $ 2,767 $ 2,813 $ 85 $ (5) $ 2,893 U.S. Government agency obligations 2 ― ― 2 2 ― ― 2 U.S. Government treasury obligations 375 10 ― 385 406 4 (1) 409 Corporate debt securities 28 1 ― 29 29 1 ― 30 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 117 5 ― 122 117 4 ― 121 Equity securities 1 ― ― 1 1 ― ― 1 Foreign government bonds and obligations 477 7 ― 484 250 6 (1) 255 Other (b) 50 1 (2) 49 50 ― (2) 48 Total $ 3,745 $ 100 $ (6) $ 3,839 $ 3,668 $ 100 $ (9) $ 3,759 Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Other comprises investments in various mutual funds. The following table provides information about the Company’s investment securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 2016 2015 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Gross Gross Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses State and municipal obligations $ 97 $ (4) $ ― ― $ 100 $ (3) $ 13 $ (2) U.S. Government treasury obligations ― ― ― ― 253 (1) ― ― Foreign government bonds and obligations ― ― ― ― 99 (1) ― ― Other ― ― 33 (2) ― ― 33 (2) Total $ 97 $ (4) $ 33 $ (2) $ 452 $ (5) $ 46 $ (4) The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Ratio of Fair Value to Gross Gross Gross Amortized Cost Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized (Dollars in millions) Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses 2016: 90%–100% 14 $ 97 $ (4) 6 $ 33 $ (2) 20 $ 130 $ (6) Less than 90% ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― Total as of March 31, 2016 14 $ 97 $ (4) 6 $ 33 $ (2) 20 $ 130 $ (6) 2015: 90%–100% 52 $ 450 $ (5) 15 $ 37 $ (2) 67 $ 487 $ (7) Less than 90% ― ― ― 2 9 (2) 2 9 (2) Total as of December 31, 2015 52 $ 450 $ (5) 17 $ 46 $ (4) 69 $ 496 $ (9) The gross unrealized losses are attributed to overall wider credit spreads for s tate and municipal securities, wide r credit spreads for specific issuers, adverse changes in market benchmark interest rates, or a combination thereof, all compared to those prevailing when the investment securities were acquired. Overall, for the investment securities in gross unrealized loss positions ( i ) the Company does not intend to sell the investment securities, (ii ) it is more likely than not that the Company w ill not be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of the unrealized losses , and (iii ) the Company expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the investment securities. As a result, the Company recognized no other-than-temporary impairment during the periods presented. C ontractual maturities of investment securities with stated maturities as of March 31 , 2016 were as follows : Estimated (Millions) Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 556 $ 557 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 209 214 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 410 430 Due after 10 years 2,519 2,588 Total (a) $ 3,694 $ 3,789 Balances primarily represent investments in state and municipal obligations, and foreign government bonds and obligations. The expected payments on state and municipal obligations and mortgage-backed securities may not coincide with their contractual maturities because the issuers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

Asset Securitizations

Asset Securitizations	3 Months Ended
Asset Securitizations	Mar. 31, 2016
Asset Securitizations [Abstract]
Asset Securitizations	6 . Asset Securitizations The Company periodically securitizes Card Member receivables and loans arising from its card business , including Card Member loans and receivables HFS, through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts. The t rusts then issue debt securities to third-party investors, collaterali zed by the transferred assets. The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust) and the American Expres s Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust, collectively the Trusts) as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2016 2015 Charge Trust $ 1 $ 2 Lending Trust 36 153 Total $ 37 $ 155 These amounts relate to collections of Card Member receivables and loans to be used by the Trusts to fund future expenses and obligations, including interest on debt securities, credit losses and upcoming debt maturities. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. ( TRS ) , in its role as servicer of the Trusts, has the power to direct the most significant activity of the Trusts, which is the collection of the underlying Card Member receivables and loans. In addition, TRS directly and indirectly (through its consolidated subsidiaries) holds all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the de bt securities issued to third party investors. As of March 31 , 2016 , TRS’ direct and indirect ownership of variable interests was $ 14.7 billion for the Lending Trust and $ 4.4 b illion for the Charge Trust. These variable interests held by TRS provide it with the right to receive benefits and the obligation to absorb losses, which could be significant to both the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust. Based on these considerations, TRS is the primary beneficiary of both Trusts and therefore consolidates both Trusts. Under the respective t erms of the Charge Trust and the Lending Trust agreements, the occurrence of certain triggering events associated with the performance of the asset s of each Trust could result in payment of trust expenses, establishment of reserve funds, or , in a worst-case scenario, early amortiza tion of debt securities. During the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 , no such triggering events occurred.

Customer Deposits

Customer Deposits	3 Months Ended
Customer Deposits	Mar. 31, 2016
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Abstract]
Customer Deposits	7 . C ustomer D eposits As of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , customer deposits we re categorized as interest bearing or non-interest bearing , as follows : (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S.: Interest bearing $ 54,934 $ 54,102 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $372 million; 2015, $389 million) 405 478 Non-U.S.: Interest bearing 87 82 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $317 million; 2015, $323 million) 338 335 Total customer deposits $ 55,764 $ 54,997 C ustomer deposits by deposit type as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows : (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 30,295 $ 29,023 Certificates of deposit: Direct 282 281 Third-party (brokered) 13,676 13,856 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 10,681 10,942 Other retail deposits: Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 141 183 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 689 712 Total customer deposits $ 55,764 $ 54,997 The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of March 31 , 2016 we re as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2016 $ 2,264 $ 6 $ 2,270 2017 3,651 2 3,653 2018 3,190 ― 3,190 2019 2,330 ― 2,330 2020 2,516 ― 2,516 After 5 years 7 ― 7 Total $ 13,958 $ 8 $ 13,966 As of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , certificates of deposit in denominations of $25 0,000 or more , in the aggregate , were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. $ 109 $ 105 Non-U.S. 1 1 Total $ 110 $ 106

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2016
Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	8 . Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various claims, investigations, examinations, pending and potential legal actions, and other matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, legal proceedings). The Company discloses its material legal proceedings under Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” in the Annual Report . The Company has recorded reserves for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the recorded reserve. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated r ange of possible losses, as applicable . The Company’s legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of putative class members. These legal proceedings involve various lines of business of the Company and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against the Company specify t he damages claimed by the plaintiff or class, 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 the Company are stated, the claimed amount may be exaggerated and/or unsupported. As a result, some matters have not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable the Company to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss, while other matters have progressed sufficiently such that the Company is able to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss . For those disclosed material legal proceedings where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a rela ted reserve for legal contingencies or where there is no such reserve, and for which the Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $ 350 million in exce ss of any reserves related to th o se matters. This range represents management’s estimate based on currently available information and does not represent the Company’s maximum loss exposure; actual results may vary significantly. As such proceedings evolve, including the merchant claims described unde r “Legal Proceedings ” in the Annual Report, the Company may need to increase its range of possible loss or reserves for legal contingencies . Based on its current knowledge, and taking into consideration its litigation-related liabilities, the Company beli eves it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings, including the possible resolution of merchant claims, could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations .

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	9 . Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rate s , foreign exchange rates , and equity index or price , and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are a n integral component of the Com pany’s market risk management. The Company does not transact in derivatives for trading purposes. In relation to the Company’s credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreements it has with its various counterparties, the Company is not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event . Based on the assessment of credit risk of the Company’s derivative counterparties a s of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company does not have derivative positions that warrant credit valuation adjustments. The following t able summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest acc ruals, of derivative assets and l iabilities as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate contracts Fair value hedges $ 391 $ 236 $ ― $ 9 Foreign exchange contracts Net investment hedges 113 191 279 57 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 504 427 279 66 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives (a) 120 117 177 135 Total derivatives, gross 624 544 456 201 Less: Cash collateral netting (b) (324) (155) ― ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (120) (107) (120) (107) Total derivatives, net (d) $ 180 $ 282 $ 336 $ 94 Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements. Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative instrument(s) executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Additionally, the Company posted $ 140 million and $ 149 million as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respec tively , as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. The Company has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivati ve counterparty. The total net derivative assets and derivative liabilities are presented within O ther assets and O ther liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A majority of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 are subject to master netting agreements with its deriva tive counterparties. T he Company has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair Val ue Hedges The Company is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt. The Company uses interest rate swaps to economically convert certain fixed-rate debt obligations to floating-rate obligations at the time of issuance. T he Company hedged $ 18.8 billion of its fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt using interest rate swaps as of both March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 . The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the Company’s fair value hedges for the three months ended March 31 : For the Three Months Ended March 31: (Millions) Gains (losses) recognized in income Derivative contract Hedged item Net hedge Amount Amount ineffectiveness Derivative relationship Income Statement Line Item 2016 2015 Income Statement Line Item 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest rate contracts Other expenses $ 165 $ 63 Other expenses $ (171) $ (57) $ (6) $ 6 The Company also recognized a net reduction in inter est expense on long-term debt of $ 59 million and $ 70 million for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on the Company’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Net Investment Hedges The effective portion of the gain or (loss) on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as part of the cu mulative translati on adjustment, was $ (92) million and $ 195 million for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, with a ny ineffective portion recognized in Other expenses during the period of change . During the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company did not reclassify any amounts from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to earnings as a component of Other expenses and no ineffectiveness was recognized in either period. Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the relate d underlying foreign currency exposures totaled a net loss of $13 million and a net gain of $97 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are recognized in Other expenses. The Company previously disclosed in Note 9 to t he Consolidated Financial Statements in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015, a loss of $45 million related to derivatives not designated as hedges. This amount should have been disclosed as a gain of $293 million, which is the amount used to calculate the above referenced net gain of $97 million. This change to the previously disclosed amount has no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income, Balance Sheets or Cash Flows. The changes in the fair value of an embedded de rivative gain of $6 million and nil for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, is recognized in Card Member services and other expense.

Fair Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
Fair Values	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value (Disclosures) [Abstract]
Fair Values	10 . Fair Values Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s valuation hierarchy, as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31 , 2015 : 2016 2015 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities $ 1 $ 1 $ ― $ ― $ 1 $ 1 $ ― $ ― Debt securities and other 3,838 385 3,453 ― 3,758 409 3,349 ― Derivatives (a) 624 ― 624 ― 544 ― 544 ― Total assets 4,463 386 4,077 ― 4,303 410 3,893 ― Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 456 ― 456 ― 201 ― 201 ― Total liabilities $ 456 $ ― $ 456 $ ― $ 201 $ ― $ 201 $ ― Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 9 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis . The following table summarizes the estimated fai r values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis , as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the m arket conditions and perceived risks as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and require management judgment. These fi gures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of the Company be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2016 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 25 $ 25 $ 24 $ 1 (a) $ ― Other financial assets (b) 47 47 ― 47 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans and receivables HFS (d) 12 12 ― ― 12 Loans, net 58 58 (c) ― ― 58 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 65 65 ― 65 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (e) 14 14 ― 14 ― Long-term debt $ 47 $ 49 (c) $ ― $ 49 $ ― Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2015 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 23 $ 23 $ 22 $ 1 (a) $ ― Other financial assets (b) 47 47 ― 47 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans and receivables HFS (d) 15 15 ― ― 15 Loans, net 59 60 (c) ― ― 60 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (e) 14 14 ― 14 ― Long-term debt $ 48 $ 49 (c) $ ― $ 49 $ ― Reflects time deposits. Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $ 5.8 billion and $ 6.7 billion held by consolidated VIEs as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. Includes the fair values of Card Member loans of $ 22.2 billion and $ 23.5 billion and long-term debt of $ 12.6 billion and $ 13.6 billion held by consolidated VIEs as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Does not include any fair value associated with the Card Member account relationships. Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements The Company has certain assets that are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if determined to be impaired. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment . Durin g the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded a $384 million impairment charge, consisting of a $219 million write-down of the entire balance of goodwill in the Prepaid Services business and a $165 million write-down of technology an d other asse ts to fair value .

Guarantees

Guarantees	3 Months Ended
Guarantees	Mar. 31, 2016
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	11 . Guarantees The Company provides Card Member protection plans that cover losses associated with purchased products, as well as certain other guarantees and indemnifications in the ordinary course of business . In relation to its maximum potential undiscounted future payments as shown in the table that follows, to date the Company has not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees or indemnifications . The Company’s initial recognition of these instrume nts i s at fair value. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The following table provides information related to such guarantees and indemnifications as of March 31 , 2016 and De cember 31, 2015 : Maximum potential undiscounted future payments (a) Related liability (b) (Billions) (Millions) Type of Guarantee 2016 2015 2016 2015 Return and Merchant Protection $ 43 $ 42 $ 42 $ 49 Other (c) 6 6 40 37 Total $ 49 $ 48 $ 82 $ 86 Represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed or indemnified parties. The maximum potential undiscounted future payments for Merchant Protection are measured using management’s best estimate of maximum exposure , which is based on all eligible claims in relation to annual billed business volumes. Included in O ther l iabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Primarily includes guarantees related to the Company’s purchase protection, real estate and business dispositions .

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	3 Months Ended
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	12 . Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 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 months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 58 $ (2,044) $ (548) $ (2,534) Net unrealized gains 4 ― ― 4 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (2) ― ― (2) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations ― 96 ― 96 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (92) ― (92) Pension and other postretirement benefit gains ― ― 26 26 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 2 4 26 32 Balances as of March 31, 2016 $ 60 $ (2,040) $ (522) $ (2,502) 2015 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2014 $ 96 $ (1,499) $ (516) $ (1,919) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (450) ― (450) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 195 ― 195 Pension and other postretirement benefit gains ― ― 23 23 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss ― (255) 23 (232) Balances as of March 31, 2015 $ 96 $ (1,754) $ (493) $ (2,151) The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and into the Consolidated Statement s of Income for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 : Gains (losses) recognized in earnings Income Statement Amount Description ( Millions ) Line Item 2016 2015 Available-for-sale securities Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securities Other non-interest revenues $ 4 $ ― Related income tax expense Income tax provision (2) ― Total $ 2 $ ―

Non-Interest Revenue and Expens

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail	3 Months Ended
Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail	13 . Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail The following is a deta il of Other fees and commissions for the three months ended March 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Delinquency fees $ 200 $ 195 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 196 211 Loyalty coalition-related fees 94 91 Travel commissions and fees 80 89 Service fees 78 87 Other (a) 32 35 Total Other fees and commissions $ 680 $ 708 Other primarily includes revenues from fees related to Membership Rewards programs. The following is a detail of O ther revenues for the three months ended March 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Global Network Services partner revenues $ 145 $ 164 Gross realized gains on sale of investment securities 4 ― Other (a) 337 304 Total Other revenues $ 486 $ 468 Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, merchant-related fees, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, Travelers Cheques -related revenues, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees. The following is a detail of Other expenses for the three months ended March 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Professional services $ 604 $ 624 Occupancy and equipment 465 434 Communications 83 88 Card and merchant-related fraud losses 58 100 Gain on sale of JetBlue HFS portfolio (a) (127) ― Other (b) 337 153 Total Other Expenses $ 1,420 $ 1,399 Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Other expense inclu des general operating expenses, gains and losses on sale of assets or businesses not classified as discontinued operations, litigation, certain internal and regulatory review-related reimbursements and insurance costs or settlements, certain loyalty coalition-related expenses , the valuation allowance adjustment associated with loans and receivables HFS during the quarter (refer to Note 2), and for eign currency-related gains and losses (including the favorable impact from the reassessment of the functional currency of certain UK legal entities in prior year).

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14 . Income Taxes The effective tax rate was 34.7 percent and 34.2 percent for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The tax rates in both periods primarily reflected the level of pretax income in relation to recurring permanent tax benefits and the geographic mix of business. Additionally, the effective tax rate in both periods reflected the resolution of certain prior years’ tax items. The Company is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which the Company has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. The IRS has completed its field examination of the Company’s federal tax returns for years through 2007; however, refund claims for certain years continue to be reviewed by the IRS. In addition, the Company is currently under examination by the IRS for the years 2008 through 2014 . The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $ 263 million principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The p rior 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 $ 263 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $ 21 million relates to amounts that if recognized would be recorded in shareholders’ equity and would not impact the Company’s results of operations or its effective tax rate.

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	15 . Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31 were as follows: (Millions, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 1,426 $ 1,525 Preferred dividends (21) ― Net income available to common shareholders $ 1,405 $ 1,525 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (11) (11) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 1,394 $ 1,514 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 961 1,019 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 2 4 Diluted 963 1,023 Basic EPS $ 1.45 $ 1.49 Diluted EPS $ 1.45 $ 1.48 The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributa ble to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator . The dilutive effect of unex ercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 1.5 million and 0.5 million of options for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti -dilutive. For the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company met specified performance measures related to the $ 750 million of Subordinated Debentures issued in 2006, and maturing in 2036. If the performance measures were not achieved in a ny given quarter, the Company would be required to issue common shares and apply the proceeds to make interest payments.

Reportable Operating Segment

Reportable Operating Segment	3 Months Ended
Reportable Operating Segment	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Operating Segments	16 . Reportable Operating Segments The Company is a global services company that is principally engaged in businesses comprising four reportable operating segments : USCS, IC N S, GC S and GMS . Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other. The following table presents certain selected financial information for the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other fo r the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 : Corporate & (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Other (a) Consolidated 2016 Non-interest revenues $ 2,029 $ 1,140 $ 2,190 $ 1,041 $ 108 $ 6,508 Interest income 1,391 227 321 ― 66 2,005 Interest expense 140 54 95 (59) 195 425 Total revenues net of interest expense 3,280 1,313 2,416 1,100 (21) 8,088 Net income (loss) 694 188 485 357 (298) 1,426 Total assets (billions) 86 34 47 24 (32) 159 Total equity (billions) 7 3 7 2 2 21 2015 Non-interest revenues 2,031 1,145 2,175 1,070 82 6,503 Interest income 1,273 245 278 ― 61 1,857 Interest expense 114 63 89 (59) 203 410 Total revenues net of interest expense 3,190 1,327 2,364 1,129 (60) 7,950 Net income (loss) 659 197 517 369 (217) 1,525 Total assets (billions) 84 29 46 17 (21) 155 Total equity (billions) $ 8 $ 3 $ 7 $ 2 $ 2 $ 22 Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2016
Policy (Text Block) [Abstract]
Investments	Investment securities principally include debt securities that the Company classifies as available-for- sale and carries at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets , with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss , net of income taxes . Realized gains and losses are recognized on a trade-date basis in results of operations upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method.
Contingencies	The Company has recorded reserves for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the recorded reserve. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated r ange of possible losses, as applicable .
Guarantees	The Company’s initial recognition of these instrume nts i s at fair value. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Accounts Receivable and Loans (

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Accounts Receivable and Loans (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounts Receivable and Loans (Tables) [Abstract]
Card Member receivables segment detail	Card Member a ccounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of : (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 10,332 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,563 5,599 Global Commercial Services 28,578 26,727 Card Member receivables (b) 44,473 44,133 Less: Reserve for losses 446 462 Card Member receivables, net $ 44,027 $ 43,671 Other receivables, net (c) $ 2,633 $ 3,024 Includes $ 5.8 b illion and $ 6.6 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Includes approximately $ 12.4 billion and $ 11.9 billion of Card Member receivables outside the United States as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively . Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to ( i ) certain merchants for billed discount reven ue, (ii) GNS partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees and ( iii) l oyalty coalition partners for points issued , as well as program p articipation and servicing fees . Other receivables are presented net of r eserves for losses of $ 44 million and $ 43 million as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively.
Card Member loans segment detail	Card Member l oans by segment and Other loans as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 42,432 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,646 7,072 Global Commercial Services 8,328 8,006 Card Member loans 57,406 58,573 Less: Reserve for losses 1,012 1,028 Card Member loans, net $ 56,394 $ 57,545 Other loans, net (b) $ 1,186 $ 1,254 I ncludes approximately $ 22.2 billion and $ 23.6 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations o f a consolidated VIE as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Other loans primarily represent loans to merchants . Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 35 million and $ 20 million as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively .
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	T he following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 30-59 60-89 90+ Days Days Days Past Past Past 2016 (Millions) Current Due Due Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 42,006 $ 122 $ 93 $ 211 $ 42,432 International Consumer and Network Services 6,529 37 26 54 6,646 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 8,183 27 19 39 8,268 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 1 60 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 10,187 $ 48 $ 33 $ 64 $ 10,332 International Consumer and Network Services 5,478 27 16 42 5,563 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 12,997 68 49 94 13,208 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 115 15,370 30-59 60-89 90+ Days Days Days Past Past Past 2015 (Millions) Current Due Due Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 43,063 $ 128 $ 94 $ 210 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,961 34 25 52 7,072 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 7,867 26 18 40 7,951 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 1 55 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 11,646 $ 54 $ 32 $ 75 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,515 24 18 42 5,599 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 12,734 69 45 102 12,950 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 124 13,777 For GCP Card Member receivables in GCS, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 9 0 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes. Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not ava ilable 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 table s prese nt the key credit quality indicators as of or for the three months ended March 31 : 2016 2015 Net Write-Off Rate Net Write-Off Rate 30+ Days 30+ Days Principal, Past Due Principal, Past Due Principal Interest, & as a % of Principal Interest, & as a % of Only (a) Fees (a) Total Only (a) Fees (a) Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services 1.5 % 1.7 % 1.0 % 1.5 % 1.7 % 0.9 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.9 % 2.4 % 1.8 % 2.0 % 2.5 % 1.8 % Global Small Business Services 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.0 % 1.3 % 1.6 % 1.0 % Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 1.8 % 2.0 % 1.4 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 1.5 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.2 % 2.4 % 1.5 % 1.9 % 2.1 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 1.8 % 2.1 % 1.6 % 2.2 % 2.4 % 1.8 % 2016 2015 Net Loss Net Loss Ratio as 90+ Days Ratio as 90+ Days a % of Past Billing a % of Past Billing Charge as a % of Charge as a % of Volume Receivables Volume Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.08 % 0.7 % 0.10 % 0.7 % The Company presents a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because the Company considers uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented.
Impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following tables provide additional information with respect to the Company’s impaired Card Member loans and receivables. Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant for ICNS as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 ; therefore, the segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables . As of March 31, 2016 Over 90 days Accounts Classified Past Due & as a TDR (c) Total Unpaid Accruing Non- Out of Impaired Principal Allowance 2016 (Millions) Interest (a) Accruals (b) In Program (d) Program (e) Balance Balance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 139 $ 123 $ 147 $ 99 $ 508 $ 469 $ 44 International Consumer and Network Services 54 ― ― ― 54 53 ― Global Commercial Services 24 26 23 19 92 85 8 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 9 4 13 13 6 Global Commercial Services ― ― 20 5 25 24 14 Total $ 217 $ 149 $ 199 $ 127 $ 692 $ 644 $ 72 As of December 31, 2015 Over 90 days Accounts Classified Past Due & as a TDR (c) Total Unpaid Accruing Non- Out of Impaired Principal Allowance 2015 (Millions) Interest (a) Accruals (b) In Program (d) Program (e) Balance Balance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 140 $ 124 $ 149 $ 89 $ 502 $ 463 $ 44 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 24 26 23 18 91 85 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 3 14 14 8 Global Commercial Services ― ― 16 3 19 19 12 Total $ 216 $ 150 $ 199 $ 113 $ 678 $ 632 $ 73 The Company’s policy is generally to accrue inte rest through the date of write -off ( typically 18 0 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that it believes will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude loans classified as a TDR. Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which the Company has ceased accruing interest. Accounts classified as a TDR include $ 18 million and $ 20 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $ 15 million and $ 18 milli on as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively . In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. Out of Program TDRs include $98 million and $84 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $ 29 million and $29 million of Card Me mber accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively .
Interest income recognized and average balance of impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s average balances of, and inter est income recognized from, impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the three months ended March 31: 2016 2015 Interest Interest Average Income Average Income (Millions) Balance Recognized Balance Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 505 $ 12 $ 587 $ 10 International Consumer and Network Services 53 4 56 4 Global Commercial Services 92 3 105 3 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 14 ― 14 ― Global Commercial Services 22 ― 24 ― Total $ 686 $ 19 $ 786 $ 17
Troubled debt restructurings	The following table provides additional information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 . The ICNS Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant ; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Number of Outstanding Average Interest Average Payment Accounts Balances (a) Rate Reduction Term Extensions (in thousands) ($ in millions) (% points) (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 8 $ 57 13 (b) Card Member Receivables 3 38 (c) 16 Total 11 $ 95 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Number of Outstanding Average Interest Average Payment Accounts Balances (a) Rate Reduction Term Extensions (in thousands) ($ in millions) (% points) (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 11 $ 80 12 (b) Card Member Receivables 3 40 (c) 12 Total 14 $ 120 Represents the outstanding balance im mediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. M odifications did not reduce the principal balance . For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing.
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	The following table provides information for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted w ithin 12 months of modification. A Card Member is considered in default of a modification program after one and up to two consecutive missed payments, depending on the terms of the modification program . For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loan s and receivables. 2016 2015 Outstanding Outstanding Number of Balances Number of Balances Accounts Upon Default Accounts Upon Default (Accounts in thousands, Dollars in millions) (thousands) (millions) (a) (thousands) (millions) (a) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 1 $ 9 2 $ 10 Card Member Receivables 1 1 1 1 Total 2 $ 10 3 $ 11 The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables.

Reserves For Losses (Tables)

Reserves For Losses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Reserves For Losses (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Reserves For Losses Tables [Abstract]
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 462 $ 465 Provisions (a) 169 174 Net write-offs (b) (186) (199) Other (c) 1 (11) Balance, March 31 $ 446 $ 429 P rovisions for principal and fee reserve components. Consists of principal and fee components, less recoveries of $ 101 million and $ 99 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $ 10 million and $ 31 million, for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 2 million and $ (7) million for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively , and other adjustment s of $ (1) million and $ (4) million for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively .
Card Member receivables and related reserves evaluated separately and collectively for impairment	The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and collectively for impair ment , and related reserves , as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 38 $ 33 Related reserves (a) $ 20 $ 20 Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment $ 44,435 $ 44,100 Related reserves (b) $ 426 $ 442 Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment.
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 1,028 $ 1,201 Provisions (a) 227 235 Net write-offs Principal (b) (214) (259) Interest and fees (b) (40) (43) Other (c) 11 (4) Balance, March 31 $ 1,012 $ 1,130 Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components. Consists of principal write-offs, less recoveries of $ 88 million and $ 103 million , including net write-offs/(recoveries) from TDRs of $ 13 million and $ 16 million , for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis . Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ 2 million and $ (7) million and other adjustment s of $ 2 million and $ 3 million for t he three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. T he three months ended March 31 , 2016 also includes the transfer of reserves of $7 million associated with $20 million of Card Member loans transferred from HFS to held for i nvestment .
Card Member loans and related reserves evaluated separately and collectively for impairment	The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 288 $ 279 Related reserves (a) $ 52 $ 53 Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment (b) $ 57,118 $ 58,294 Related reserves (b) $ 960 $ 975 Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves. Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans , and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Investment Securities (Tables) [Abstract]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	The following is a summ ary of investment securities as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 2016 2015 Gross Gross Estimated Gross Gross Estimated Unrealized Unrealized Fair Unrealized Unrealized Fair Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gains Losses Value Cost Gains Losses Value State and municipal obligations $ 2,695 $ 76 $ (4) $ 2,767 $ 2,813 $ 85 $ (5) $ 2,893 U.S. Government agency obligations 2 ― ― 2 2 ― ― 2 U.S. Government treasury obligations 375 10 ― 385 406 4 (1) 409 Corporate debt securities 28 1 ― 29 29 1 ― 30 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 117 5 ― 122 117 4 ― 121 Equity securities 1 ― ― 1 1 ― ― 1 Foreign government bonds and obligations 477 7 ― 484 250 6 (1) 255 Other (b) 50 1 (2) 49 50 ― (2) 48 Total $ 3,745 $ 100 $ (6) $ 3,839 $ 3,668 $ 100 $ (9) $ 3,759 Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Other comprises investments in various mutual funds.
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table provides information about the Company’s investment securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 2016 2015 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Less than 12 months 12 months or more Gross Gross Gross Gross Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Losses State and municipal obligations $ 97 $ (4) $ ― ― $ 100 $ (3) $ 13 $ (2) U.S. Government treasury obligations ― ― ― ― 253 (1) ― ― Foreign government bonds and obligations ― ― ― ― 99 (1) ― ― Other ― ― 33 (2) ― ― 33 (2) Total $ 97 $ (4) $ 33 $ (2) $ 452 $ (5) $ 46 $ (4)
Available for Sale Securities Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Ratio of Fair Value to Gross Gross Gross Amortized Cost Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized Number of Estimated Unrealized (Dollars in millions) Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses Securities Fair Value Losses 2016: 90%–100% 14 $ 97 $ (4) 6 $ 33 $ (2) 20 $ 130 $ (6) Less than 90% ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― Total as of March 31, 2016 14 $ 97 $ (4) 6 $ 33 $ (2) 20 $ 130 $ (6) 2015: 90%–100% 52 $ 450 $ (5) 15 $ 37 $ (2) 67 $ 487 $ (7) Less than 90% ― ― ― 2 9 (2) 2 9 (2) Total as of December 31, 2015 52 $ 450 $ (5) 17 $ 46 $ (4) 69 $ 496 $ (9)
Contractual maturities of investment securities	C ontractual maturities of investment securities with stated maturities as of March 31 , 2016 were as follows : Estimated (Millions) Cost Fair Value Due within 1 year $ 556 $ 557 Due after 1 year but within 5 years 209 214 Due after 5 years but within 10 years 410 430 Due after 10 years 2,519 2,588 Total (a) $ 3,694 $ 3,789 Balances primarily represent investments in state and municipal obligations, and foreign government bonds and obligations.

Asset Securitizations (Tables)

Asset Securitizations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Asset Securitizations (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash held by trusts	The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust) and the American Expres s Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust, collectively the Trusts) as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2016 2015 Charge Trust $ 1 $ 2 Lending Trust 36 153 Total $ 37 $ 155

Customer Deposits (Tables)

Customer Deposits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Customer Deposits (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Customer Deposits (Tables) [Abstract]
Deposits By Component Alternative	As of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , customer deposits we re categorized as interest bearing or non-interest bearing , as follows : (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S.: Interest bearing $ 54,934 $ 54,102 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $372 million; 2015, $389 million) 405 478 Non-U.S.: Interest bearing 87 82 Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $317 million; 2015, $323 million) 338 335 Total customer deposits $ 55,764 $ 54,997
Deposits By Type	C ustomer deposits by deposit type as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows : (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts – Direct $ 30,295 $ 29,023 Certificates of deposit: Direct 282 281 Third-party (brokered) 13,676 13,856 Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered) 10,681 10,942 Other retail deposits: Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 141 183 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 689 712 Total customer deposits $ 55,764 $ 54,997
Time Deposits By Maturity	The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of March 31 , 2016 we re as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2016 $ 2,264 $ 6 $ 2,270 2017 3,651 2 3,653 2018 3,190 ― 3,190 2019 2,330 ― 2,330 2020 2,516 ― 2,516 After 5 years 7 ― 7 Total $ 13,958 $ 8 $ 13,966
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More	As of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , certificates of deposit in denominations of $25 0,000 or more , in the aggregate , were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. $ 109 $ 105 Non-U.S. 1 1 Total $ 110 $ 106

Derivatives and Hedging Activ32

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables) [Abstract]
Schedule of derivative instruments in statement of financial position, fair value	The following t able summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest acc ruals, of derivative assets and l iabilities as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate contracts Fair value hedges $ 391 $ 236 $ ― $ 9 Foreign exchange contracts Net investment hedges 113 191 279 57 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 504 427 279 66 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives (a) 120 117 177 135 Total derivatives, gross 624 544 456 201 Less: Cash collateral netting (b) (324) (155) ― ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (120) (107) (120) (107) Total derivatives, net (d) $ 180 $ 282 $ 336 $ 94 Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements. Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative instrument(s) executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Additionally, the Company posted $ 140 million and $ 149 million as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respec tively , as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. The Company has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivati ve counterparty. The total net derivative assets and derivative liabilities are presented within O ther assets and O ther liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the Company’s fair value hedges for the three months ended March 31 : For the Three Months Ended March 31: (Millions) Gains (losses) recognized in income Derivative contract Hedged item Net hedge Amount Amount ineffectiveness Derivative relationship Income Statement Line Item 2016 2015 Income Statement Line Item 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest rate contracts Other expenses $ 165 $ 63 Other expenses $ (171) $ (57) $ (6) $ 6

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Fair Values (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Values (Tables) [Abstract]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s valuation hierarchy, as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31 , 2015 : 2016 2015 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities $ 1 $ 1 $ ― $ ― $ 1 $ 1 $ ― $ ― Debt securities and other 3,838 385 3,453 ― 3,758 409 3,349 ― Derivatives (a) 624 ― 624 ― 544 ― 544 ― Total assets 4,463 386 4,077 ― 4,303 410 3,893 ― Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 456 ― 456 ― 201 ― 201 ― Total liabilities $ 456 $ ― $ 456 $ ― $ 201 $ ― $ 201 $ ― Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 9 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis .
Estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities	The following table summarizes the estimated fai r values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis , as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the m arket conditions and perceived risks as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and require management judgment. These fi gures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of the Company be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2016 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 25 $ 25 $ 24 $ 1 (a) $ ― Other financial assets (b) 47 47 ― 47 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans and receivables HFS (d) 12 12 ― ― 12 Loans, net 58 58 (c) ― ― 58 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 65 65 ― 65 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (e) 14 14 ― 14 ― Long-term debt $ 47 $ 49 (c) $ ― $ 49 $ ― Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2015 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 23 $ 23 $ 22 $ 1 (a) $ ― Other financial assets (b) 47 47 ― 47 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans and receivables HFS (d) 15 15 ― ― 15 Loans, net 59 60 (c) ― ― 60 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (e) 14 14 ― 14 ― Long-term debt $ 48 $ 49 (c) $ ― $ 49 $ ― Reflects time deposits. Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $ 5.8 billion and $ 6.7 billion held by consolidated VIEs as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. Includes the fair values of Card Member loans of $ 22.2 billion and $ 23.5 billion and long-term debt of $ 12.6 billion and $ 13.6 billion held by consolidated VIEs as of March 31 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Does not include any fair value associated with the Card Member account relationships. Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Guarantees (Tables)

Guarantees (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Guarantees (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Guarantees (Tables) [Abstract]
Information related to guarantees	The following table provides information related to such guarantees and indemnifications as of March 31 , 2016 and De cember 31, 2015 : Maximum potential undiscounted future payments (a) Related liability (b) (Billions) (Millions) Type of Guarantee 2016 2015 2016 2015 Return and Merchant Protection $ 43 $ 42 $ 42 $ 49 Other (c) 6 6 40 37 Total $ 49 $ 48 $ 82 $ 86 Represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed or indemnified parties. The maximum potential undiscounted future payments for Merchant Protection are measured using management’s best estimate of maximum exposure , which is based on all eligible claims in relation to annual billed business volumes. Included in O ther l iabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Primarily includes guarantees related to the Company’s purchase protection, real estate and business dispositions .

Changes in Accumulated Other 35

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Components of Comprehensive Income, net of tax [Abstract]
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 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 months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 58 $ (2,044) $ (548) $ (2,534) Net unrealized gains 4 ― ― 4 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (2) ― ― (2) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations ― 96 ― 96 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― (92) ― (92) Pension and other postretirement benefit gains ― ― 26 26 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 2 4 26 32 Balances as of March 31, 2016 $ 60 $ (2,040) $ (522) $ (2,502) 2015 (Millions) , net of tax Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2014 $ 96 $ (1,499) $ (516) $ (1,919) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (450) ― (450) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 195 ― 195 Pension and other postretirement benefit gains ― ― 23 23 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss ― (255) 23 (232) Balances as of March 31, 2015 $ 96 $ (1,754) $ (493) $ (2,151)
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and into the Consolidated Statement s of Income for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 : Gains (losses) recognized in earnings Income Statement Amount Description ( Millions ) Line Item 2016 2015 Available-for-sale securities Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securities Other non-interest revenues $ 4 $ ― Related income tax expense Income tax provision (2) ― Total $ 2 $ ―

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe36

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Cost And Expense Disclosure Operating (Tables) [Abstract]
Details of other commissions and fees	The following is a deta il of Other fees and commissions for the three months ended March 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Delinquency fees $ 200 $ 195 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue 196 211 Loyalty coalition-related fees 94 91 Travel commissions and fees 80 89 Service fees 78 87 Other (a) 32 35 Total Other fees and commissions $ 680 $ 708 Other primarily includes revenues from fees related to Membership Rewards programs.
Details of other revenues	The following is a detail of O ther revenues for the three months ended March 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Global Network Services partner revenues $ 145 $ 164 Gross realized gains on sale of investment securities 4 ― Other (a) 337 304 Total Other revenues $ 486 $ 468 Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, merchant-related fees, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, Travelers Cheques -related revenues, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.
Detail of other, net expense	The following is a detail of Other expenses for the three months ended March 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Professional services $ 604 $ 624 Occupancy and equipment 465 434 Communications 83 88 Card and merchant-related fraud losses 58 100 Gain on sale of JetBlue HFS portfolio (a) (127) ― Other (b) 337 153 Total Other Expenses $ 1,420 $ 1,399 Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Other expense inclu des general operating expenses, gains and losses on sale of assets or businesses not classified as discontinued operations, litigation, certain internal and regulatory review-related reimbursements and insurance costs or settlements, certain loyalty coalition-related expenses , the valuation allowance adjustment associated with loans and receivables HFS during the quarter (refer to Note 2), and for eign currency-related gains and losses (including the favorable impact from the reassessment of the functional currency of certain UK legal entities in prior year).

Earnings Per Common Share (EP37

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted EPS	The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31 were as follows: (Millions, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 1,426 $ 1,525 Preferred dividends (21) ― Net income available to common shareholders $ 1,405 $ 1,525 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (11) (11) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 1,394 $ 1,514 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 961 1,019 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 2 4 Diluted 963 1,023 Basic EPS $ 1.45 $ 1.49 Diluted EPS $ 1.45 $ 1.48 The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributa ble to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator . The dilutive effect of unex ercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 1.5 million and 0.5 million of options for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti -dilutive.

Reportable Operating Segment (T

Reportable Operating Segment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Reportable Operating Segment (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Operating segment information	The following table presents certain selected financial information for the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other fo r the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 : Corporate & (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Other (a) Consolidated 2016 Non-interest revenues $ 2,029 $ 1,140 $ 2,190 $ 1,041 $ 108 $ 6,508 Interest income 1,391 227 321 ― 66 2,005 Interest expense 140 54 95 (59) 195 425 Total revenues net of interest expense 3,280 1,313 2,416 1,100 (21) 8,088 Net income (loss) 694 188 485 357 (298) 1,426 Total assets (billions) 86 34 47 24 (32) 159 Total equity (billions) 7 3 7 2 2 21 2015 Non-interest revenues 2,031 1,145 2,175 1,070 82 6,503 Interest income 1,273 245 278 ― 61 1,857 Interest expense 114 63 89 (59) 203 410 Total revenues net of interest expense 3,190 1,327 2,364 1,129 (60) 7,950 Net income (loss) 659 197 517 369 (217) 1,525 Total assets (billions) 84 29 46 17 (21) 155 Total equity (billions) $ 8 $ 3 $ 7 $ 2 $ 2 $ 22 Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.

Business Events (Details Textua

Business Events (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Business Events (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Events (Line Items)
Gain on sale of JetBlue HFS portfolio	$ (127)	$ 0

Accounts Receivable and Loans40

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 44,473	$ 44,133
Less: Reserve for losses	446	462	$ 429	$ 465
Card Member receivables, net	44,027	43,671
Other receivables, net	2,633	3,024
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other receivables, reserves	44	43
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	5,802	6,649
Non United States [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	12,400	11,900
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	10,332	11,807
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	5,800	6,600
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	5,563	5,599
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 28,578	$ 26,727

Accounts Receivable and Loans41

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	$ 57,406	$ 58,573
Less: Reserve for losses	1,012	1,028	$ 1,130	$ 1,201
Card Member loans, net	56,394	57,545
Other loans, net	1,186	1,254
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other loans, reserves	35	20
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	22,206	23,559
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	42,432	43,495
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member loans available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	22,200	23,600
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	6,646	7,072
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans, gross	$ 8,328	$ 8,006

Accounts Receivable and Loans42

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	$ 42,006	$ 43,063
Total aging	42,432	43,495
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	122	128
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	93	94
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	211	210
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	10,187	11,646
Total aging	10,332	11,807
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	48	54
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	33	32
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	64	75
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	6,529	6,961
Total aging	6,646	7,072
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	37	34
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	26	25
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	54	52
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	5,478	5,515
Total aging	5,563	5,599
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	27	24
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	16	18
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	42	42
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	8,183	7,867
Total aging	8,268	7,951
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	27	26
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	19	18
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	39	40
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Current	12,997	12,734
Total aging	13,208	12,950
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	68	69
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	49	45
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	94	102
Global Corporate Payments [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Total aging	60	55
Global Corporate Payments [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	1	1
Global Corporate Payments [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Period Past Due [Domain]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Total aging	15,370	13,777
Global Corporate Payments [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivables [Line Items]
Past Due	$ 115	$ 124

Accounts Receivable and Loans43

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 3)	3 Months Ended
Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 3)	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.50%	1.50%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.70%	1.70%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.00%	0.90%
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.80%	2.10%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.00%	2.30%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.40%	1.50%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.90%	2.00%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.40%	2.50%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.80%	1.80%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	2.20%	1.90%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.40%	2.10%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.50%	1.60%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.08%	0.10%
90 days past billing as a percentage of receivables	0.70%	0.70%
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.40%	1.30%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.60%	1.60%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.00%	1.00%
Global Small Business Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.80%	2.20%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.10%	2.40%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.60%	1.80%

Accounts Receivable and Loans44

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$ 217	$ 216
Non-accrual loans	149	150
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	199	199
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	127	113
Total impaired loans and receivables	692	678
Unpaid principal balance	644	632
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	72	73
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	15	18
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	18	20
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program - success, Recorded Investment	98	84
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program - not compliant, Recorded Investment	29	29
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	139	140
Non-accrual loans	123	124
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	147	149
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	99	89
Total impaired loans and receivables	508	502
Unpaid principal balance	469	463
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	44	44
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	0	0
Non-accrual loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	9	11
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	4	3
Total impaired loans and receivables	13	14
Unpaid principal balance	13	14
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	6	8
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	54	52
Non-accrual loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	0	0
Total impaired loans and receivables	54	52
Unpaid principal balance	53	51
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	0	0
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	24	24
Non-accrual loans	26	26
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	23	23
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	19	18
Total impaired loans and receivables	92	91
Unpaid principal balance	85	85
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	8	9
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	0	0
Non-accrual loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, In-Program, Recorded Investment	20	16
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Out of Program, Recorded Investment	5	3
Total impaired loans and receivables	25	19
Unpaid principal balance	24	19
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	$ 14	$ 12

Accounts Receivable and Loans45

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	$ 686	$ 786
Interest income recognized	19	17
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	505	587
Interest income recognized	12	10
U S Consumer Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	14	14
Interest income recognized	0	0
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	53	56
Interest income recognized	4	4
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	92	105
Interest income recognized	3	3
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	22	24
Interest income recognized	$ 0	$ 0

Accounts Receivable and Loans46

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 6) Account in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)AccountM	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)AccountM
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts \| Account	11	14
Aggregated Outstanding Balance \| $	$ 95	$ 120
Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts \| Account	8	11
Aggregated Outstanding Balance \| $	$ 57	$ 80
Average basis point reduction in interest rate by class of Card Member loans	13.00%	12.00%
Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts \| Account	3	3
Aggregated Outstanding Balance \| $	$ 38	$ 40
Average payment term extension \| M	16	12

Accounts Receivable and Loans47

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 7) Account in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)Account	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)Account
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted [Domain]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts \| Account	2	3
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default \| $	$ 10	$ 11
Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts \| Account	1	2
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default \| $	$ 9	$ 10
Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts \| Account	1	1
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default \| $	$ 1	$ 1

Reserves for Losses (Details)

Reserves for Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Reserves for Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 462	$ 465
Card Member receivables - provisions	169	174
Card Member receivables - net write-offs	(186)	(199)
Card Member receivables - other	1	(11)
Balance, March 31	$ 446	$ 429

Reserves for Losses (Details 1)

Reserves for Losses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Card Member Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]
Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment	$ 38	$ 33
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment	20	20
Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	44,435	44,100
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	$ 426	$ 442

Reserves for Losses (Details 2)

Reserves for Losses (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Reserves for Losses (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 1,028	$ 1,201
Card Member loans - provisions	227	235
Card Member loans net write-offs - principal	(214)	(259)
Card Member loans net write-offs - interest and fees	(40)	(43)
Card Member loans - other	11	(4)
Balance, March 31	$ 1,012	$ 1,130

Reserves For Losses (Details 3)

Reserves For Losses (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Card Member Loans And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately And Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]
Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment	$ 288	$ 279
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment	52	53
Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	57,118	58,294
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	$ 960	$ 975

Reserves For Losses (Details Te

Reserves For Losses (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables - other	$ 1	$ (11)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other	11	(4)
Allowance for Card Member Receivables and Reserves, Recoveries of Bad Debts	101	99
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	88	103
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR	10	31
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR	13	16
Loans transferred from HFS to held for investment	20
CardMember reserves associated with loans held for investments	7
Unauthorized Transactions [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables - other		0
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other		0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables - other	2	(7)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other	2	(7)
Other Items [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables - other	(1)	(4)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other	$ 2	$ 3

Investment Securities (Details)

Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	$ 3,745	$ 3,668
Gross Unrealized Gains	100	100
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6)	(9)
Estimated Fair Value	3,839	3,759
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	2,695	2,813
Gross Unrealized Gains	76	85
Gross Unrealized Losses	(4)	(5)
Estimated Fair Value	2,767	2,893
U.S. Government agency obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	2	2
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	2	2
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	375	406
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	4
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(1)
Estimated Fair Value	385	409
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	28	29
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	29	30
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	117	117
Gross Unrealized Gains	5	4
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	122	121
Equity securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	1	1
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	1	1
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	477	250
Gross Unrealized Gains	7	6
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(1)
Estimated Fair Value	484	255
Availabe For Sale Securities Other [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	50	50
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	(2)
Estimated Fair Value	$ 49	$ 48

Investment Securities (Details

Investment Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 97	$ 452
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	33	46
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(4)	(5)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(4)
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	97	100
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	13
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(4)	(3)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	(2)
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	0	99
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
U.S. Government agency obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	0	253
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	(1)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
Other [Member]
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	0	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	33	33
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	$ (2)	$ (2)

Investment Securities (Detail55

Investment Securities (Details 2) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Investment Securities (Details 2) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)securities	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)securities
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities, less than 12 months \| securities	14	52
Number of securities, 12 months or more \| securities	6	17
Number of securities, total \| securities	20	69
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 97	$ 450
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	33	46
Estimated Fair Value, Total	130	496
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(4)	(5)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(4)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (6)	$ (9)
Ratio Of Fair Value To Amortized Cost Between Ninety And One Hundred Percent [Member]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities, less than 12 months \| securities	14	52
Number of securities, 12 months or more \| securities	6	15
Number of securities, total \| securities	20	67
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 97	$ 450
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	33	37
Estimated Fair Value, Total	130	487
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(4)	(5)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(2)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (6)	$ (7)
Ratio Of Fair Value To Amortized Cost Less Than Ninety Percent [Member]
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities, less than 12 months \| securities	0	0
Number of securities, 12 months or more \| securities	0	2
Number of securities, total \| securities	0	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 0	$ 0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	9
Estimated Fair Value, Total	0	9
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	(2)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ 0	$ (2)

Investment Securities (Detail56

Investment Securities (Details 3) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Due within 1 year	$ 556
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	209
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	410
Due after 10 years	2,519
Total	3,694
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	557
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	214
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	430
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	2,588
Total	$ 3,789

Investment Securities (Detail57

Investment Securities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Securities (Details) [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the period	$ 0	$ 0

Asset Securitizations (Details)

Asset Securitizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 37	$ 155
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	1	2
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Assets from Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 36	$ 153

Asset Securitizations (Details

Asset Securitizations (Details Textuals) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	$ 4.4
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect ownership of variable interests	$ 14.7

Customer Deposits (Details)

Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S.:
Interest-bearing	$ 54,934	$ 54,102
Non-interest-bearing	405	478
Non-U.S.:
Interest-bearing	87	82
Non-interest-bearing	338	335
Total customer deposits	55,764	54,997
Card Member Credit Balances [Member]
U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	372	389
Non-U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	$ 317	$ 323

Customer Deposits (Details 1)

Customer Deposits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S. retail deposits:
Savings accounts - Direct	$ 30,295	$ 29,023
Certificates of deposit - Direct	282	281
Certificates of deposit - Third party	13,676	13,856
Sweep accounts - Third party	10,681	10,942
Other retail deposits:
Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing deposits	141	183
Card Member credit balances - U.S. and non-U.S.	689	712
Total customer deposits	$ 55,764	$ 54,997

Customer Deposits (Details 2)

Customer Deposits (Details 2) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,016	$ 2,270
2,017	3,653
2,018	3,190
2,019	2,330
2,020	2,516
After 5 years	7
Total	13,966
United States [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,016	2,264
2,017	3,651
2,018	3,190
2,019	2,330
2,020	2,516
After 5 years	7
Total	13,958
Non United States [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,016	6
2,017	2
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
After 5 years	0
Total	$ 8

Customer Deposits (Details 3)

Customer Deposits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More [Abstract]
U.S.	$ 109	$ 105
Non-U.S.	1	1
Total	$ 110	$ 106

Contingencies (Details Textuals

Contingencies (Details Textuals) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Range of possible loss, minimum	$ 0
Range of possible loss, maximum	$ 350

Derivatives and Hedging Activ65

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	$ 624	$ 544
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	456	201
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral netting	(324)	(155)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(120)	(107)
Total derivative assets, net	180	282
Other Assets [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	504	427
Other Assets [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	391	236
Other Assets [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	113	191
Other Assets [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives assets	120	117
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash collateral netting	0	0
Derivative asset and liability netting	(120)	(107)
Total derivative liabilities, net	336	94
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	279	66
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	177	135
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	0	9
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	279	57
Risk Exposure Low [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative assets, net	0	483
Total derivative liabilities, net	0	0
Individually Significant Counterparties [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivative assets, net	0	0
Total derivative liabilities, net	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Activ66

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Other Expense [Member] - Interest Rate Contracts [Member] - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract	$ 165	$ 63
Hedged item	(171)	(57)
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$ (6)	$ 6

Derivatives and Hedging Activ67

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Pretax gains (losses)		$ 293
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Pretax gains (losses)	$ 21	364
Other Expense [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Pretax gains (losses)	$ 13	$ 365

Derivatives and Hedging Activ68

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Net reduction in interest expense on long term debt and other	$ 59,000,000	$ 70,000,000
Derivative asset not offset				$ 0
Shares held in equity investment sold	0
Margin On Interest Rate Swap Not Netted	$ 140,000,000			149,000,000
Derivative [Line Items]
Equity investment	1,000,000			1,000,000
Net hedge ineffectiveness	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net		293,000,000
Not Sold Or Repledged [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities received as collateral	0			43,000,000
Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in Changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	(13,000,000)	97,000,000
Gain on embedded derivatives	6,000,000	0
ICBC [Member] \| Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Equity investment	0
Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	18,800,000,000			18,800,000,000
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Effective portion of gain (loss) on hedges	(92,000,000)	195,000,000	$ 0
Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from AOCI into income	0	0
Net hedge ineffectiveness	0	0
Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount reclassified from AOCI into income	0	$ 0
Credit Valuation Adjustment [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	$ (13,000,000)			$ 0

Fair Values (Details)

Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment securities:
Equity securities	$ 1	$ 1
Debt securities and other	3,838	3,758
Derivatives	624	544
Total assets	4,463	4,303
Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	1	1
Debt securities and other	385	409
Derivatives	0	0
Total assets	386	410
Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	0	0
Debt securities and other	3,453	3,349
Derivatives	624	544
Total assets	4,077	3,893
Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	0	0
Debt securities and other	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Total assets	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details 1)

Fair Values (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 456	$ 201
Total liabilities	456	201
Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	456	201
Total liabilities	456	201
Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details 2)

Fair Values (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,045	$ 22,762	$ 23,572	$ 22,288
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	11,689	14,992
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	13,966
Long-term debt	47,311	48,061
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, less reserves	44,027	43,671
Card Member loans, net	56,394	57,545
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	3,966	4,966
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	12,605	13,602
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	25,000	23,000
Other financial assets	47,000	47,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	58,000	59,000
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	12,000	15,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	65,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	14,000	14,000
Long-term debt	47,000	48,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	25,000	23,000
Other financial assets	47,000	47,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	58,000	60,000
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	12,000	15,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	65,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	14,000	14,000
Long-term debt	49,000	49,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	12,600	13,600
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, less reserves	5,800	6,700
Card Member loans, net	22,200	23,500
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	24,000	22,000
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	0	0
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	1,000	1,000
Other financial assets	47,000	47,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	0	0
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	65,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	14,000	14,000
Long-term debt	49,000	49,000
Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	58,000	60,000
Card Member loans and receivables HFS	12,000	15,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details Textuals)

Fair Values (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Fair Values (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Impairment of Goodwill Prepaid Services	$ 219
Impairment Charge - Technology and Other Assets writedown to Fair Value	165
Goodwill And Intangible Asset Impairment	384
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value for impairment	$ 0	$ 0

Guarantees (Details)

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Type of Guarantee
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	$ 49,000	$ 48,000
Amount of related liability	82	86
Return And Merchant Protection [Member]
Type of Guarantee
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	43,000	42,000
Amount of related liability	42	49
Other Guarantees [Member]
Type of Guarantee
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	6,000	6,000
Amount of related liability	$ 40	$ 37

Changes in Accumulated Other 74

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	$ (2,534)
Pension and other postretirement benefit gains	26	$ 23
Balances as of end of period	(2,502)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(2,534)	(1,919)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	4	0
(Decrease) increase due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(2)	0
Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations	96	(450)
Net losses gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	(92)	195
Pension and other postretirement benefit gains	26	23
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	32	(232)
Balances as of end of period	(2,502)	(2,151)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	58	96
Net unrealized gains (losses)	4	0
(Decrease) increase due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(2)	0
Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations	0	0
Net losses gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit gains	0	0
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2	0
Balances as of end of period	60	96
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(2,044)	(1,499)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	0	0
(Decrease) increase due to amounts reclassified into earnings	0	0
Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations	96	(450)
Net losses gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	(92)	195
Pension and other postretirement benefit gains	0	0
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4	(255)
Balances as of end of period	(2,040)	(1,754)
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Gains (Losses) [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(548)	(516)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	0	0
(Decrease) increase due to amounts reclassified into earnings	0	0
Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations	0	0
Net losses gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit gains	26	23
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	26	23
Balances as of end of period	$ (522)	$ (493)

Changes in Accumulated Other 75

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other non-interest revenue	$ 486	$ 468
Interest expense on long-term debt and other	275	307
Other expenses	1,420	1,399
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other non-interest revenue	4	0
Income tax provision for other non-interest revenue	(2)	0
(Decrease) increase due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(2)	0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Decrease) increase due to amounts reclassified into earnings	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Decrease) increase due to amounts reclassified into earnings	$ (2)	$ 0

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe76

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Foreign currency conversion fee revenue	$ 196	$ 211
Delinquency fees	200	195
Loyalty Partner-related fees	94	91
Travel commissions and fees	80	89
Service fees	78	87
Other	32	35
Total Other fees and commissions	$ 680	$ 708

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe77

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Global Network Services partner revenues	$ 145	$ 164
Net realized gains on investment securities	4	0
Other	337	304
Total other revenues	$ 486	$ 468

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe78

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Professional services	$ 604	$ 624
Occupancy and equipment	465	434
Card and merchant-related fraud losses	58	100
Communications	83	88
Gain on sale of JetBlue HFS portfolio	(127)	0
Other	337	153
Total other, net	$ 1,420	$ 1,399

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes (Textuals)
Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$ 263
Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity	$ 21
Actual tax rates	34.70%	34.20%
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Earliest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2,008
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Latest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2,014

Earnings Per Common Share (EP80

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Basic and diluted:
Net income		$ 1,426	$ 1,525
Preferred dividends		(21)	0
Net income available to common stockholders - basic		1,405	1,525
Net income available to common stockholders - diluted		1,405	1,525
Earnings allocated to participating share awards		(11)	(11)
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$ 1,394	$ 1,514
Denominator:
Basic		961,000,000	1,019,000,000
Add: Weighted-average stock options		2,000,000	4,000,000
Diluted		963,000,000	1,023,000,000
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic (Note 15) [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	[1]	$ 1.45	$ 1.49
Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted (Note 15) [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	[1]	$ 1.45	$ 1.48
Earnings Per Common Share (Textuals) [Abstract]
Subordinated debentures		$ 750	$ 750
Subordinated debt issuance year		2,006	2,006
Subordinated debt maturity year		2,036	2,036
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per Share, amount		1,500,000	500,000

[1]	Represents net income less ( i ) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $11 million for both the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 21 million and nil for the three months ended March 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Reportable Operating Segments a

Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	$ 6,508	$ 6,503
Interest income	2,005	1,857
Interest expense	425	410
Total revenues, net of interest expense	8,088	7,950
Net income	1,426	1,525
Total assets	158,816	155,000	$ 161,184
Total equity	20,727	22,000	$ 20,673
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,029	2,031
Interest income	1,391	1,273
Interest expense	140	114
Total revenues, net of interest expense	3,280	3,190
Net income	694	659
Total assets	86,000	84,000
Total equity	7,000	8,000
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,140	1,145
Interest income	227	245
Interest expense	54	63
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,313	1,327
Net income	188	197
Total assets	34,000	29,000
Total equity	3,000	3,000
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	2,190	2,175
Interest income	321	278
Interest expense	95	89
Total revenues, net of interest expense	2,416	2,364
Net income	485	517
Total assets	47,000	46,000
Total equity	7,000	7,000
Global Merchant Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	1,041	1,070
Interest income	0	0
Interest expense	(59)	(59)
Total revenues, net of interest expense	1,100	1,129
Net income	357	369
Total assets	24,000	17,000
Total equity	2,000	2,000
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues	108	82
Interest income	66	61
Interest expense	195	203
Total revenues, net of interest expense	(21)	(60)
Net income	(298)	(217)
Total assets	(32,000)	(21,000)
Total equity	$ 2,000	$ 2,000