American Express Credit 10-K 27 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 27, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	4,969
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 0
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,504,938

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues
Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and loans	$ 471	$ 479	$ 502
Interest income from affiliates and other	207	246	384
Finance revenue	40	30	43
Total revenues	718	755	929
Expenses
Provisions for losses	151	165	202
Interest expense	317	350	496
Interest expense to affiliates	24	10	6
Other, net	14	(22)	(93)
Total expenses	506	503	611
Pretax income	212	252	318
Income tax provision (benefit)	15	38	(35)
Net income	$ 197	$ 214	$ 353

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 197	$ 214	$ 353
Other comprehensive Income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(107)	(369)	(309)
Other comprehensive loss	(107)	(369)	(309)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 90	$ (155)	$ 44

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,211	$ 173
Card Member receivables held for sale	0	24
Card Member receivables, less reserves	18,108	17,493
Card Member loans, less reserves	471	431
Loans to affiliates and other	10,659	14,262
Due from affiliates	997	615
Other assets	490	287
Total assets	31,936	33,285
Liabilities
Short-term debt	2,993	2,120
Short-term debt to affiliates	4,559	5,439
Long-term debt	20,512	21,725
Total debt	28,064	29,284
Due to affiliates	1,517	1,727
Accrued interest and other liabilities	146	155
Total liabilities	29,727	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	3,311	3,114
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,263)	(1,156)
Total shareholder's equity	2,209	2,119
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$ 31,936	$ 33,285

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Card Member receivables, reserves	$ 110	$ 114
Card Member loans, reserves	$ 5	$ 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	$ 329	$ 232

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 197	$ 214	$ 353
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	151	165	202
Amortization of underwriting expenses	23	30	24
Deferred taxes	14	8	(17)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest, taxes and other amounts due to/from affiliates	(39)	(262)	44
Other operating assets and liabilities	475	458	(455)
Net cash provided by operating activities	821	613	151
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net (increase) in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale	(1,059)	(3,592)	(251)
Net decrease (increase) in loans to affiliates and other	2,973	152	(4,746)
Net (decrease) increase in due to/from affiliates	(515)	2,605	662
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,399	(835)	(4,335)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in short-term debt	873	1,351	569
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt to affiliates	(861)	1,112	798
Issuance of long-term debt	3,791	6,522	7,509
Principal payments on long-term debt	(4,961)	(8,545)	(4,355)
Dividends paid	0	(115)	(342)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,158)	325	4,179
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(24)	(4)	(7)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,038	99	(12)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	173	74	86
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 1,211	$ 173	$ 74

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non cash investing activities
Transfer of Card Member receivables, during the fourth quarter of 2015, to Card Member receivables held for sale, net of reserves.	$ 0	$ 21	$ 0

Consolidated Statement of Share

Consolidated Statement of Shareholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 2,687	$ 0	$ 161	$ (478)	$ 3,004
Net income	353				353
Other comprehensive loss	(309)			(309)
Cash Dividends Paid	(342)				(342)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	2,389	0	161	(787)	3,015
Net income	214				214
Other comprehensive loss	(369)			(369)
Cash Dividends Paid	(115)				(115)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	2,119	0	161	(1,156)	3,114
Net income	197				197
Other comprehensive loss	(107)			(107)
Cash Dividends Paid	0				0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,209	$ 0	$ 161	$ (1,263)	$ 3,311

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 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 arising from the use of the American Express charge cards issued in the United States and in certain countries outside the United States . Credco also finances certain interest-earning revolving loans generated by Card Member spendin g on American Express credit cards issued in non-U.S. markets, although interest-earning revolving loans are primarily funded by subsidiaries of TRS other than Credco. Credco executes material transactions with its affiliates. The agreements between Credc o 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 arrangements are the same as would be negotiated between independent, un related 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 appropriate 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 generate income for Credco that is sufficient to maintain its min imum 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 Income. Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements of Credco are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. Credco consolidate s entities in which it holds a controlling financ ial interest. For voting interest entities, Credco is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is able to exercise control over the investees’ operating and financial decisions. For variable interest entities (VIEs), t he determination of which is based on the amount and characteristics of the en tity’s equity, Credco is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the party that has both: (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact that VIE’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potent ially be significant to the VIE. Foreign Currency Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon exchange rates prevailing at the end of th e reporting period, r evenues and expenses are translated at the average month-end exchange rates during the year . R esulting translation adjustments, along with any related qualifying hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), a component of shareholder’s equity. Translation adjustments, including qualifying hedge and tax effects , are reclassified to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of in vestments in foreign operations . Gains and losses related to transactions in a currency other than the functional currency are reported net in Other expenses, in Credco’s Co nsolid ated Statements of Income . Net foreign currency transaction gains amounted to approximately $ 1 million, $ 14 million and $ 87 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Amounts Based on Estimat es and Assumptions Accounting estimates are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are based, in part, on management’s assumptions concerning future events. Among the more significant assumptions are those that relate t o reserves for Card Member losses on receivables and loans, fair value measurement s and income taxes. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Discount Revenue Earned from Purchased Card Member R eceivables and Loans Credco earns discount revenue from purchasing Card Member receivables and loans at a discount to par value. The discount is deferred and recognized as revenue over the period that the receivables and loans are estimated to be outstandi ng or funded. Estimates are based on the historical average life of Card Member receivables and loans. Interest Income from Affiliates Interest income from affiliates is earned on interest-bearing loans made by Credco to affiliates. Interest income is accrued primarily using the average daily balance method on loans and is recognized based on the outstanding loan principal amount and interest rates specified in the agreements until the outstanding loan b alance is paid. Finance Revenue Finance revenue is assessed using the average daily balance method for Card Member loans and is recognized based upon the loan principal amount outstanding in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement u ntil the outstanding balance is paid or written off. Interest Expense Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member receivables and loans, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less . Other Significant Accounting Policies The following table identifies Credco’s other significant accounting policies, the Note and page where the Note can be found. Note Significant Accounting Policy Number Note Title Page Card Member Receivables and Loans Note 2 Card Member Receivables and Loans 37 Reserves for Losses – Card Member Receivables and Loans Note 3 Reserves for Losses 39 Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Note 6 Derivatives and Hedging Activities 43 Fair Value Measurements Note 7 Fair Values 46 Income Taxes Note 11 Income Taxes 52 Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The accounting standard establishes the principles to apply to determine the amount and timing of revenue recognition, specifying the accounting for certain costs related to revenue, and requiring additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue s 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. Credco will adopt the new guidance on January 1, 2018, and ant icipates using the full retrospective method , which applies the new standard to each prior reporting period presented. Credco has been working on the implementation of the standard since its issuance in 2014 and has made significant progress in evaluating the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. C redco does not expect a significant impact to pretax income upon adoption . In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and f inancial liabilities. The guidance, which is effective 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 o f financial instruments. Credco continues to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows , as well as the impact the standard may have on its accounting policies, business processes, systems an d internal controls. 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 o n 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. Credco does not intend to adopt the new s tandard early and is currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows; however, it is expected that the new CECL model will alter the assumptions used in estimating credit losses on Card Member receivables and loans, among other financial instruments, and may result in material changes to Credco’s credit reserves. 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 interests in receivables purchased from American Express Receivables 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 during the fourth quarter of 2015, which combined its corporate and small business organizations into a business-to-business focused group and combined its merchant-relat ed 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 pr esented. These reclassifications did not have any impact on Credco’s underlying assumptions or judgments with respect to reserves for losses or credit performance.

Card Member Receivables and Loa

Card Member Receivables and Loans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Card Member Receivables and Loans [Abstract]
Card Member Receivables and Loans	Note 2 – Card Member Receivables and Loans American Express’ charge and credit 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 Mem ber re ceivables HFS as of December 31 , 2016 . Card Member Receivables Card Member receivables represent amounts due on American Express charge card products. For American Express, the Card Member receivables are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a p oint-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics, a Card Member’s most recent credit information and spend patterns. Additionally, global spend limits are established to limit the maximum ex posure for American Express. Charge Card Members generally must pay the full amount billed each month. Credco records these Card Member receivables at the time they are purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries that issue the card (card issuers). The net volume of Card Member receivables purchased during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was approximately $ 215 billion, $ 220 billion and $ 213 billion, respective ly. Card Member receivable balances are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 3). Card Member receivables also include participation interests purchased from an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Me mber receivables represent undivided interests in the cash flows of the non-interest-earning Card Member receivables. In conjunction with TRS’ securitization program, Credco, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC), purcha ses participation interests from American Express Receivables Financing Corporation VIII LLC (RFC VIII), a wholly owned subsidiary of TRS that receives undivided, pro rata interests in Card Member receivables transferred to the American Express Issuance Tr ust (the Charge Trust), by TRS. The Charge Trust is a special purpose entity that is consolidated by TRS. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , CRC owned approximately $ 4.0 billion and $ 4.1 billion, respec tively, of participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased without recourse from RFC VIII. Card Member receivables as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services $ 3,518 $ 3,393 International Consumer and Network Services (a) 1,526 1,484 Global Commercial Services (b) 13,174 12,730 Card Member receivables (c) 18,218 17,607 Less: Reserve for losses 110 114 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 18,108 $ 17,493 Comprised of International consumer card business. Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 27 million and $ 22 million as of December 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial. Card Member Loans Card Member loans represent revolving amounts due on American Express cards. For American Express lending card products, these Card Member loans are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant, as well as amounts due from charge Card Members who utilize the Pay Over Time feature s on their account and elect to revolve a portion of the outstanding balance by entering into a revolving payment arrangement with American Express. These loans have a range of terms such as credit limits, interest rates, fees and payment structures, which can be revised over time based on new information about Card Members and in accordance with applicable regulations and the respective product’s terms and conditions. Card Members holding revolving loans are typically required to make monthly payments based on pre-established amounts and the amounts that Card M embers choose to revolve are subject to finance charges. Credco records these Card Member loans at the time they are purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries that issue the card (card issuers). The net volume of Card Member loans purchased was $ 4 billion during each of the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . Card Member loans are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 3), and include principal and any related accrued interest and fees. American Express’ policy generally is to cease accruing interest on a Card Member loan at the time the account is written off, and establish reserves for interest that will not be collected. Card Member loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 International Consumer and Network Services (a) $ 476 $ 435 Less: Reserve for losses 5 4 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 471 $ 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 presents the aging of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans as of December 31, 2016 and 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 $ 3,501 $ 9 $ 3 $ 5 $ 3,518 International Consumer and Network Services 1,506 6 4 10 1,526 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,202 9 2 5 1,218 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 108 11,956 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 472 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 476 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 Global 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 years ended December 31: 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 0.54 % 0.48 % 0.78 % 0.65 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.86 % 1.31 % 1.75 % 1.48 % Global Small Business Services 1.03 % 1.31 % 1.10 % 1.00 % Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services 1.15 % 0.84 % 1.02 % 0.69 % 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 % 0.90 % 0.07 % 0.82 % R epresents the amount of Card Member receivables or Card Member loans owned by Credco that are 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 indicated. R epresents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco that are written off, net of recov eries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco in each of the periods indicated. Refer to Note 3 for addition al indicators, including external environmental qualitative factors, management considers in its monthly evaluation process for reserves for losses.

Reserves for Losses

Reserves for Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Reserves for Losses [Abstract]
Reserves for Losses	Note 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. Reserves for losses are primarily based upon statistical and analytical models that analyze portfolio performance and reflect management’s judgment regarding the quantitative components of the reserve. The models take into account several factors, including delinquency - based loss migration rates, loss emergence periods and average losses and recoveries over an appropriate historical period. Management considers whether to adjust the quantitative reserves for certain external and internal qualitative factors , which may increase or decrease the reserves for losses on Card Member receivables and loans . These external factors include employment, spend, sentiment, housing and credit, and changes in the legal and regulatory environment , while the internal factors include increased risk in certain portfolios, impact of risk management initiatives, changes in underwriting requirements and overall process stability. As part of this evaluation process, management also considers various reserve coverage metrics, such as reserves as a percentage of past due amounts, reserves as a percentage of Card Member receivables or loans and net write-off coverage ratios. Card Member receivables and loans balances are written off when management considers amounts to be un collectible , which is generally determined by the number of days past due and is typically no later than 180 days past due. Card Member r eceivables and loans in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification , and r ec overies are recognized as they are collected . 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 receivab les HFS as of December 31 , 2016 or 2014. Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the years ended December 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 114 $ 94 $ 76 Provisions 145 160 194 Other credits (a) 20 32 15 Net write-offs (b) (146) (157) (166) Other debits (c)(d) (23) (15) (25) Balance, December 31 $ 110 $ 114 $ 94 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 $ 5.4 billion, $ 5.8 billion and $ 3.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 91 million, $ 100 million and $ 98 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances applicable to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate and, for 2014, reserves appli cable to Card Member receivables sold to the joint ventures that issue American Express cards in certain countries (American Express joint ventures) following the termination of the agreements to purchase Card Member receivables in the third quarter of 201 4. Sales of these participation interests and Card Member receivables t otaled $ 5.7 billion, $ 2.6 billion and $ 3.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , r espectively. 2015 includes the impact of the transfer of reserves relating to the HFS portfolio, which was not significant. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses fo r the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 4 $ 3 $ 4 Provisions 6 5 8 Net write-offs (a) (5) (4) (4) Other debits (b) ― ― (5) Balance, December 31 $ 5 $ 4 $ 3 Net of recoveries of $ 1 million for both the ye ars ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and $ 4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Primarily reserve balances applicable to sales of Card Member loans to the American Express joint ventures following the termination of the agreements to purchase Card Member loans in the third quarter of 2014. Card Member loans sold totaled nil for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and $ 0.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014 .

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 4 – Debt Short-Term Debt Credco’s short-term debt outstanding (excluding short-term debt to affiliates), defined as borrowings with original contractual ma turity dates of less than one year, as of December 31 were as follows : 2016 2015 Outstanding Year-End Stated Outstanding Year-End Stated (Millions, except percentages) Balance Rate on Debt Balance Rate on Debt Commercial paper (a) $ 2,993 1.13 % $ 2,120 0.38 % Total $ 2,993 1.13 % $ 2,120 0.38 % Average commercial paper outstanding was $491 million and $943 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Credco paid interest on short-term debt of $ 11 million, $ 3.5 million and $ 0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Long-Term Debt Credco’s long-term debt outstanding, defined as debt with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows: 2016 2015 Year-End Year-End Original Year-End Effective Year-End Effective Contractual Stated Interest Stated Interest (Millions, except Maturity Outstanding Rate Rate with Outstanding Rate Rate with percentages) Dates Balance (a) on Debt (b) Swaps (b)(c) Balance (a) on Debt (b) Swaps (b)(c) Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017-2021 $ 16,201 1.98 % 1.44 % $ 16,469 2.16 % 1.28 % Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017-2020 4,350 1.52 ― 5,300 0.98 ― Unamortized Underwriting Fees (39) (44) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,512 1.88 % $ 21,725 1.87 % The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount and premium, (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps. Under fair value hedge accounting, the outstanding balances on these fixed-rate notes are adjusted to reflect the impact of changes in fair value due to changes in interest rates. Refer to No te 6 for more details on Credco’s treatment of fair value hedges. For floating-rate issuances, the stated and effective interest rates are weighted based on outstanding balances and rates in effect as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Effective interes t rates are only presented when swaps are in place to hedge the underlying debt. Aggregate annual maturities o n long-term debt obligations (based on contractual maturity or anticipated redemption dates) as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) 2017 $ 4,900 2018 3,624 2019 5,150 2020 4,150 2021 2,794 Total 20,618 Unamortized Underwriting Fees (39) Unamortized Discount and Premium (12) Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting (55) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,512 Credco maintained a $ 3.0 billion bank line of credit with $ 3.0 billion undrawn as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . These undrawn amounts support contingent funding needs. Credco paid $ 2.2 million and $ 25.8 million in fees to maintain these lines for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The availability of the credit line is subject to compliance with certain finan cial covenants, including the maintenance of a 1.25 ratio of earnings to fixed charges. As of December 31, 2016 , Credco’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 1.62 . As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Credco was not in violation of any of its debt covenants. The committed facility do es not contain material adverse change clauses that would preclude borro wing under the credit facility. Additionally, the facility may not be terminated should there be a change in Credco’s credit r atings. Credco paid interest on long-term debt obligations and corresponding interest rate swaps of $ 0.3 billion for both the ye ars ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and $ 0.5 billion for the year e nded December 31, 2014 .

Restrictions as to Dividends an

Restrictions as to Dividends and Limitations on Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restrictions On Dividends And Limitations On Indebetedness [Abstract]
Restrictions as to Dividends and Limitations on Indebtedness	Note 5 – Restrictions as to Dividends and Limitations on Indebtedness The debt instruments issued by Credco impose the requirement that Credco maintain a minimum consolidated net worth of $ 50 million, which limits the amount of dividends Credco c an pay to its parent. There are no limitations on the amount of debt that can be issued by Credco, provided it maintains the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 .

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Note 6 – Derivatives 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 rates and foreign exchange rates, and are carried a t fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of Credco’s market risk management. Credco does not transact i n derivatives for trading purposes. Market risk is the risk to earnings or asset and liability values resulting from movements in market prices. Credco’s market risk exposures include: Interest rate risk in its funding activities; and Foreign exchange ri sk related to earnings, funding, transactions and investments in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. American Express centrally monitors market risks using market risk limits and escalation triggers as defined in its Asset/Liability Management Policy. I nterest rate exposure within charge card and fixed-rate lending products is managed by varying the proportion of total funding provided by short-term and variable-rate debt compared to fixed-rate debt. In addition, interest rate swaps are used from time to time to economically convert fixed-rate debt obligations to variable-rate obligations or to convert variable-rate debt obligations to fixed-rate obligations. Credco may change the mix between variable-rate and fixed-rate funding based on changes in busine ss volumes and mix, among other factors. Foreign exchange risk is generated by funding foreign currency Card Member receivables and loans with U.S. dollars, foreign currency balance sheet exposures, foreign subsidiary equity and foreign currency earnings i n entities outside the United States. Credco’s foreign exchange risk is managed primarily by entering into agreements to buy and sell currencies on a spot basis or by hedging this market exposure to the extent it is economically justified through various m eans, including the use of derivatives such as foreign exchange forwards and cross-currency swap contracts. Exposures from foreign subsidiary equity in Credco’s entities outside the United States are hedged through the use of foreign exchange forwards exec uted either by Credco or TRS. Derivatives may give rise to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that a derivative counterparty will default on, or otherwise be unable to perform pursuant to an uncollate ralized derivative exposure. This risk is manage d by considering the current exposure, which is the replacement cost of contracts on the measurement date, as well as estimating the maximum potential value of the contracts over the next 12 months, considering such factors as the volatility of the underly ing or reference index. To mitigate derivative credit risk, counterparties are required to be pre-approved by American Express and rated as investment grade , and counterparty risk exposures are centrally monitored. Additionally, in order to mitigate the bi lateral counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives, Credco has in certain instances entered into master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties, which provide a right of offset for certain exposures between the parties. A majority o f Credco’s derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31 , 2016 and 2015 are subject to master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. Credco has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not o ffset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To further mitigate bilateral counterparty credit risk, Credco exercises its rights under executed credit support agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties. These agreements require that, in the event the fair value change in the net derivatives position between the two parties exceeds certain dollar thresholds, the party in the net liability position posts collateral to its counterparty. All derivative contracts cleared through a central clearing house are collateralized to the full amount of the fair value of the contracts. In relation to Credco’s credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreements it has with its various counterparties, Credco is not required to either immediately settle an y 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , no adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required . Credco’s derivatives are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the instruments’ intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any, as discusse d below. Refer to Note 7 for a description of Credco’s methodology for determining the fair value of derivatives. The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31: Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts $ 22 $ 64 $ 69 $ 9 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 151 30 1 13 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 173 94 70 22 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 128 62 28 33 Total derivatives, gross 301 156 98 55 Less: Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts (a) (2) (53) (49) ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (27) (33) (27) (33) Total derivatives, net (c) $ 272 $ 70 $ 22 $ 22 Represents the offsetting of derivatives and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivatives executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. To mitigate counterparty credit risk related to derivatives, Credco may accept non-cash collateral from its derivatives counterparties. There were no such non-cash collateral as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, Credco posted $ 144 million and $ 128 million as of December 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on Credco’s Consol idated 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 in dividually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Accrued interest and Ot her liabilities, respectively, on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivative Financial Instruments that Qualify for Hedge Accounting Derivatives executed for hedge accounting purposes are documented and designated as such when Credco enters into the contracts. In accordance with its risk management policies, Credco structures its hedges with terms similar to those of the item being hedged. Credco formally assesses, at inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting t he fair value or cash flows of the hedged items. These assessments usually are made through the application of a regression analysis method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, Credco will discontinue the application o f hedge accounting. Fair Value Hedges A fair value hedge involves a derivative designated to hedge Credco’s exposure to future changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability, or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular ris k. Credco is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt obligations . At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate debt obligations are designated in f air v alue hedging relationships using interest rate swaps to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate . Credco has $ 14.8 billion and $ 15.9 billion of fixed-rate debt obligations designated as fair value hedges a s of December 31, 201 6 and 201 5, respectively. To the extent the fair value hedge is effective, the gain or loss on the hedging instrument offsets the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. Any difference between the changes in the fair value of the derivative an d changes in the hedged item is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness and is reported as a component of Other expenses. Hedge ineffectiveness may be caused by differences between a debt obligation’s interest rate and the benchmark rate, primarily due to cre dit spreads at inception of the hedging relationship that are not reflected in the fair value of the interest rate swap. Furthermore, hedge ineffectiveness may be caused by changes in 1-month LIBOR, 3-month LIBOR and the overnight indexed swap rate , as spr eads between these rates impact the fair value of the interest rate swap without causing an exact offsetting impact to the fair value of the hedged debt. For the periods presented, C redco considers all fair value hedges to be highly effective and did not de-designate any fair value hedge relationships. Credco also recognized a net reduction in interest expense on long-term debt of $ 126 million, $ 177 million and $ 187 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on Credco’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with Cred co’s fair value hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate derivative contracts $ (102) $ (31) $ (93) Hedged items 91 44 101 Net hedge ineffectiveness (losses) gains $ (11) $ 13 $ 8 Net Investment Hedges A net investment hedge is used to hedge future changes in currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Credco primarily designates foreign currency derivatives, typically foreign exchange forwards, and on occasion foreign currency denominated debt, as hedges of net investments in certain foreign operations. These instruments reduce exposure to changes in currency exchange rates on Credco’s investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The effective portion of the gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in A OCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment w ere gains of $ 80 million, $ 235 million and $ 162 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, with any ineffective portion recognized in Other expenses during the period of change. No in effectiveness or other amounts associated with net investment hedges were reclassified from AOCI into income for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . Derivatives Not Designated A s Hedges Credco has derivatives that act as economic h edges, but are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes. Foreign currency transactions and non-U.S. dollar cash flow exposures from time to time may be partially or fully economically hedged through foreign currency contracts, primarily foreign exchange forwards. These hedges generally mature within one year. Foreign currency contracts involve the purchase and sale of designated currencies at an agreed upon rate for settlement on a specified date. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resu lted in net gain s of $ 1 million , $14 million and $87 million for the years ended December 31 , 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and are recognized in Other expenses. From time to time, Credco also may enter into interest rate swaps to specifically manage funding costs related to American Express’ proprietary card business. Related to its derivatives not designated as hedges, Credco previously disclosed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the yea rs ended 2015 and 2014 a loss of $5 million and a gain of $133 million, respectively. These amounts should have been disclosed as gains of $293 million and $587 million, respectively, which are the amounts used to calculate the above-referenced net gains of $14 million and $87 million. T hese changes to the previously disclosed amounts have no impact on Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income, Balance Sheets or Cash Flows.

Fair Values

Fair Values	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values	Note 7 – Fair Values Fair value is defined as the price that would be required to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on Credco’s principal or, in the absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability. GAAP provides for a three-level hierarchy of inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, defined as follows: Level 1 – Inputs that are quoted prices (una djusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity can access. Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially t he full term of the asset or liability, including: - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; - Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; - Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and - Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 – Inputs that are unobservable and reflect Credco’s own estimates about the estimates market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances (e.g., internally derived assumptions surrounding the timing and amount of expected cash flows). Credco did not measure a ny financial instruments presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , although the disclosed fair value of certain a ssets that are not carried at fair value, as presented later in this Note, are classified within Level 3. Credco monitors the market conditions and evaluates the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly. For any transfers in and out of the levels of the fair value hierarchy, Credco discloses the fair value measurement at the beginning of the reporting period during which the transfer occurred. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there were no significant transfers between levels. Fin ancial 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 by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy as Level 2 (as described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Assets: Derivatives (a) $ 301 $ 156 Total assets 301 156 Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 98 55 Total liabilities $ 98 $ 55 Refer to Note 6 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis. Valuation Techniques Used in the Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value For the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (categorized in the valuation hierarchy table), Credco applies the following valuation techniques: Derivative Financial Instruments The fair value of Credco’s derivative financial instruments is estimated by third-party proprietary pricing models, where the inputs to those models are readily observable in actively quoted markets. The pricing models used are consistently applied and reflect the contractual terms of the der ivatives as described below. Credco reaffirms its understanding of the valuation techniques used by the third-party valuation services at least annually. Credco’s derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair va lue of Credco’s interest rate swaps is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the following significant inputs: the contractual terms of the swap such as the notional amount, fixed coupon rate, floating coupon rate (based on interbank rate s consistent with the frequency and currency of the interest cash flows) and tenor, as well as discount rates consistent with the underlying economic factors of the currency in which the cash flows are denominated. The fair value of foreign exchange forwar d contracts is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the following significant inputs: the contractual terms of the forward contracts such as the notional amount, maturity dates and contract rate, as well as relevant foreign currency forw ard curves, and discount rates consistent with the underlying economic factors of the currency in which the cash flows are denominated. Credit valuation adjustments are necessary when the market parameters, such as a benchmark curve, used to value derivati ves are not indicative of the credit quality of Credco or its counterparties. Credco considers the counterparty credit risk by applying an observable forecasted default rate to the current exposure. Refer to Note 6 for additional fair value information. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value The following table discloses the estimated fair value for Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and require management judgment. These fi gures may not be indicative of future fair values. The fair value of Credco cannot be reliably 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) $ 1.2 $ 1.2 $ 0.2 $ 1.0 $ ― Other financial assets 19.3 19.3 ― 19.3 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.5 0.5 ― ― 0.5 Loans to affiliates and other 10.7 10.7 ― 7.9 2.8 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 9.1 9.1 ― 9.1 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 20.5 $ 20.7 $ ― $ 20.7 $ ― 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 reflect interest-bearing deposits in banks and Level 2 amount reflects time deposits and other 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. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and require management judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values. The fair value of Credco cannot be reliably estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Valuation Techniques Used in the Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value For the financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis (categorized in the valuation hierarchy table), Credco applies t he following valuation techniques to measure fair value: Financial Assets For Which Carrying Values Equal Or Approximate Fair Value Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include cash and cash equivalents, Card Member r eceivables HFS, Card Member receivables, due from affiliates, accrued interest and certain other assets. For these assets, the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short term in duration, have no defined maturity or have a market-based i nterest rate. Financial Assets Carried At Other Than Fair Value Card Member loans Card Member loans are recorded at historical cost, less reserves, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating the fair value for Credco’s Card Member loans, Credco use s a discounted cash flow model. Due to the lack of a comparable whole loan sales market for similar credit card loans and the lack of observable pricing inputs thereof, Credco uses various inputs derived from an equivalent securitization market to estimate fair value. Such inputs include projected income (inclusive of future interest payments), estimated pay-down rates, discount rates and relevant credit costs. Loans to affiliates and other Loans to affiliates and other are recorded at historical cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating the fair value for Credco’s loans to affiliates and other, Credco uses discounted cash flow models. For loans to affiliates collateralized by Card Member loans, Credco derives the value of the loans based on t he fair value of the underlying collateral used to finance the loans using a discounted cash flow model with inputs as detailed above (Card Member loans), and as such is classified as Level 3. For the remaining loans to affiliates and other, the models use market observable interest rates and adjust those rates for necessary risks. Financial Liabilities For Which Carrying Values Equal Or Approximate Fair Value Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include short-ter m debt, short-term debt to affiliates, due to affiliates, accrued interest and certain other liabilities for which the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short term in duration, have no defined maturity or have a market-based interest rate. Financial Liabilities Carried At Other Than Fair Value Long-term debt Long-term debt is recorded at historical issuance cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets adjusted for the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes and c urrent translation rates for foreign-denominated debt. The fair value of Credco’s long-term debt is measured using quoted offer prices when quoted market prices are available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is determined by disco unting the future cash flows of each instrument at rates currently observed in publicly-traded debt markets for debt of similar terms and credit risk. For long-term debt, where there are no rates currently observable in publicly-traded debt markets of simi lar terms and comparable credit risk, Credco uses market interest rates and adjusts those rates for necessary risks, including its own credit risk. In determining an appropriate spread to reflect its credit standing, Credco considers credit default swap sp reads, bond yields of other long-term debt offered by Credco, and interest rates currently offered to Credco for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Credco did not have any assets that were measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 .

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Note 8 – Variable Interest Entity Credco has established a VIE, American Express Canada Credit Corporation (AECCC), used primarily 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 both December 31 , 2016 and 2015 were $ 1.7 billion, the majority of which were eliminated in consolidation. Total liabilities as of both December 31 , 2016 and 2015 were $ 1.7 billion. As of December 31 , 2016 and 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.

Transactions With Affiliates

Transactions With Affiliates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Affiliates	Note 9 – Transactions with Affiliates As described below, Credco executes material 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 arrangements are the same as would be negotiated between independent parties. In 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , Credco purchased Card Member receivables and loans without recourse from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries totaling approximately $ 225 billion, $ 227 billion and $ 221 billion, respectively. In 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , Credco sold Card Member receivab les and participating interests to affiliates totaling $ 5.7 billion, $ 2.6 billion and $ 2.8 billion, respectively. The discount revenue on purchased Card Member receivables and loans total ed $ 471 million, $ 479 million and $ 502 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The receivables agreements require TRS and its subsidiaries to perform servicing , clerical and other services necessary to bill and collect all Card Member receivables and loans owned by Credco. Since settlements under the agreements occur monthly, an amount due from, or payable to, such affiliates may arise at the end of each month. As of Dece mber 31, 2016 and 2015 , CRC owned approximately $ 4.0 billion and $ 4.1 billion, respectively, of participation interests purchased from RFC VIII. T ransactions with affiliates as of or for the year s ended December 31, were as follows: (Millions, except percentages) 2016 2015 2014 Loans to affiliates and other $ 10,659 $ 14,262 $ 15,303 Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other 1.78 % 1.81 % 2.69 % Due from affiliates $ 997 $ 615 $ 2,206 Short-term debt to affiliates 4,559 5,439 4,334 Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates 0.49 % 0.19 % 0.15 % Maximum month-end level of borrowings during the year $ 5,091 $ 5,439 $ 5,029 Due to affiliates 1,517 1,727 888 Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year 13,083 17,711 18,695 Interest income from affiliates and other 207 246 384 Interest expense to affiliates 24 10 6 Other, net expense $ 1 $ 1 $ (3) Credco’s loans to affiliates represent floating - rate interest-bearing intercompany borrowings by American Express Company, other wholly owned subsidiaries of TRS and the American Express joint ventures . Revenue earned from loans to affiliates and other is recorded as interest income from affiliates and other i n the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , no amount of loss reserves ha s been recorded and no loan s are 30 days or more past due. The c omponents of loans to a ffiliates and other as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 American Express Company $ 4,044 $ 6,923 American Express Services Europe Limited 2,484 2,981 Amex Bank of Canada 1,593 1,770 American Express Australia Limited 1,290 1,193 American Express Co. (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. 765 778 American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. 291 337 American Express International, Inc. 107 110 American Express International (NZ) Inc. 85 95 Amex (Saudi Arabia) Limited ― 75 Total (a) $ 10,659 $ 14,262 As of December 31 , 2016 and 2015 , approximately $ 3.3 billion and $ 3.6 billion, respectively, were collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans transferred with recourse. Due from/to affiliates relate primarily to timing differences from the purchase of Card Member receivables, net of remittances from TRS, as well as from operating activities. Components of short-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 AE Exposure Management Ltd. $ 3,361 $ 3,047 American Express Europe LLC 515 1,163 American Express Swiss Holdings 376 389 American Express Holdings (Netherlands) C.V. 192 190 American Express Funding Management (Europe) Limited 73 51 Accertify Inc. 42 ― American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. ― 599 Total $ 4,559 $ 5,439 Short-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of master note agreements for which there is no stated term. Credco does not expect any changes to its short-term funding strategies with affiliates. Service Fees to Affiliates Credco’s affiliates do not explicitly charge Credco a servicing fee for the servicing of receivables purchased. Instead Credco receives a lower discount rate on the receivables purchased than would be the case if servicing fees were charged. If a servicing fe e had been charged by these affiliates from which Credco purchases receivables, fees to affiliates for servicing receivables would have been approximately $ 253 million , $ 242 million and $ 212 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Correspondingly, discount revenue would have increased by approximately the same amounts in these periods.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 10 – Changes in Accumu lated Other Comprehensive Income A O C I is a balance sheet item in the Shareholder’s Equity section of Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. It 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 years end ed December 31 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation (Millions), net of tax (a) Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2013 $ (478) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (471) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 162 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (309) Balances as of December 31, 2014 (787) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (604) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 235 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (369) Balances as of December 31, 2015 (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (187) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 80 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (107) Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ (1,263) The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for th e changes in each component of A O CI : Tax expense (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 49 $ ― $ 30 Net investment hedges 48 140 96 Total tax impact $ 97 $ 140 $ 126 No amounts were reclassified out of A O C I into the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 11 – Income Taxes Credco’s results of operations 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 deductions 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 t hat are recognizable on an American Express consolidated reporting basis. The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31 included in Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense (benefit): U.S. federal $ (4) $ 15 $ (22) U.S. state and local (6) (4) (23) Non-U.S. 11 20 22 Total current income tax expense (benefit) 1 31 (23) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) : U.S. federal 10 (5) ― U.S. state and local 1 ― ― Non-U.S. 3 12 (12) Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 14 7 (12) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 15 $ 38 $ (35) A reconciliation of the U .S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent to Credco’s actual income tax rate for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % (Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (0.5) ― (0.3) Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings (a) (25.1) (25.5) (38.4) Tax Settlements (b) (1.4) (0.4) (4.4) Other (c) (0.9) 6.0 (3.0) Actual tax rate 7.1 % 15.1 % (11.1) % Results for all years include recurring permanent tax benefits in relation to the level of pretax income. Expenses in the United States are attracting a 35 percent statutory benefit whereas foreign earnings are taxed at lower rates and are indefinitely reinvested. Credco’s effective tax rate reflects the favorable impact of the tax benefit related to its ongoing funding activitie s outside of the United States. The tax rate reflects favorable resolution of certain prior years’ tax it ems. Results for all years include the impact of prior year tax returns filed in the current year. The results for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflect out-of-period corrections that increased tax expense by $ 11 million and the effective tax rate by approximately 4.4 percent . The correcti ons relate to tax calculations of foreign exchange gains/losses in one jurisdiction reflected in the 2014 results. None of the current or prior period fin ancial statements were materially misstated from these corrections. Credco records a deferred income tax provision (benefit) when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax return purposes. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years and are measured using the tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established when management det ermines that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the benefit of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are reflected in the following table: (Millions) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 23 $ 28 State income taxes 9 11 Other 1 2 Gross deferred tax assets 33 41 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in foreign subsidiaries ― 1 Foreign exchange gain 8 ― Gross deferred tax liabilities 8 1 Net deferred tax assets $ 25 $ 40 Accumulated earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which totaled approximately $ 4.9 billion as of December 31, 2016 , are intended to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. Credco does not provide for federal income taxes on foreign earnings intended to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. Accordingly, federal taxes, which would have aggregated approximately $ 1.7 billion as of December 31, 2016 , have not been provided on such earnings. Credco is subject to the income tax laws of the United States, its states and municipalities and those of the foreign jurisdictions in which American Express operates. These tax laws are complex, and the manner in which they apply to the taxpayer’s facts is sometimes open to interpretation. Given these inherent complexities, Credco must make judgments in assessing the likelihood that a tax position will be sustained upon examinat ion by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the tax position. A tax position is recognized only when, based on management’s judgment regarding the application of income tax laws, it is more likely than not that the tax position will be s ustained upon examination. The amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes is based on management’s best judgment of the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement with the taxing authorit y given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. Credco adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is new information available to assess the likelihood of the outcome. American Express is under continuous ex amination 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 examination vary by jurisdiction. The IRS has comp leted 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 currently under examination by the IRS for the years 2008 through 2014 . The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 211 $ 364 $ 481 Increases: Current year tax positions 79 2 2 Tax positions related to prior years 24 1 1 Decreases: Tax positions related to prior years (1) (152) (113) Settlements with tax authorities (1) ― (7) Lapse of statute of limitations (4) (4) ― Balance, December 31 $ 308 $ 211 $ 364 Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $ 308 million, $ 211 million and $ 364 million for December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are approximately $ 12 million, $ 14 million and $ 16 million, respectively that if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in a future p eriod. Credco believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $ 293 million principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior yea rs’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the deductibility of certain expenses or losses and the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $ 293 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $ 289 million relates to amounts that, if recognized, would be recorded as an increase to shareholders’ equity and would not impact Credco’s results of operati ons or its effective tax rate. In January 2017, American Express reached resolution with the IRS on this item and a s a result, $ 289 million will be recognized as an i ncrease to shareholder’s equity in the first quarter of 2017. Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits are reported in the income tax provision. During the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , Credco recognized tax b enefits of approximately $ 2 million, $ 1 million and $ 10 million, respectively, related to interest and penalties. Credco has approximately $ 48 million and $ 42 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Current taxes due (to)/ from American Express or affiliates as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $ (18) million and $ 44 million , respectively. Net income taxes paid by Credco during 2016 and 2015 were approximately $ 45 milli on and $ 332 million , respectively .

Significant Credit Concentratio

Significant Credit Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Abstract]
Significant Credit Concentrations	Note 12 – Significant Credit Concentrations Concentrations of credit risk exist when changes in economic, industry or geographic factors similarly affect groups of counterparties whose aggregate credit exposure is material in relation to Credco’s total credit exposure. Credco’s primary credit exposure, Card Member receivables and loans and loans to affiliates and other , is diversified among its affiliated companies with Card Members that operate in diverse industries, economic sectors and geograph ic regions. The following table details Credco’s maximum credit exposure by category , including the credit exposure associated with derivative financial instruments, as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 On-balance sheet: Individuals (a) $ 7 $ 7 Financial institutions (b) 2 1 Loans to affiliates and other 11 14 Due from affiliates 1 1 All other (c) 11 10 Total on-balance sheet (d) $ 32 $ 33 Individuals primarily include Card Member receivables and loans, including the HFS portfolio in 2015 . Financial institutions primarily include debt obligations of banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and savings and loan associations. All other primarily includes Card Member receivables from other corporate institutions. Certain distinctions between categories require management judgment. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , Credco’s most significant concentration of credit risk was with individuals and corporate institutions, including Card Member receivables and loans. Credco purchased Card Member receivables and loans from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries. TRS generally advances these amounts on an unsecured basis. However, TRS reviews each potenti al customer’s credit application and evaluates the applicant’s financial history and ability and willingness to repay. TRS also considers, on behalf of Credco, credit performance by customer tenure, industry and geographic location in managing credit expos ure. The following table details Credco’s Card Member receivables and loans exposure in the United States and outside the United States as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 United States (a) $ 14 $ 13 Outside the United States 5 5 Total (b)(c) $ 19 $ 18 Includes Card Member receivables HFS for December 31, 2015 . Represents Card Member loans to individuals as well as receivables from individuals and corporate institutions as discussed in footnotes (a) and ( c ) from the previous table. The remainder of Credco’s on-balance sheet exposure includes cash and cash equivalents, loans to affiliates and other , due from affi liates and other assets including the credit exposure associated with derivative financial instruments. The majority of these balances are ou tside the United States .

Geographic Regions

Geographic Regions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Geographic Regions Disclosure [Abstract]
Geographic Regions	Note 13 – Geographic Regions Credco is principally engaged in the business of financing the Card Member receivables and loans of its affiliates. Management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of these financing activities , which constitute Credco’s only operating segment for financial reporting purposes. The follow ing table presents Credco’s revenues and pretax income i n different geographic regions: (Millions) 2016 (a) 2015 (a) 2014 (a) Revenues United States $ 440 $ 442 $ 524 Outside the United States 278 313 405 Consolidated $ 718 $ 755 $ 929 Pretax income United States $ 16 $ 111 $ 165 Outside the United States 196 141 153 Consolidated $ 212 $ 252 $ 318 The data in the above table is, in part, based upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management’s judgment.

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Note 14 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows : (Millions) 2016 2015 Quarters ended 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 Revenues $ 179 $ 180 $ 179 $ 180 $ 180 $ 187 $ 193 $ 195 Pretax income 20 70 65 57 68 45 69 70 Net income $ 29 $ 60 $ 57 $ 51 $ 58 $ 39 $ 49 $ 68 Pretax income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 reflects out-of-period correction that decreased expenses by $20.1 million. The correction relates to incorrect mark-to-market valuation of spot trades reflected in June 30, 2015 results. None of the cu rrent or prior period financial statements were materially misstated as a result of this error .

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements of Credco are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. Credco consolidate s entities in which it holds a controlling financ ial interest. For voting interest entities, Credco is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is able to exercise control over the investees’ operating and financial decisions. For variable interest entities (VIEs), t he determination of which is based on the amount and characteristics of the en tity’s equity, Credco is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the party that has both: (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact that VIE’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potent ially be significant to the VIE.
Foreign Currency	Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon exchange rates prevailing at the end of th e reporting period, r evenues and expenses are translated at the average month-end exchange rates during the year . R esulting translation adjustments, along with any related qualifying hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), a component of shareholder’s equity. Translation adjustments, including qualifying hedge and tax effects , are reclassified to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of in vestments in foreign operations . Gains and losses related to transactions in a currency other than the functional currency are reported net in Other expenses, in Credco’s Co nsolid ated Statements of Income .
Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions	Amounts Based on Estimat es and Assumptions Accounting estimates are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are based, in part, on management’s assumptions concerning future events. Among the more significant assumptions are those that relate t o reserves for Card Member losses on receivables and loans, fair value measurement s and income taxes. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
Revenues and Expenses	Discount Revenue Earned from Purchased Card Member R eceivables and Loans Credco earns discount revenue from purchasing Card Member receivables and loans at a discount to par value. The discount is deferred and recognized as revenue over the period that the receivables and loans are estimated to be outstandi ng or funded. Estimates are based on the historical average life of Card Member receivables and loans. Interest Income from Affiliates Interest income from affiliates is earned on interest-bearing loans made by Credco to affiliates. Interest income is accrued primarily using the average daily balance method on loans and is recognized based on the outstanding loan principal amount and interest rates specified in the agreements until the outstanding loan b alance is paid. Finance Revenue Finance revenue is assessed using the average daily balance method for Card Member loans and is recognized based upon the loan principal amount outstanding in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement u ntil the outstanding balance is paid or written off. Interest Expense Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member receivables and loans, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less .
Accounts Receivable And Loans and Reserves For Cardmember Losses [Abstract]
Card Member receivables and loans	Card Member Receivables Card Member receivables represent amounts due on American Express charge card products. For American Express, the Card Member receivables are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a p oint-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics, a Card Member’s most recent credit information and spend patterns. Additionally, global spend limits are established to limit the maximum ex posure for American Express. Charge Card Members generally must pay the full amount billed each month. Credco records these Card Member receivables at the time they are purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries that issue the card (card issuers). Card Member receivable balances are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 3). Card Member Loans Card Member loans represent revolving amounts due on American Express cards. For American Express lending card products, these Card Member loans are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant, as well as amounts due from charge Card Members who utilize the Pay Over Time feature s on their account and elect to revolve a portion of the outstanding balance by entering into a revolving payment arrangement with American Express. These loans have a range of terms such as credit limits, interest rates, fees and payment structures, which can be revised over time based on new information about Card Members and in accordance with applicable regulations and the respective product’s terms and conditions. Card Members holding revolving loans are typically required to make monthly payments based on pre-established amounts and the amounts that Card M embers choose to revolve are subject to finance charges. Credco records these Card Member loans at the time they are purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries that issue the card (card issuers). Card Member loans are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 3), and include principal and any related accrued interest and fees. American Express’ policy generally is to cease accruing interest on a Card Member loan at the time the account is written off, and establish reserves for interest that will not be collected.
Reserves For Losses Policy [Abstract]
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. Reserves for losses are primarily based upon statistical and analytical models that analyze portfolio performance and reflect management’s judgment regarding the quantitative components of the reserve. The models take into account several factors, including delinquency - based loss migration rates, loss emergence periods and average losses and recoveries over an appropriate historical period. Management considers whether to adjust the quantitative reserves for certain external and internal qualitative factors , which may increase or decrease the reserves for losses on Card Member receivables and loans . These external factors include employment, spend, sentiment, housing and credit, and changes in the legal and regulatory environment , while the internal factors include increased risk in certain portfolios, impact of risk management initiatives, changes in underwriting requirements and overall process stability. As part of this evaluation process, management also considers various reserve coverage metrics, such as reserves as a percentage of past due amounts, reserves as a percentage of Card Member receivables or loans and net write-off coverage ratios. Card Member receivables and loans balances are written off when management considers amounts to be un collectible , which is generally determined by the number of days past due and is typically no later than 180 days past due. Card Member r eceivables and loans in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification , and r ec overies are recognized as they are collected .
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Policy [Abstract]
Derivatives Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	Credco’s derivatives are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the instruments’ intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any, as discusse d below. Credco formally assesses, at inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting t he fair value or cash flows of the hedged items. These assessments usually are made through the application of a regression analysis method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, Credco will discontinue the application o f hedge accounting. To the extent the fair value hedge is effective, the gain or loss on the hedging instrument offsets the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. Any difference between the changes in the fair value of the derivative an d changes in the hedged item is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness and is reported as a component of Other expenses. For the periods presented, C redco considers all fair value hedges to be highly effective and did not de-designate any fair value hedge relationships. Credco primarily designates foreign currency derivatives, typically foreign exchange forwards, and on occasion foreign currency denominated debt, as hedges of net investments in certain foreign operations. Credco has derivatives that act as economic h edges, but are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes. Foreign currency transactions and non-U.S. dollar cash flow exposures from time to time may be partially or fully economically hedged through foreign currency contracts, primarily foreign exchange forwards. These hedges generally mature within one year. Foreign currency contracts involve the purchase and sale of designated currencies at an agreed upon rate for settlement on a specified date. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying foreign currency exposures. From time to time, Credco also may enter into interest rate swaps to specifically manage funding costs related to American Express’ proprietary card business.
Fair Values [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Credco monitors the market conditions and evaluates the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly. For any transfers in and out of the levels of the fair value hierarchy, Credco discloses the fair value measurement at the beginning of the reporting period during which the transfer occurred.
Income Tax Policy [Abstract]
Income taxes	Credco records a deferred income tax provision (benefit) when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax return purposes. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years and are measured using the tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established when management det ermines that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the benefit of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits are reported in the income tax provision.
Income tax uncertainties	The amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes is based on management’s best judgment of the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement with the taxing authorit y given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. Credco adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is new information available to assess the likelihood of the outcome.

Card Member Receivables and L24

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts Receivable And Loans Tables [Abstract]
Card Member receivables detail	Card Member receivables as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services $ 3,518 $ 3,393 International Consumer and Network Services (a) 1,526 1,484 Global Commercial Services (b) 13,174 12,730 Card Member receivables (c) 18,218 17,607 Less: Reserve for losses 110 114 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 18,108 $ 17,493 Comprised of International consumer card business. Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 27 million and $ 22 million as of December 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial.
Card Member loans detail	Card Member loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 International Consumer and Network Services (a) $ 476 $ 435 Less: Reserve for losses 5 4 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 471 $ 431 Comprised of International consumer card business. Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial.
Aging of Card Member receivables and loans	The following table presents the aging of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans as of December 31, 2016 and 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 $ 3,501 $ 9 $ 3 $ 5 $ 3,518 International Consumer and Network Services 1,506 6 4 10 1,526 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,202 9 2 5 1,218 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 108 11,956 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 472 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 476 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 Global 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 receivables and loans	The following table s present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the years ended December 31: 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 0.54 % 0.48 % 0.78 % 0.65 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.86 % 1.31 % 1.75 % 1.48 % Global Small Business Services 1.03 % 1.31 % 1.10 % 1.00 % Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services 1.15 % 0.84 % 1.02 % 0.69 % 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 % 0.90 % 0.07 % 0.82 % R epresents the amount of Card Member receivables or Card Member loans owned by Credco that are 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 indicated. R epresents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco that are written off, net of recov eries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco in each of the periods indicated.

Reserves for Losses (Tables)

Reserves for Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 years ended December 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 114 $ 94 $ 76 Provisions 145 160 194 Other credits (a) 20 32 15 Net write-offs (b) (146) (157) (166) Other debits (c)(d) (23) (15) (25) Balance, December 31 $ 110 $ 114 $ 94 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 $ 5.4 billion, $ 5.8 billion and $ 3.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 91 million, $ 100 million and $ 98 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances applicable to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate and, for 2014, reserves appli cable to Card Member receivables sold to the joint ventures that issue American Express cards in certain countries (American Express joint ventures) following the termination of the agreements to purchase Card Member receivables in the third quarter of 201 4. Sales of these participation interests and Card Member receivables t otaled $ 5.7 billion, $ 2.6 billion and $ 3.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , r espectively. 2015 includes the impact of the transfer of reserves relating to the HFS portfolio, which was not significant.
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses fo r the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 4 $ 3 $ 4 Provisions 6 5 8 Net write-offs (a) (5) (4) (4) Other debits (b) ― ― (5) Balance, December 31 $ 5 $ 4 $ 3 Net of recoveries of $ 1 million for both the ye ars ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and $ 4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Primarily reserve balances applicable to sales of Card Member loans to the American Express joint ventures following the termination of the agreements to purchase Card Member loans in the third quarter of 2014. Card Member loans sold totaled nil for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and $ 0.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014 .

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Tables [Abstract]
Short-term debt	Credco’s short-term debt outstanding (excluding short-term debt to affiliates), defined as borrowings with original contractual ma turity dates of less than one year, as of December 31 were as follows : 2016 2015 Outstanding Year-End Stated Outstanding Year-End Stated (Millions, except percentages) Balance Rate on Debt Balance Rate on Debt Commercial paper (a) $ 2,993 1.13 % $ 2,120 0.38 % Total $ 2,993 1.13 % $ 2,120 0.38 % Average commercial paper outstanding was $491 million and $943 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Long-term debt	Credco’s long-term debt outstanding, defined as debt with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows: 2016 2015 Year-End Year-End Original Year-End Effective Year-End Effective Contractual Stated Interest Stated Interest (Millions, except Maturity Outstanding Rate Rate with Outstanding Rate Rate with percentages) Dates Balance (a) on Debt (b) Swaps (b)(c) Balance (a) on Debt (b) Swaps (b)(c) Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017-2021 $ 16,201 1.98 % 1.44 % $ 16,469 2.16 % 1.28 % Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017-2020 4,350 1.52 ― 5,300 0.98 ― Unamortized Underwriting Fees (39) (44) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,512 1.88 % $ 21,725 1.87 % The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount and premium, (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps. Under fair value hedge accounting, the outstanding balances on these fixed-rate notes are adjusted to reflect the impact of changes in fair value due to changes in interest rates. Refer to No te 6 for more details on Credco’s treatment of fair value hedges. For floating-rate issuances, the stated and effective interest rates are weighted based on outstanding balances and rates in effect as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Effective interes t rates are only presented when swaps are in place to hedge the underlying debt.
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	Aggregate annual maturities o n long-term debt obligations (based on contractual maturity or anticipated redemption dates) as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) 2017 $ 4,900 2018 3,624 2019 5,150 2020 4,150 2021 2,794 Total 20,618 Unamortized Underwriting Fees (39) Unamortized Discount and Premium (12) Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting (55) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,512

Derivatives and Hedging Activ27

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31: Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts $ 22 $ 64 $ 69 $ 9 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 151 30 1 13 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 173 94 70 22 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 128 62 28 33 Total derivatives, gross 301 156 98 55 Less: Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts (a) (2) (53) (49) ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (b) (27) (33) (27) (33) Total derivatives, net (c) $ 272 $ 70 $ 22 $ 22 Represents the offsetting of derivatives and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivatives executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. To mitigate counterparty credit risk related to derivatives, Credco may accept non-cash collateral from its derivatives counterparties. There were no such non-cash collateral as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, Credco posted $ 144 million and $ 128 million as of December 31 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on Credco’s Consol idated 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 in dividually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Accrued interest and Ot her liabilities, respectively, on Credco’s 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 Cred co’s fair value hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate derivative contracts $ (102) $ (31) $ (93) Hedged items 91 44 101 Net hedge ineffectiveness (losses) gains $ (11) $ 13 $ 8

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy as Level 2 (as described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31 : (Millions) 2016 2015 Assets: Derivatives (a) $ 301 $ 156 Total assets 301 156 Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 98 55 Total liabilities $ 98 $ 55 Refer to Note 6 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 discloses the estimated fair value for Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2016 and 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) $ 1.2 $ 1.2 $ 0.2 $ 1.0 $ ― Other financial assets 19.3 19.3 ― 19.3 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.5 0.5 ― ― 0.5 Loans to affiliates and other 10.7 10.7 ― 7.9 2.8 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 9.1 9.1 ― 9.1 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 20.5 $ 20.7 $ ― $ 20.7 $ ― 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 reflect interest-bearing deposits in banks and Level 2 amount reflects time deposits and other 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.

Transactions With Affiliates (T

Transactions With Affiliates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party (Tables) [Abstract]
Certain transactions with affiliates	T ransactions with affiliates as of or for the year s ended December 31, were as follows: (Millions, except percentages) 2016 2015 2014 Loans to affiliates and other $ 10,659 $ 14,262 $ 15,303 Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other 1.78 % 1.81 % 2.69 % Due from affiliates $ 997 $ 615 $ 2,206 Short-term debt to affiliates 4,559 5,439 4,334 Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates 0.49 % 0.19 % 0.15 % Maximum month-end level of borrowings during the year $ 5,091 $ 5,439 $ 5,029 Due to affiliates 1,517 1,727 888 Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year 13,083 17,711 18,695 Interest income from affiliates and other 207 246 384 Interest expense to affiliates 24 10 6 Other, net expense $ 1 $ 1 $ (3)
Components of loans to affiliates	The c omponents of loans to a ffiliates and other as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 American Express Company $ 4,044 $ 6,923 American Express Services Europe Limited 2,484 2,981 Amex Bank of Canada 1,593 1,770 American Express Australia Limited 1,290 1,193 American Express Co. (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. 765 778 American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. 291 337 American Express International, Inc. 107 110 American Express International (NZ) Inc. 85 95 Amex (Saudi Arabia) Limited ― 75 Total (a) $ 10,659 $ 14,262 As of December 31 , 2016 and 2015 , approximately $ 3.3 billion and $ 3.6 billion, respectively, were collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans transferred with recourse.
Components of short-term debt to affiliates	Components of short-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 AE Exposure Management Ltd. $ 3,361 $ 3,047 American Express Europe LLC 515 1,163 American Express Swiss Holdings 376 389 American Express Holdings (Netherlands) C.V. 192 190 American Express Funding Management (Europe) Limited 73 51 Accertify Inc. 42 ― American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. ― 599 Total $ 4,559 $ 5,439

Changes in Accumulated Other 30

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years end ed December 31 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation (Millions), net of tax (a) Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2013 $ (478) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (471) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 162 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (309) Balances as of December 31, 2014 (787) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (604) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 235 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (369) Balances as of December 31, 2015 (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (187) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 80 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (107) Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ (1,263)
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for th e changes in each component of A O CI : Tax expense (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 49 $ ― $ 30 Net investment hedges 48 140 96 Total tax impact $ 97 $ 140 $ 126

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes (Tables) [Abstract]
Components of income tax expense	The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31 included in Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense (benefit): U.S. federal $ (4) $ 15 $ (22) U.S. state and local (6) (4) (23) Non-U.S. 11 20 22 Total current income tax expense (benefit) 1 31 (23) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) : U.S. federal 10 (5) ― U.S. state and local 1 ― ― Non-U.S. 3 12 (12) Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 14 7 (12) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 15 $ 38 $ (35)
Effective income tax rate	A reconciliation of the U .S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent to Credco’s actual income tax rate for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % (Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (0.5) ― (0.3) Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings (a) (25.1) (25.5) (38.4) Tax Settlements (b) (1.4) (0.4) (4.4) Other (c) (0.9) 6.0 (3.0) Actual tax rate 7.1 % 15.1 % (11.1) % Results for all years include recurring permanent tax benefits in relation to the level of pretax income. Expenses in the United States are attracting a 35 percent statutory benefit whereas foreign earnings are taxed at lower rates and are indefinitely reinvested. Credco’s effective tax rate reflects the favorable impact of the tax benefit related to its ongoing funding activitie s outside of the United States. The tax rate reflects favorable resolution of certain prior years’ tax it ems. Results for all years include the impact of prior year tax returns filed in the current year.
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are reflected in the following table: (Millions) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 23 $ 28 State income taxes 9 11 Other 1 2 Gross deferred tax assets 33 41 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in foreign subsidiaries ― 1 Foreign exchange gain 8 ― Gross deferred tax liabilities 8 1 Net deferred tax assets $ 25 $ 40
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 211 $ 364 $ 481 Increases: Current year tax positions 79 2 2 Tax positions related to prior years 24 1 1 Decreases: Tax positions related to prior years (1) (152) (113) Settlements with tax authorities (1) ― (7) Lapse of statute of limitations (4) (4) ― Balance, December 31 $ 308 $ 211 $ 364

Significant Credit Concentrat32

Significant Credit Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Credit Concentrations (Tables) [Abstract]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category	The following table details Credco’s maximum credit exposure by category , including the credit exposure associated with derivative financial instruments, as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 On-balance sheet: Individuals (a) $ 7 $ 7 Financial institutions (b) 2 1 Loans to affiliates and other 11 14 Due from affiliates 1 1 All other (c) 11 10 Total on-balance sheet (d) $ 32 $ 33 Individuals primarily include Card Member receivables and loans, including the HFS portfolio in 2015 . Financial institutions primarily include debt obligations of banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and savings and loan associations. All other primarily includes Card Member receivables from other corporate institutions. Certain distinctions between categories require management judgment.
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	The following table details Credco’s Card Member receivables and loans exposure in the United States and outside the United States as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 United States (a) $ 14 $ 13 Outside the United States 5 5 Total (b)(c) $ 19 $ 18 Includes Card Member receivables HFS for December 31, 2015 . Represents Card Member loans to individuals as well as receivables from individuals and corporate institutions as discussed in footnotes (a) and ( c ) from the previous table. The remainder of Credco’s on-balance sheet exposure includes cash and cash equivalents, loans to affiliates and other , due from affi liates and other assets including the credit exposure associated with derivative financial instruments. The majority of these balances are ou tside the United States .

Geographic Regions (Tables)

Geographic Regions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Geographic Operations Tables [Abstract]
Revenue and pretax income in different geographic regions	The follow ing table presents Credco’s revenues and pretax income i n different geographic regions: (Millions) 2016 (a) 2015 (a) 2014 (a) Revenues United States $ 440 $ 442 $ 524 Outside the United States 278 313 405 Consolidated $ 718 $ 755 $ 929 Pretax income United States $ 16 $ 111 $ 165 Outside the United States 196 141 153 Consolidated $ 212 $ 252 $ 318 The data in the above table is, in part, based upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management’s judgment.

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quartertly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows : (Millions) 2016 2015 Quarters ended 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 Revenues $ 179 $ 180 $ 179 $ 180 $ 180 $ 187 $ 193 $ 195 Pretax income 20 70 65 57 68 45 69 70 Net income $ 29 $ 60 $ 57 $ 51 $ 58 $ 39 $ 49 $ 68

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ( Details Textuals) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals [Abstract]
Line of credit facility financial covenants combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges ratio required	1.25
Net foreign currency transaction gains	$ 1	$ 14	$ 87
Original maturities of cash and cash equivalents	90 days or less

Card Member Receivables and L36

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 18,218	$ 17,607
Less: Reserve for losses	110	114	$ 94	$ 76
Card Member receivables, net	18,108	17,493
U.S. Consumer Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	3,518	3,393
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	13,174	12,730
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 1,526	$ 1,484

Card Member Receivables and L37

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Card Member loans
Card Member loans	$ 476	$ 435
Less: Reserve for losses	5	4	$ 3	$ 4
Card Member loans, less reserves	471	431
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Card Member loans
Card Member loans	$ 476	$ 435

Card Member Receivables and L38

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	$ 3,501	$ 3,371
Total aging	3,518	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	9	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	3	4
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	5	9
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,506	1,462
Total aging	1,526	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	6	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	10	10
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	472	432
Total aging	476	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	2	1
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total aging	11,956	11,336
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	108	93
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,202	1,380
Total aging	1,218	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	9	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	2	3
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	$ 5	$ 6

Card Member Receivables and L39

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	0.54%	0.78%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.48%	0.65%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.86%	1.75%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.31%	1.48%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.15%	1.02%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.84%	0.69%
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	0.90%	0.82%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.03%	1.10%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.31%	1.00%

Card Member Receivables and L40

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Net volume of Card Member receivables purchased	$ 215,000	$ 220,000	$ 213,000
Net volume of Card Member loans purchased	4,000	4,000	$ 4,000
Deferred discount revenue on Card Member receivable	27	22
RFC VIII [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Participation Interests In Card Member Receivables Purchased	$ 4,000	$ 4,100

Reserves (Details)

Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 114	$ 94	$ 76
Provisions	145	160	194
Other credits	20	32	15
Net write-offs	(146)	(157)	(166)
Other debits	(23)	(15)	(25)
Balance, December 31	$ 110	$ 114	$ 94

Reserves (Details 1)

Reserves (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 4	$ 3	$ 4
Provisions	6	5	8
Net write-offs	(5)	(4)	(4)
Other debits	0	0	(5)
Balance, December 31	$ 5	$ 4	$ 3

Reserves (Details Textuals)

Reserves (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reserves For Losses (Textuals) [Abstract]
Participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates	$ 5,400	$ 5,800	$ 3,400
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts	91	100	98
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	1	1	4
Participation Interest Card Member Receivables Sold to Affiliates	5,700	2,600	3,200
Amount of Card Member Loans Sold	$ 0	$ 0	$ 200

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Short Term Debt Line Items
Outstanding Balance	$ 2,993	$ 2,120
Short Term Debt [Member]
Short Term Debt Line Items
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.13%	0.38%
Commercial Paper [Member] | Short Term Debt [Member]
Short Term Debt Line Items
Outstanding Balance	$ 2,993	$ 2,120
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.13%	0.38%

Debt (Details 1)

Debt (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 20,512	$ 21,725
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	$ (39)	$ (44)
Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.88%	1.87%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	2,017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	2,021
Long-term Debt	$ 16,201	$ 16,469
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.98%	2.16%
Year End Effective Interest Rate With Swaps	1.44%	1.28%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	2,017
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	2,020
Long-term Debt	$ 4,350	$ 5,300
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.52%	0.98%
Year End Effective Interest Rate With Swaps	0.00%	0.00%

Debt (Details 2)

Debt (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	$ 4,900
2,018	3,624
2,019	5,150
2,020	4,150
2,021	2,794
Total	20,618
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	(39)	$ (44)
Unamortized discount and premium	(12)
Impacts due to fair value hedge accounting	(55)
Long-term debt	$ 20,512	$ 21,725

Debt ( Details Textuals)

Debt ( Details Textuals) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fees to maintain credit lines	$ 2.2	$ 25.8
Line of credit facility financial covenants combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges ratio required	1.25
Line of credit facility financial covenants combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges ratio actual	1.62
Average Commercial Paper Outstanding	$ 491	943
Short Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Interest Paid	11	3.5	$ 0.3
Total bank lines of credit of the company	3,000	3,000
Unutilized total credit lines	3,000	3,000
Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Interest Paid	$ 300	$ 300	$ 500

Restrictions as to Dividends 48

Restrictions as to Dividends and Limitations on Indebtness (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
RestrictionsTextuals[Abstract]
Minimum consolidated net worth	$ 50
Line of credit facility financial covenants combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges ratio required	1.25

Derivatives and Hedging Activ49

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 301,000,000	$ 156,000,000
Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts	(2,000,000)	(53,000,000)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(27,000,000)	(33,000,000)
Total derivatives assets,net	272,000,000	70,000,000
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	173,000,000	94,000,000
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	128,000,000	62,000,000
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	22,000,000	64,000,000
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	151,000,000	30,000,000
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	98,000,000	55,000,000
Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts	(49,000,000)	0
Derivative asset and liability netting	(27,000,000)	(33,000,000)
Total derivatives liabilities, net	22,000,000	22,000,000
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	70,000,000	22,000,000
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	28,000,000	33,000,000
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	69,000,000	9,000,000
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	$ 1,000,000	$ 13,000,000

Derivatives and Hedging Activ50

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Other Expense [Member] - Interest Rate Contract [Member] - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract	$ (102)	$ (31)	$ (93)
Hedged item	91	44	101
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$ (11)	$ 13	$ 8

Derivatives and Hedging Activ51

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Textuals [Abstract]
Net reduction in interest expense	$ 126	$ 177	$ 187
Derivative [Line Items]
Ineffectiveness reclassified from AOCI into income	0	0	0
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	144	128
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net		293	587
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	14,800	15,900
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Effection portion of gain (loss) on hedges	80	235	162
Credit Valuation Adjustment [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	0	0
Other expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in Changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	1	14	$ 87
Risk Exposure Low [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets,net	0	0
Individually Significant Counterparties [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets,net	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 301,000,000	$ 156,000,000
Total assets	301,000,000	156,000,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	98,000,000	55,000,000
Total liabilities	$ 98,000,000	$ 55,000,000

Fair Value (Details 1)

Fair Value (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Assets Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables HFS	$ 0	$ 24
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	471	431
Loans to affiliates and other	10,659	14,262	$ 15,303
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	20,512	21,725
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	1,200	200
Other financial assets	19,300	18,200
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	9,100	9,400
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	1,200	200
Other financial assets	19,300	18,200
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	500	400
Loans to affiliates and other	10,700	14,300
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	9,100	9,400
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	20,700	21,800
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	200	200
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	0	0
Loans to affiliates and other	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 [Abstract]
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	0
Other financial assets	19,300	18,200
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	0	0
Loans to affiliates and other	7,900	11,300
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	9,100	9,400
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	20,700	21,800
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	500	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

Fair Value (Details Textuals)

Fair Value (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 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	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 31,936	$ 33,285
Total liabilities	29,727	31,166
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | American Express Canada Credit Corporation Member [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	1,700	1,700
Total liabilities	1,700	1,700
Liabilities eliminated in consolidation	$ 1,300	$ 800

Transactions with Affiliates (D

Transactions with Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Parties Details [Abstract]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 10,659	$ 14,262	$ 15,303
Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other	1.78%	1.81%	2.69%
Due from affiliates	$ 997	$ 615	$ 2,206
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 4,559	$ 5,439	$ 4,334
Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates	0.49%	0.19%	0.15%
Maximum month-end level of borrowings during the year	$ 5,091	$ 5,439	$ 5,029
Due to affiliates	1,517	1,727	888
Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year	13,083	17,711	18,695
Interest income from affiliates and other	207	246	384
Interest expense to affiliates	24	10	6
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other, net	14	(22)	(93)
Related Party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other, net	$ 1	$ 1	$ (3)

Transactions with Affiliates 57

Transactions with Affiliates (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 10,659	$ 14,262	$ 15,303
American Express Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	4,044	6,923
American Express Services Europe Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	2,484	2,981
Amex Bank Of Canada [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	1,593	1,770
American Express Australia Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	1,290	1,193
American Express Co. (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	765	778
American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	291	337
American Express International, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	107	110
Amex (Saudi Arabia) Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	0	75
American Express International Nz Inc Member [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 85	$ 95

Transactions with Affiliates 58

Transactions with Affiliates (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 4,559	$ 5,439	$ 4,334
AE Exposure Management Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	3,361	3,047
American Express Swiss Holdings [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	376	389
American Express Europe LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	515	1,163
American Express Holdings (Netherlands) C.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	192	190
American Express Funding Management (Europe) Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	73	51
Accertify Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	42	0
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 0	$ 599

Transactions with Affiliates 59

Transactions with Affiliates (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Parties Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables and loans purchased without recourse from an affiliate	$ 225,000	$ 227,000	$ 221,000
Participation Interest Card Member Receivables Sold To Affiliates	5,700	2,600	2,800
Discount Revenue Earned From Purchased Cardmember Receivables And Loans	471	479	502
Uncharged Servicing Fees to Affiliates	253	242	212
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	10,659	14,262	$ 15,303
RFC VIII [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased without recourse	4,000	4,100
30 Days or More Past Due [Member] | Reserves for Losses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	0	0
Collateralized [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 3,300	$ 3,600

Changes In Accumulated Other 60

Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	$ (1,156)	$ (787)	$ (478)
Net translation loss of investment in foreign operations	(187)	(604)	(471)
Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	80	235	162
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(107)	(369)	(309)
Balances as of end of period	$ (1,263)	$ (1,156)	$ (787)

Changes in Accumulated Other 61

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ 49	$ 0	$ 30
Net investment hedges	48	140	96
Total tax impact	$ 97	$ 140	$ 126

Changes in Accumulated Other 62

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amount of gain loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. federal	$ (4)	$ 15	$ (22)
U.S. state and local	(6)	(4)	(23)
Non-U.S.	11	20	22
Total current income tax expense (benefit)	1	31	(23)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. federal	10	(5)	0
U.S. state and local	1	0	0
Non-U.S.	3	12	(12)
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	14	7	(12)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 15	$ 38	$ (35)

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Effective tax rate reconciliation
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
(Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from:
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	(0.50%)	0.00%	(0.30%)
Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings	(25.10%)	(25.50%)	(38.40%)
Tax Settlements	(1.40%)	(0.40%)	(4.40%)
Other	(0.90%)	6.00%	(3.00%)
Actual tax rate	7.10%	15.10%	(11.10%)

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes	$ 23	$ 28
State income taxes	9	11
Other	1	2
Gross deferred tax assets	33	41
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in foreign subsidiaries	0	1
Foreign exchange gain	8	0
Gross deferred tax liabilities	8	1
Net deferred tax assets	$ 25	$ 40

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, January 1	$ 211	$ 364	$ 481
Increases:
Current year tax positions	79	2	2
Tax positions related to prior years	24	1	1
Decreases:
Tax positions related to prior years	(1)	(152)	(113)
Settlements with tax authorities	(1)	0	(7)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(4)	(4)	0
Balance, December 31	$ 308	$ 211	$ 364

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$ 293
Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity	$ 289
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Out of period tax adjustment		$ 11
Accumulated earnings intended to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S.	$ 4,900
Aggregate of federal taxes	1,700
Unrecognized tax benefits	308	211	$ 364	$ 481
Unrecognized tax benefits that effect effective tax rate	12	14	16
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest expense	2	1	$ 10
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest accrued	48	42
Current federal taxes payable/receivable	(18)	44
Income tax paid/refund net	45	$ 332
Tax benefit recognized in subsequent period	$ 289
Out of period tax rate adjustment		4.40%
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

Significant Credit Concentrat68

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	$ 32	$ 33
Individuals [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	7	7
Financial Institutions [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	2	1
Loans to affiliates and other
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	11	14
Due from Affiliates [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	1	1
Other Concentration [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	$ 11	$ 10

Significant Credit Concentrat69

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet, total	$ 19	$ 18
United States [Member]
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet, total	14	13
Outside the United States [Member]
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet, total	$ 5	$ 5

Geographic Regions (Details)

Geographic Regions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Revenues and Pretax Income (Loss) by Geographic Location [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 179	$ 180	$ 179	$ 180	$ 180	$ 187	$ 193	$ 195	$ 718	$ 755	$ 929
Pretax income	$ 20	$ 70	$ 65	$ 57	$ 68	$ 45	$ 69	$ 70	212	252	318
United States [Member]
Segment Revenues and Pretax Income (Loss) by Geographic Location [Line Items]
Revenues									440	442	524
Pretax income									16	111	165
Outside the United States [Member]
Segment Revenues and Pretax Income (Loss) by Geographic Location [Line Items]
Revenues									278	313	405
Pretax income									$ 196	$ 141	$ 153

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of quarterly financial data
Revenues	$ 179	$ 180	$ 179	$ 180	$ 180	$ 187	$ 193	$ 195	$ 718	$ 755	$ 929
Pretax income	20	70	65	57	68	45	69	70	212	252	318
Net income	$ 29	$ 60	$ 57	$ 51	$ 58	$ 39	$ 49	$ 68	$ 197	$ 214	$ 353

Quarterly Financial Data (Det72

Quarterly Financial Data (Details Textuals) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Disclosure Of Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Out of period spot valuation adjustment	$ 20.1