American Express Credit 10-Q 7 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 07, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	4,969
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,504,938

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues
Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and loans	$ 119	$ 126	$ 352	$ 359
Interest income from affiliates and other	51	53	158	194
Finance revenue	10	8	29	22
Total revenues	180	187	539	575
Expenses
Provisions for losses	37	46	105	120
Interest expense	80	83	239	283
Interest expense to affiliates	5	3	16	7
Other, net	(12)	10	(13)	(19)
Total expenses	110	142	347	391
Pretax income	70	45	192	184
Income tax provision	10	6	24	28
Net income	60	39	168	156
Retained earnings at beginning of period	3,222	3,072	3,114	3,015
Dividends	0	(16)	0	(76)
Retained earnings at end of period	$ 3,282	$ 3,095	$ 3,282	$ 3,095

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 60	$ 39	$ 168	$ 156
Other comprehensive Income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	1	(188)	(31)	(342)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1	(188)	(31)	(342)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 61	$ (149)	$ 137	$ (186)

Consolidated Statement of Comp4

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ (17)	$ 112	$ 32	$ 163

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 685	$ 173
Card Member receivables held for sale	0	24
Card Member receivables, less reserves	15,990	17,493
Card Member loans, less reserves	427	431
Loans to affiliates and other	10,473	14,262
Due from affiliates	36	615
Other assets	327	287
Total assets	27,938	33,285
Liabilities
Short-term debt	629	2,120
Short-term debt to affiliates	4,730	5,439
Long-term debt	18,675	21,725
Total debt	24,034	29,284
Due to affiliates	1,505	1,727
Accrued interest and other liabilities	143	155
Total liabilities	25,682	31,166
Shareholder's Equity
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares	0	0
Additional paid-in-capital	161	161
Retained earnings	3,282	3,114
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,187)	(1,156)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,187)	(1,156)
Total shareholder's equity	2,256	2,119
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$ 27,938	$ 33,285

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Card Member receivables, reserves	$ 106	$ 114
Card Member loans, reserves	$ 4	$ 4
Shareholder's Equity
Common stock, par value	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Common stock, authorized	3	3
Common stock, issued	1.5	1.5
Common stock, outstanding	1.5	1.5
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 264	$ 232

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 168	$ 156
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	105	120
Amortization of underwriting expenses	17	24
Deferred taxes	4	8
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest, taxes and other amounts due from/to affiliates	31	(123)
Other operating assets and liabilities	376	413
Net cash provided by operating activities	701	598
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net decrease (increase) in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale	1,379	(4,230)
Net decrease in loans to affiliates and other	3,485	4,722
Net decrease in due from affiliates	363	1,360
Net cash provided by investing activities	5,227	1,852
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net decrease in short-term debt	(1,491)	(394)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt to affiliates	(718)	702
Issuance of long-term debt	1,743	5,527
Principal payments on long-term debt	(4,961)	(8,145)
Dividends paid	0	(76)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,427)	(2,386)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	11	(3)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	512	61
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	173	74
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 685	$ 135

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The Company American Express Credit Corporation (Credco), together with its subsidiaries, is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express). American Express charge cards and American Express credit cards are collectively referred to herein as the card. Credco is engaged in the business of financing non-interest-earning Card Member receivables arisi ng from the use of the American Express ® Green Card, the American Express ® Gold Card, Platinum Card ® , Corporate Card and other American Express cards issued in the United States and in certain countries outside the United States. Credco also finances certa in interest-earning revolving loans generated by Card Member spending on American Express credit cards issued in non-U.S. markets, although interest-earning revolving loans are primarily funded by subsidi aries of TRS other than Credco. Credco executes mate rial transactions with its affiliates. The agreements between Credco and its affiliates provide that the parties intend that the transactions thereunder be conducted on an arm’s length basis; however, there can be no assurance that the terms of these arran gements are the same as would be negotiated between independent, unrelated parties. American Express provides Credco with financial support with respect to maintenance of its minimum overall 1.25 fixed charge coverage ratio, which is achieved by charging a ppropriate discount rates on the purchases of receivables Credco makes from, and the interest rates on the loans Credco provides to, TRS and other American Express subsidiaries. Each monthly period, the discount and interest rates are determined to generat e income for Credco that is sufficient to maintain its minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The revenue earned by Credco from purchasing Card Member receivables and loans at a discount is reported as discount revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Incom e and Retained Earnings. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Credco’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (Form 10-K). If not ma terially different, certain footnote disclosures included therein have been omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The interim consolidated financial information in this report has not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim period consolidated financial information, have been made. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the enti re year. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of asset s, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new account ing 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 requirements, and is effective January 1, 2018, with early adoption as of January 1, 2017, permitted. Cre dco does not intend to adopt the new standard early and continues to evaluate the method of implementation and the impact this guidance will have 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 guidance , which is effective January 1, 2018, makes targeted changes to current GAAP, specifically to the classif ication and measurement of equity securities, and to certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Credco continues to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations a nd cash flows, among other items. In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for recognition of credit losses on financial instruments, which is effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The guidance introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses, and differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires measurement of expected credit losses not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward- looking information and will likely result in earlier recognition of credit reserves. C redco does not intend to ad opt the new standard early and is currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on its financial position, resul ts of operations and cash flows; h owever, it is expected that the new CECL model will alter the assumptions used in calculating cre dit losses on Card Member receivables and loans, among other financial instruments, and may result in material changes to Credco’s credit reserve s . Other Information During the second quarter of 2016, American Express completed the sales of substantially all of its outstanding Card Member loans and receivables held for sale (HFS) related to its cobrand partnership with Costco Wholesale Corporation in the United States. Since Credco owns participation interest s in receivables purchased from American Express R eceivables Financing Corporation VIII LLC (RFC VIII), Credco also sold back all of its participation interests in Card Member receivables HFS to RFC VIII. Effective for the first quarter of 2016, American Express realigned its businesses as announced dur ing the fourth quarter of 2015 , which combined its corporate and small business organizations into a business-to-business focused group and combined its merchant-related businesses, among other changes. To enhance the comparability and usefulness of Credco ’s financial statements with that of American Express, Credco has made certain reclassifications of its classes of Card Member receivables and loans for the periods presented . These reclassifications did not have any impact on Credco’s underlying assumptio ns or judgments with respect to reserves for losses or credit performance .

Card Member Receivables and Loa

Card Member Receivables and Loans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Card Member Receivables and Loans [Abstract]
Card Member Receivables and Loans	2. Card Member Receivables and Loans American Express’ 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 receivables HFS as of December 31, 2015; Credco did not have any Card Member receivables HFS as of September 30 , 2016 . The net v olume of Card Member receivables purchased during the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 was approximately $ 161 billion and $ 167 billio n, respectively. As of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC) owned approximately $ 1.6 billion and $ 4.1 billion, respectively, of participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased without recourse from RFC VIII. Card Member receivables as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services $ 1,307 $ 3,393 International Consumer and Network Services (a) 1,482 1,484 Global Commercial Services (b) 13,307 12,730 Card Member receivables (c) 16,096 17,607 Less: Reserve for losses 106 114 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 15,990 $ 17,493 Comprised of International consumer card business. Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services . N et of deferr ed discount revenue totaling $ 25 million and $ 22 million as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , r espectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial. The net v olume of Card Member loans purchased during the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 was $ 3.0 billion and $ 2.9 billion, respectively. Card Member loans as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of : (Millions) 2016 2015 International Consumer and Network Services (a) $ 431 $ 435 Less: Reserve for losses 4 4 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 427 $ 431 Comprised of International consumer card business. Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial. Card Member Receivables and Loans Aging Generally, a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days after the billing statement date. The following table presen ts the aging of C ard Member receivables and Card Member loans as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2016 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 1,298 $ 4 $ 2 $ 3 $ 1,307 International Consumer and Network Services 1,462 7 4 9 1,482 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,050 4 1 3 1,058 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 94 12,249 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 428 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 431 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2015 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 3,371 $ 9 $ 4 $ 9 $ 3,393 International Consumer and Network Services 1,462 8 4 10 1,484 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,380 5 3 6 1,394 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 93 11,336 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 432 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 435 For G lobal Corporate Payments Card Member receivables, 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 collection procedures are initiated on an account prior to the account becoming 90 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 available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balances t hat are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances. Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Receivables and Loans The following table s present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the nine months ended September 30 : 2016 2015 30+ Days 30+ Days Net Past Due Net Past Due Write-off as a % of Write-off as a % of Rate (a) Total Rate (a) Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 0.59 % 0.69 % 0.81 % 0.83 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.95 % 1.35 % 1.76 % 1.67 % Global Small Business Services 1.01 % 0.76 % 1.00 % 1.06 % Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services 1.24 % 0.70 % 1.03 % 0.51 % 2016 2015 Net Loss 90+ Days Net Loss 90+ Days Ratio as a Past Ratio as a Past % of Billing % of Billing Charge as a % of Charge as a % of Volume (b) Receivables Volume (b) Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.06 % 0.77 % 0.07 % 0.71 % Represents the amount of Card Member receivables or Card Member loans owned by Credco th at is written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the average Card Member receivables or Card Member loans balances in each of the periods presented . Represents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco th at is written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco in each of the periods presented .

Reserves for Losses

Reserves for Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Reserves for Losses [Abstract]
Reserves for Losses	3. Reserves for Losses Reserves for losses relating to Card Member receivables and loans represent management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in Credco’s outstanding portfolio of receivables and loans, 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 receivables HFS as of December 31, 2015 ; Credco did not have any Card Member receivables HFS as of September 30 , 2016 . Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the nine months ended September 30 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 114 $ 94 Provisions 101 116 Other credits (a) 13 32 Net write-offs (b) (105) (124) Other debits (c) (17) (9) Balance, September 30 $ 106 $ 109 Primarily reserve balances applicable to new groups of Card Member receivables purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries and participation interests from affiliates. New groups of Card Member receivables purchased totaled $ 3.4 billion and $ 5.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively . Net of recoveries of $ 71 million and $ 79 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances applicable to participation interest s in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Sale of p articipation interests totaled $ 4.7 billion and $1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 a nd 2015 , respectively. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the nine months ended September 30 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 4 $ 3 Provisions 4 4 Net write-offs (a) (4) (3) Balance, September 30 $ 4 $ 4 Net of recoveries of $ 1 million for both the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	4. Der ivatives and Hedging Activities Credco 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 and foreign exchange rate s, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter ex posure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of Credco’s market risk ma nagement. Credco does not transact in de rivatives for trading purposes. In relation to Credco’s credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreemen ts it has with its various counterparties, Credco is not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk- related event . Based on its assessment of the credit risk of Credco’s derivative counterparties as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Credco does not have derivative positions that warrant credit valuation adjustments . The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest acc ruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30 , 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 $ 170 $ 64 $ ― $ 9 Foreign exchange contracts - Net investment hedges 54 30 56 13 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 224 94 56 22 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 107 62 5 33 Total derivatives, gross 331 156 61 55 Less: Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts (a) (170) (53) ― ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (25) (33) (25) (33) Total derivatives, net (c) $ 136 $ 70 $ 36 $ 22 Represents the offsetting of derivative s and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligati on to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative s executed with the same counterparty under an enforceab le master netting arrangement. Additionally, Credco posted $ 124 million and $ 128 million as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Credco has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities ar e presented within Other assets and Accrued interest and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A majority of Credco’s derivative asset s and liabilities as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 are subject to master ne tting agreements with its derivative counterparties. Credco has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair Value Hedges Credco is exposed to interest rate risk assoc iated with its fixed-rate long-term debt. Credco uses interest rate swaps to economically conve rt certain fixed-rate debt obligations to floating-rate obligations at the time of issuance. Credco hedged $ 14.1 billion and $ 15.9 billion of its fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt using interest rate swaps as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The followin g table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in Other expenses a ssociated w ith Credco’s fair value hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest rate derivative contracts $ (90) $ 89 $ 115 $ 91 Hedged items 100 (93) (101) (91) Net hedge ineffectiveness $ 10 $ (4) $ 14 $ ― Credco also recognized a net reduction in interest expense on long-term debt of $ 32 million and $ 47 million for the three months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively , and $ 100 million and $ 133 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively , primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on Credco’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 (AOCI) as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, was a loss of $ (29) million and a gain of $ 188 million for the three months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and a loss of $ (28) million and a gain of $ 274 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 an d 2015 , respectively, with any ineffective portion recognized in Other expenses during the period of change. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , Credco did not reclassify any amounts from AOCI 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 underlyi ng foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in a net gain of $ 3 million and a net loss of $ 6 mill ion for the three months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and net gains of $ 1 million and $ 22 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and ar e recognized in Other expenses. Related to its derivatives not designated as hedges, Credco previously disclosed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30 , 2015 , gains of $ 42 million and $ 11 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2015 . These amounts should have been disclosed as gains of $ 12 million and $ 291 million, respectively, which are the amounts used to calculate the above-referenced net loss of $ 6 million and net gain of $ 22 million. Similarly, Credco is revising the full year 2015 and 201 4 amounts of change in fair value of its derivatives not designated as hedges previously disclosed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, from a loss of $5 million to a gai n of $293 million for 2015 and from a gain of $133 million to a gain of $587 million for 2014. Due to the netting as described in the above paragraph , these changes to the previously disclosed amounts have no impact on Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings, Balance Sheets or Cash Flows.

Fair Values

Fair Values	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values	5. Fair Values Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value The following table summarizes Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized under the fair valuation hierarchy as Level 2 , as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Assets: Derivatives (a) $ 331 $ 156 Total assets 331 156 Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 61 55 Total liabilities $ 61 $ 55 Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditi ons and perceived risks as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and require management ’s judgment. These figure s may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of Credco 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 (a) $ 0.7 $ 0.7 $ 0.2 $ 0.5 $ ― Other financial assets 16.2 16.2 ― 16.2 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.4 0.4 ― ― 0.4 Loans to affiliates and other 10.5 10.5 ― 7.7 2.8 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 6.9 6.9 ― 6.9 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 18.7 $ 18.8 $ ― $ 18.8 $ ― 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 (a) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ ― $ ― Card Member receivables HFS (b) (b) ― (b) ― Other financial assets 18.2 18.2 ― 18.2 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.4 0.4 ― ― 0.4 Loans to affiliates and other 14.3 14.3 ― 11.3 3.0 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 9.4 9.4 ― 9.4 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 21.7 $ 21.8 $ ― $ 21.8 $ ― Level 1 amounts r eflect interest-bearing deposits in banks and Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. Reflects carrying value and the associated fair value of Card Member receivables HFS of $24 million but does not include any fair value associated with Card Member account relationships. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements D uring the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and during the year ended December 31, 2015 , Credco did not have any assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment on a nonrecurring basis.

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	6. Variable Interest Entity Credco has established a V ariable I nterest E ntity (VIE) , American Express Canada Credit Corporation (AECCC), used primar ily to lend funds to affiliates, through the issuance of notes in Canada under a medium-term note program. All notes issued under this program are fully guaranteed by Credco. Credco is considered the primary beneficiary of the entity and owns all of the outstanding voting interests and, therefore, consolidates the entity. Total assets as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $ 1.8 billion and $ 1.7 billion, respectively, the majority of which we re eliminated in consolidation. Total liabilities as of both September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $ 1.7 billion . As of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , $ 1.3 billion and $ 0.8 billion, respectively, of liabilities were eliminated in consolidation. The assets of the VIE are not used solely to settle the obligations of the VIE. The note holders of the VIE have recourse to Credco.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	7. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ (1,188) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations 30 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (29) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,187) Foreign Currency Translation Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (3) Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (28) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (31) Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,187) Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of June 30, 2015 $ (941) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (376) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 188 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (188) Balances as of September 30, 2015 $ (1,129) Foreign Currency Translation Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2014 $ (787) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (616) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 274 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (342) Balances as of September 30, 2015 $ (1,129) No amoun ts were reclassified out of AOCI into the C onsolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes The results of operations of Credco are included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of American Express. Under an agreement with American Express, provision for income taxes is recognized on a separate company basis. If benefits for net operating losses, future tax deduction s and foreign tax credits cannot be recognized on a separate company basis, such benefits are then recognized based upon a share, derived by formula, of those deductions and credits that are recognizable on an American Express consolidated reporting basis. American Express is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which American Express has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examinatio n vary by jurisdiction. The IRS has completed its field examination of American Express’ federal tax returns for years through 2007 ; however, refund claims for certain years continue to be reviewed by the IRS. In addition, American Express is current ly under examination by the IRS for the years 2008 through 2014 . Credco believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $ 294 million principally as a result of p otential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $294 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $289 million relates to amounts that if recognized would be recorded in shareholder ’ s equity and would not impact Credco’s results of operations or its effective tax rate. The effective tax rate was 14.3 percent and 12.5 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2016 , respectively, and 13.3 percent and 15.2 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively . The changes in tax rates primarily reflected the geographic mix of expenses in the United States attracting a 35 percent statutory benefit and foreign earnings taxed at lower rates, which are indefinitely reinvested. In addition, the effective tax rate in each of the periods refl ects the impact of certain prior years’ tax items. The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflect out-of-period corrections that increased tax expense by $11 million. The corrections relate to tax calculations of foreign exchange gains/lo sses in one jurisdiction reflected in the 2014 results. None of the current or prior period financial statements were materially misstated from these corrections. The tax rate in each of the periods reflects the favorable impact of the tax benefit related to Credco’s ongoing funding activities outside the United States. Credco’s provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is not based on an estimated annual effective rate due to volatility in certain components of revenues and expenses that pre vents Credco from projecting a reliable estimate of full year pretax income. A discrete calculation of the provision for income taxes is calculated for each interim period.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of asset s, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Policy [Abstract]
Derivatives	Credco 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 and foreign exchange rate s, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets .
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Credco has established a V ariable I nterest E ntity (VIE) , American Express Canada Credit Corporation (AECCC), used primar ily to lend funds to affiliates, through the issuance of notes in Canada under a medium-term note program. All notes issued under this program are fully guaranteed by Credco. Credco is considered the primary beneficiary of the entity and owns all of the outstanding voting interests and, therefore, consolidates the entity.

Card Member Receivables and L17

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts Receivable And Loans Tables [Abstract]
Card Member receivables detail	Card Member receivables as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services $ 1,307 $ 3,393 International Consumer and Network Services (a) 1,482 1,484 Global Commercial Services (b) 13,307 12,730 Card Member receivables (c) 16,096 17,607 Less: Reserve for losses 106 114 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 15,990 $ 17,493 Comprised of International consumer card business. Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services . N et of deferr ed discount revenue totaling $ 25 million and $ 22 million as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , r espectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial.
Card Member loans detail	Card Member loans as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of : (Millions) 2016 2015 International Consumer and Network Services (a) $ 431 $ 435 Less: Reserve for losses 4 4 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 427 $ 431 Comprised of International consumer card business. Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial.
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	The following table presen ts the aging of C ard Member receivables and Card Member loans as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2016 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 1,298 $ 4 $ 2 $ 3 $ 1,307 International Consumer and Network Services 1,462 7 4 9 1,482 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,050 4 1 3 1,058 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 94 12,249 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 428 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 431 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2015 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 3,371 $ 9 $ 4 $ 9 $ 3,393 International Consumer and Network Services 1,462 8 4 10 1,484 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,380 5 3 6 1,394 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 93 11,336 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 432 $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 435 For G lobal Corporate Payments Card Member receivables, 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 collection procedures are initiated on an account prior to the account becoming 90 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 available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balances t hat 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 present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the nine months ended September 30 : 2016 2015 30+ Days 30+ Days Net Past Due Net Past Due Write-off as a % of Write-off as a % of Rate (a) Total Rate (a) Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 0.59 % 0.69 % 0.81 % 0.83 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.95 % 1.35 % 1.76 % 1.67 % Global Small Business Services 1.01 % 0.76 % 1.00 % 1.06 % Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services 1.24 % 0.70 % 1.03 % 0.51 % 2016 2015 Net Loss 90+ Days Net Loss 90+ Days Ratio as a Past Ratio as a Past % of Billing % of Billing Charge as a % of Charge as a % of Volume (b) Receivables Volume (b) Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.06 % 0.77 % 0.07 % 0.71 % Represents the amount of Card Member receivables or Card Member loans owned by Credco th at is written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the average Card Member receivables or Card Member loans balances in each of the periods presented . Represents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco th at is written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco in each of the periods presented .

Reserves for Losses (Tables)

Reserves for Losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 nine months ended September 30 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 114 $ 94 Provisions 101 116 Other credits (a) 13 32 Net write-offs (b) (105) (124) Other debits (c) (17) (9) Balance, September 30 $ 106 $ 109 Primarily reserve balances applicable to new groups of Card Member receivables purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries and participation interests from affiliates. New groups of Card Member receivables purchased totaled $ 3.4 billion and $ 5.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively . Net of recoveries of $ 71 million and $ 79 million for the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances applicable to participation interest s in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Sale of p articipation interests totaled $ 4.7 billion and $1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 a nd 2015 , respectively.
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the nine months ended September 30 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 4 $ 3 Provisions 4 4 Net write-offs (a) (4) (3) Balance, September 30 $ 4 $ 4 Net of recoveries of $ 1 million for both the nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Derivatives and Hedging Activ19

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Tables [Abstract]
Schedule of derivative instruments in statement of financial position, fair value	The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest acc ruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30 , 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 $ 170 $ 64 $ ― $ 9 Foreign exchange contracts - Net investment hedges 54 30 56 13 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 224 94 56 22 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 107 62 5 33 Total derivatives, gross 331 156 61 55 Less: Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts (a) (170) (53) ― ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (25) (33) (25) (33) Total derivatives, net (c) $ 136 $ 70 $ 36 $ 22 Represents the offsetting of derivative s and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligati on to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative s executed with the same counterparty under an enforceab le master netting arrangement. Additionally, Credco posted $ 124 million and $ 128 million as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Credco has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities ar e presented within Other assets and Accrued interest and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	The followin g table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in Other expenses a ssociated w ith Credco’s fair value hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest rate derivative contracts $ (90) $ 89 $ 115 $ 91 Hedged items 100 (93) (101) (91) Net hedge ineffectiveness $ 10 $ (4) $ 14 $ ―

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Values (Tables) [Abstract]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following table summarizes Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized under the fair valuation hierarchy as Level 2 , as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Assets: Derivatives (a) $ 331 $ 156 Total assets 331 156 Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 61 55 Total liabilities $ 61 $ 55 Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.
Estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30 , 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2016 (Billions) Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 0.7 $ 0.7 $ 0.2 $ 0.5 $ ― Other financial assets 16.2 16.2 ― 16.2 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.4 0.4 ― ― 0.4 Loans to affiliates and other 10.5 10.5 ― 7.7 2.8 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 6.9 6.9 ― 6.9 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 18.7 $ 18.8 $ ― $ 18.8 $ ― 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 (a) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ ― $ ― Card Member receivables HFS (b) (b) ― (b) ― Other financial assets 18.2 18.2 ― 18.2 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.4 0.4 ― ― 0.4 Loans to affiliates and other 14.3 14.3 ― 11.3 3.0 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 9.4 9.4 ― 9.4 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 21.7 $ 21.8 $ ― $ 21.8 $ ― Level 1 amounts r eflect interest-bearing deposits in banks and Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. Reflects carrying value and the associated fair value of Card Member receivables HFS of $24 million but does not include any fair value associated with Card Member account relationships.

Changes in Accumulated Other 21

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	Changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments for the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ (1,188) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations 30 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (29) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,187) Foreign Currency Translation Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (3) Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (28) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (31) Balances as of September 30, 2016 $ (1,187) Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of June 30, 2015 $ (941) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (376) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 188 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (188) Balances as of September 30, 2015 $ (1,129) Foreign Currency Translation Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2014 $ (787) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (616) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 274 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (342) Balances as of September 30, 2015 $ (1,129)

Card Member Receivables and L22

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 16,096	$ 17,607
Less: Reserve for losses	106	114	$ 109	$ 94
Card Member receivables, net	15,990	17,493
U.S. Consumer Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	1,307	3,393
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	13,307	12,730
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 1,482	$ 1,484

Card Member Receivables and L23

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Card Member loans
Card Member loans	$ 431	$ 435
Less: Reserve for losses	4	4	$ 4	$ 3
Card Member loans, less reserves	427	431
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Card Member loans
Card Member loans	$ 431	$ 435

Card Member Receivables and L24

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	$ 1,298	$ 3,371
Total aging	1,307	3,393
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	4	9
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	2	4
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	3	9
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,462	1,462
Total aging	1,482	1,484
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	7	8
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	4	4
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	9	10
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	428	432
Total aging	431	435
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	1	1
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	1	1
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	1	1
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total aging	12,249	11,336
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	94	93
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,050	1,380
Total aging	1,058	1,394
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	4	5
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	1	3
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	$ 3	$ 6

Card Member Receivables and L25

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 3)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	0.59%	0.81%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.69%	0.83%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.95%	1.76%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.35%	1.67%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.24%	1.03%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.70%	0.51%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.06%	0.07%
90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables	0.77%	0.71%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.01%	1.00%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.76%	1.06%

Card Member Receivables and L26

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Net volume of Card Member receivables purchased	$ 161,000	$ 167,000
Net volume of Card Member loans purchased	3,000	$ 2,900
Deferred discount revenue on Card Member receivable	25		$ 22
RFC VIII [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Participation Interests In Card Member Receivables Purchased	$ 1,600		$ 4,100

Reserves (Details)

Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 114	$ 94
Provisions	101	116
Other credits	13	32
Net write-offs	(105)	(124)
Other debits	(17)	(9)
Balance, September 30	$ 106	$ 109

Reserves (Details 1)

Reserves (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 4	$ 3
Provisions	4	4
Net write-offs	(4)	(3)
Balance, September 30	$ 4	$ 4

Reserves (Details Textuals)

Reserves (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reserves For Losses (Textuals) [Abstract]
Participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates	$ 3,400	$ 5,800
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts	71	79
Sale of participation interests in Card Member Receivables	4,700	1,400
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	$ 1	$ 1

Derivatives and Hedging Activ30

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 331	$ 156
Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts	(170)	(53)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(25)	(33)
Total derivatives assets,net	136	70
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	224	94
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	107	62
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	170	64
Other Assets [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	54	30
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	61	55
Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts	0	0
Derivative asset and liability netting	(25)	(33)
Total derivatives liabilities, net	36	22
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	56	22
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	5	33
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 derivative liability	0	9
Other Liabilities [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	$ 56	$ 13

Derivatives and Hedging Activ31

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Other Expense [Member] - Interest Rate Contract [Member] - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract	$ (90)	$ 89	$ 115	$ 91
Hedged item	100	(93)	(101)	(91)
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$ 10	$ (4)	$ 14	$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Activ32

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Textuals [Abstract]
Net reduction in interest expense	$ 32	$ 47	$ 100	$ 133
Derivative [Line Items]
Ineffectiveness reclassified from AOCI into income	0	0	0	0
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	124		124		$ 128
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net		12		291	293	$ 587
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	14,100		14,100		15,900
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Effection portion of gain (loss) on hedges	(29)	188	(28)	274
Credit Valuation Adjustment [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	0		0		0
Other expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in Changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	3	$ (6)	1	$ 22
Risk Exposure Low [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets,net	0		0		0
Individually Significant Counterparties [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets,net	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 331	$ 156
Total assets	331	156
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	61	55
Total liabilities	$ 61	$ 55

Fair Value (Details 1)

Fair Value (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financial Assets Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables HFS	$ 0	$ 24
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	427	431
Loans to affiliates and other	10,473	14,262
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	18,675	21,725
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Other financial assets	16,200	18,200
Financial Assets Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables HFS	0	24
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	6,900	9,400
Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	500	0
Other financial assets	16,200	18,200
Financial Assets Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables HFS	0	24
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	0	0
Loans to affiliates and other	7,700	11,300
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	6,900	9,400
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	18,800	21,800
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	400	400
Loans to affiliates and other	2,800	3,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	700	200
Other financial assets	16,200	18,200
Financial Assets Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables HFS	0	24
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	400	400
Loans to affiliates and other	10,500	14,300
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	6,900	9,400
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	18,800	21,800
FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	200	200
Other financial assets	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Details Textuals)

Fair Value (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value for impairment	$ 0	$ 0

Variable Interest Entity (Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 27,938	$ 33,285
Total liabilities	25,682	31,166
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | American Express Canada Credit Corporation Member [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	1,800	1,700
Total liabilities	1,700	1,700
Liabilities eliminated in consolidation	$ 1,300	$ 800

Changes In Accumulated Other 37

Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	$ (1,188)	$ (941)	$ (1,156)	$ (787)
Net translation gain (loss) of investment in foreign operations	30	(376)	(3)	(616)
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	(29)	188	(28)	274
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	1	(188)	(31)	(342)
Balances as of end of period	$ (1,187)	$ (1,129)	$ (1,187)	$ (1,129)

Changes in Accumulated Other 38

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amount of gain loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Income Tax (Details Textuals)

Income Tax (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract]
Possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$ 294		$ 294
Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity, if recognized	$ 289		$ 289
Effective tax rate	14.30%	13.30%	12.50%	15.20%
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate			35.00%
Out of period tax adjustment				$ 11
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