American Express Credit 10-Q 4 Aug 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Aug. 04, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	4,969
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,504,938

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Revenues
Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and loans	$ 174	$ 113	$ 359	$ 233
Interest income from affiliates and other	68	56	123	107
Finance revenue	11	10	23	19
Total revenues	253	179	505	359
Expenses
Provisions for losses	54	32	116	68
Interest expense	123	82	220	159
Interest expense to affiliates	13	6	22	11
Other, net	11	(6)	29	(1)
Total expenses	201	114	387	237
Pretax income	52	65	118	122
Income tax (benefit) provision	(5)	8	2	14
Net income	57	57	116	108
Retained earnings at beginning of period	3,370	3,165	3,311	3,114
Retained earnings at end of period	$ 3,427	$ 3,222	$ 3,427	$ 3,222

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 57	$ 57	$ 116	$ 108
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	14	(85)	322	(32)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	14	(85)	322	(32)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 71	$ (28)	$ 438	$ 76

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,313	$ 1,211
Card Member receivables, less reserves	21,730	18,108
Card Member loans, less reserves	466	471
Loans to affiliates and other	10,033	10,659
Due from affiliates	1,572	997
Other assets	247	490
Total assets	35,361	31,936
Liabilities
Short-term debt	998	2,993
Short-term debt to affiliates	4,970	4,559
Long-term debt	25,171	20,512
Total debt	31,139	28,064
Due to affiliates	1,290	1,517
Accrued interest and other liabilities	285	146
Total liabilities	32,714	29,727
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	3,427	3,311
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(941)	(1,263)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(941)	(1,263)
Total shareholder's equity	2,647	2,209
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$ 35,361	$ 31,936

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Card Member receivables, reserves	$ 146	$ 110
Card Member loans, reserves	$ 5	$ 5
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	$ (16)	$ 329

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income		$ 116	$ 108
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses		116	68
Amortization of underwriting expenses		13	11
Deferred taxes		(51)	4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest, taxes and other amounts due from/to affiliates		256	23
Other operating assets and liabilities		12	315
Net cash provided by operating activities		462	529
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net (increase) decrease in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale	[1]	(3,529)	1,048
Net decrease in loans to affiliates and other		968	1,508
Net increase in due from/to affiliates		(756)	(1,313)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(3,317)	1,243
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net decrease in short-term debt		(1,995)	(1,989)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt to affiliates		380	(1,007)
Issuance of long-term debt		8,443	1,743
Principal payments on long-term debt		(3,900)	(460)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		2,928	(1,713)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		29	2
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		102	61
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1,211	173
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$ 1,313	$ 234
[1]	Refer to Note 1 for additional information.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The Company American Express Credit Corporation (Credco), together with its subsidiaries, is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express). Credco is engaged in the business of financing non-interest-earning Card Member receivables arising from the use of 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 spending on American Express credit cards issued in non-U.S. markets, although interest-earning revolving loans are primarily funded by subsidi aries of TRS other than Credco. Credco executes 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, unrelated parties. American Express provides Credco with financial support with respect to maintenance of its minimum overall 1.25 fixed charge c overage 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 discoun t and interest rates are determined to generate income for Credco that is sufficient to maintain its minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The revenue earned by Credco from purchasing Card Member receivables and loans at a discount is reported as discount r evenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Credco’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 201 6 (Form 10-K). If not materially different, certain footnote disclosures included therein have been omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The interim consolidated financial information in this report has not been audited. I n the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim period consolidated financial information, have been made. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumpt ions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new 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. Upon adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance , Credco anticipates using the full retrospective me thod , 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 financial liabilities. The guidance, whic h 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 of financial instruments. Credco continue s 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 and internal controls. In June 2016, the F ASB 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 Ex pected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses, and differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires measurement of expected credit losses not only based on historical experience and current cond itions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information . The guidance requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption . Credco does not intend to adopt the new standard 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 CECL model will alter the assumptions used in estima ting credit losses on Card Member receivables and loans, among other financial instruments, and may result in material increases to Credco’s credit reserves as the new guidance involves earlier recognition of expected losses for the life of the assets . American Express has established a n enterprise -wide, cross-discipline governance structure to implement the new standard. American Express is currently identifying key interpretive issues, and is evaluating existing credit loss forecasting models and proce sses in relation to the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required. Other Information During the fourth quarter of 2015, American Express determined it would sell Card Member loans and receivables related to certain of its cobrand partne rships. As a result of the determination, Credco classified Card Member receivables related to the Costco portfolio purchased from American Express Receivables Financing Corporation VIII LLC (RFC VIII) in the form of participation interest as Card Member r eceivables held for sale (HFS) on its Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2016. During the second quarter of 2016, American Express completed the sales of substantially all of its outstanding Card Member loans and receivables HFS, and consequently Credco also sold back all of its participation interests in Card Member receivables HFS to RFC VIII .

Card Member Receivables and Loa

Card Member Receivables and Loans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Card Member Receivables and Loans [Abstract]
Card Member Receivables and Loans	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. The net volume of Card Member receivables purchased during the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 was app roximately $ 124 billion and $ 109 billion, respectively. As of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC) owned approximately $ 6.5 billion and $ 4.0 billion, respectively, of participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased without recourse from RFC VIII. Card Member receivables as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. Consumer Services $ 5,601 $ 3,518 International Consumer and Network Services (a) 1,579 1,526 Global Commercial Services (b) 14,696 13,174 Card Member receivables (c) 21,876 18,218 Less: Reserve for losses 146 110 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 21,730 $ 18,108 Comprised of International consumer card business. Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 43 million and $ 27 million as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial. The net volume of Card Member loans purchased during the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 was $ 2.1 billion a nd $ 2.0 billion, respectively. Card Member loans as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of: (Millions) 2017 2016 International Consumer and Network Services (a) $ 471 $ 476 Less: Reserve for losses 5 5 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 466 $ 471 Comprised of International consumer card business. Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial. Card Member Receivables and Loans Aging Generally, a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days after the billing statement date. The following table presen ts the aging of C ard Member receivables and Card Member loans as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2017 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 5,561 $ 15 $ 7 $ 18 $ 5,601 International Consumer and Network Services 1,560 7 4 8 1,579 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,615 7 3 8 1,633 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 110 13,063 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 467 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 471 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 For G lobal Corporate Payments Card Member receivables in Global Commercial Services , 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 day s past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes . See also (b). Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized f or risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances. Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Receivables and Loans The following table s prese nt the key credit quality indicators as of or for the six months ended June 30 : 2017 2016 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 0.67 % 0.71 % 0.67 % 0.58 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.55 % 1.20 % 2.13 % 1.39 % Global Small Business Services 1.03 % 1.10 % 1.18 % 0.82 % Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services 1.28 % 0.85 % 1.40 % 0.70 % 2017 2016 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 0.08 % 0.84 % 0.06 % 0.72 % Represents 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. Represents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco that are written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco in each of the periods indicated.

Reserves for Losses

Reserves for Losses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Reserves for Losses [Abstract]
Reserves for Losses	3. Reserves for Losses Reserves for losses relating to Card Member receivables and loans represent management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in Credco’s outstanding portfolio of receivables and loans, as of the balance sheet date. Management’s evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments. Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the six months ended June 30 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 110 $ 114 Provisions 113 64 Other credits (a) 33 6 Net write-offs (b) (94) (75) Other debits (c) (16) (10) Balance, June 30 $ 146 $ 99 Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates. P articipation interests in Card Member receivables purchased totaled $ 6.0 billion and $ 1.1 billion for the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 45 million and $ 47 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances re lated to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold totaled $ 2.6 billion and $ 2.3 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the six months ended June 30 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 5 $ 4 Provisions 3 4 Net write-offs (a) (3) (3) Balance, June 30 $ 5 $ 5 Net of recoveries of $ 1.0 million for both the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 .

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	4. 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 at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter ex posure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of Credco’s market risk management. Credco does not transact in derivatives for trading purposes. In relation to Credco’s credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreemen ts it has with its various counterparties, Credco is not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event. Based on its assessment of the credit risk of Credco’s derivative counterparties as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , no credit risk adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required . The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabili ties as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ ― $ 22 $ ― $ 69 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 4 151 104 1 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 4 173 104 70 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 32 128 36 28 Total derivatives, gross 36 301 140 98 Less: Cash collateral netting (b)(c) ― (2) ― (49) Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (d) (11) (27) (11) (27) Total derivatives, net (e) $ 25 $ 272 $ 129 $ 22 Effective January 2017, the Central Clearing Party changed the legal characterization of variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives to be settlement payments, as opposed to collateral. A s of June 30, 2017 , centrally cleared derivatives are fully collateralized . Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivatives executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Credco held no non-cash collateral as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. To mitigate counterparty credit risk related to derivatives, Credco may accept non-cash collateral from its derivative s counterparties. Additionally, Credco posted $ 152 million and $ 144 million as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceab le master netting arrangement. Credco has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Accrued interest and Other liabilities, respectively, on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. A majority of Credco’s derivative assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are subject to master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. Credco has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair Value Hedges Credco is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt obligations. At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate debt obligations are designated in fa ir value hedging relationships us ing interest rate swaps to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate . Credco has $ 16.9 billion and $ 14.8 billion of its fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedg ing r elationships as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The following table summarizes the gains ( losses ) recognized in Other expenses associated with Credco’s fair value hedges for the three and six months ended June 30 : Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate derivative contracts $ 20 $ 63 $ (30) $ 205 Hedged items (37) (55) (8) (201) Net hedge ineffectiveness $ (17) $ 8 $ (38) $ 4 Credco also recognized a net reduction in interest expense on long-term debt of $ 17 million and $ 34 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $ 39 million and $ 68 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on Credco’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Net Investment Hedges The effective portion of the gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, was a loss of $ 40 million and a gain of $ 51 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively , and a loss of $ 168 million and a gain of $ 1 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively , with any ineffective portion recognized in Other expens es during the period. No ineffectiveness or other amounts associated with net investment hedges were reclassified from AOCI into income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 . Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the relate d underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in a net gain of $ 6 million and a net loss of $ 1 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and a net gain of $ 10 million and a net loss of $ 2 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively , and are recognized in Other expenses.

Fair Values

Fair Values	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values	5. Fair Values Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value The following table summarizes Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy as Level 2 , as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Assets: Derivatives (a) $ 36 $ 301 Total assets 36 301 Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 140 98 Total liabilities $ 140 $ 98 Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of de rivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditi ons and perceived risks as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and require management’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of Credco be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2017 (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) $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 0.2 $ 1.1 $ ― Other financial assets 23.4 23.4 ― 23.4 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.5 0.5 ― ― 0.5 Loans to affiliates and other 10.0 10.0 ― 7.1 2.9 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 7.4 7.4 ― 7.4 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 25.2 $ 25.4 $ ― $ 25.4 $ ― 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 $ ― Level 1 amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits in banks and Level 2 amount reflects time deposits and short-term investments . Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements During the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and during the year ended December 31, 2016 , Credco did not have any assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment on a nonrecurring basis.

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	6. Variable Interest Entity Credco has established a Variable Interest Entity ( 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 June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $ 1.8 billion and $ 1.7 billion, respectively , the majority of which were eliminated in consolidation. Total liabilities as of both June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $ 1.7 billion. As of both June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , $ 1.3 billion 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 hav e recourse to Credco.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	7. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments for the three and six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of March 31, 2017 $ (955) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations 54 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (40) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 14 Balances as of June 30, 2017 $ (941) Foreign Currency Translation Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ (1,263) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations (a) 490 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (168) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 322 Balances as of June 30, 2017 $ (941) (a) Includes $289 million of recognized tax benefits (Refer to Note 8). Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of March 31, 2016 $ (1,103) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (136) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 51 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (85) Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ (1,188) Foreign Currency Translation Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (33) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 1 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (32) Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ (1,188) The following table shows the tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30 , for the changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments presented above : Tax (benefit) expense Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments (a) $ (27) $ 79 $ (345) $ 49 Total tax impact $ (27) $ 79 $ (345) $ 49 Includes $289 million of tax benefits recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2017 (Refer to Note 8 ). No amounts were reclassified out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the three and six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes The results of operations of Credco are included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of American Express. Under an agreement with American Express, provision for income taxes is recognized on a separate company basis. If benefits for net operating losses, future tax 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 that are recognizable on an American Express consolidated reporting basis. The effective tax rate was (9.6) percent and 12.3 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 respectively, and 1.7 percent and 1 1 . 5 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2 017 and 2016 respectively. The changes in tax rates primarily reflected the geographic mix of expenses in the United States attracting a 35 percent statutory benefit and foreign earnings taxed at lower rates, which are indefinitely reinvested. The tax rate in each of the periods reflects the favorable impact of the tax benefit related to Credco’s ongoing funding activities outside the United States. Credco’s provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is n ot based on an estimated annual effective rate due to volatility in certain components of revenues and expenses that prevents Credco from projecting a reliable estimate of full year pretax income. A discrete calculation of the provision for income taxes is recorded for each interim period. American Express is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which American Express has significant business operations. The tax years under e xamination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. In February 2017, American Express received notification that all matters outstanding with the IRS for tax years 1997-2007 were resolved. The resolution of such matters did not impact Credco’s effec tive tax rate. American Express is currently under examination with the IRS for tax years 2008 through 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , Credco’s unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $ 288 million. The decrease was primarily due to the resoluti on with the IRS of an uncertain tax position in January 2017, and resulted in the recognition of $ 289 million in shareholder’s equity, specifically within AOCI. Interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits also decreased by approximately $ 42 million due to the resolution of this uncertain tax position. The decrease in accrued interest had no impact on either the income tax provision or AOCI. Credco believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by an immaterial amount within the next 12 months principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the attribution of taxable income to a particula r jurisdiction or jurisdictions. The resolution of such items would not have a material impact on Credco’s effective tax rate.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumpt ions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Policy [Abstract]
Derivatives	Credco uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures.
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Credco has established a Variable Interest Entity ( 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.

Card Member Receivables and L16

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Accounts Receivable And Loans Tables [Abstract]
Card Member receivables detail	Card Member receivables as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of (Millions) 2017 2016 U.S. Consumer Services $ 5,601 $ 3,518 International Consumer and Network Services (a) 1,579 1,526 Global Commercial Services (b) 14,696 13,174 Card Member receivables (c) 21,876 18,218 Less: Reserve for losses 146 110 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 21,730 $ 18,108 Comprised of International consumer card business. Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 43 million and $ 27 million as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial.
Card Member loans detail	Card Member loans as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of: (Millions) 2017 2016 International Consumer and Network Services (a) $ 471 $ 476 Less: Reserve for losses 5 5 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 466 $ 471 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 presen ts the aging of C ard Member receivables and Card Member loans as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2017 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 5,561 $ 15 $ 7 $ 18 $ 5,601 International Consumer and Network Services 1,560 7 4 8 1,579 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,615 7 3 8 1,633 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 110 13,063 Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services $ 467 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 471 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 For G lobal Corporate Payments Card Member receivables in Global Commercial Services , 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 day s past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes . See also (b). Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized f or risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.
Credit quality indicators for receivables and loans	The following table s prese nt the key credit quality indicators as of or for the six months ended June 30 : 2017 2016 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 0.67 % 0.71 % 0.67 % 0.58 % International Consumer and Network Services 1.55 % 1.20 % 2.13 % 1.39 % Global Small Business Services 1.03 % 1.10 % 1.18 % 0.82 % Card Member Loans: International Consumer and Network Services 1.28 % 0.85 % 1.40 % 0.70 % 2017 2016 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 0.08 % 0.84 % 0.06 % 0.72 % Represents 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. Represents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco that are written off, net of recoveries, 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 six months ended June 30 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 110 $ 114 Provisions 113 64 Other credits (a) 33 6 Net write-offs (b) (94) (75) Other debits (c) (16) (10) Balance, June 30 $ 146 $ 99 Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates. P articipation interests in Card Member receivables purchased totaled $ 6.0 billion and $ 1.1 billion for the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 45 million and $ 47 million for the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances re lated to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold totaled $ 2.6 billion and $ 2.3 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the six months ended June 30 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 5 $ 4 Provisions 3 4 Net write-offs (a) (3) (3) Balance, June 30 $ 5 $ 5 Net of recoveries of $ 1.0 million for both the six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 .

Derivatives and Hedging Activ18

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 liabili ties as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a) $ ― $ 22 $ ― $ 69 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 4 151 104 1 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 4 173 104 70 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 32 128 36 28 Total derivatives, gross 36 301 140 98 Less: Cash collateral netting (b)(c) ― (2) ― (49) Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (d) (11) (27) (11) (27) Total derivatives, net (e) $ 25 $ 272 $ 129 $ 22 Effective January 2017, the Central Clearing Party changed the legal characterization of variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives to be settlement payments, as opposed to collateral. A s of June 30, 2017 , centrally cleared derivatives are fully collateralized . Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivatives executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Credco held no non-cash collateral as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. To mitigate counterparty credit risk related to derivatives, Credco may accept non-cash collateral from its derivative s counterparties. Additionally, Credco posted $ 152 million and $ 144 million as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceab le master netting arrangement. Credco has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Accrued interest and Other liabilities, respectively, on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	The following table summarizes the gains ( losses ) recognized in Other expenses associated with Credco’s fair value hedges for the three and six months ended June 30 : Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest rate derivative contracts $ 20 $ 63 $ (30) $ 205 Hedged items (37) (55) (8) (201) Net hedge ineffectiveness $ (17) $ 8 $ (38) $ 4

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (Millions) 2017 2016 Assets: Derivatives (a) $ 36 $ 301 Total assets 36 301 Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 140 98 Total liabilities $ 140 $ 98 Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of de rivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.
Estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of June 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2017 (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) $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 0.2 $ 1.1 $ ― Other financial assets 23.4 23.4 ― 23.4 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.5 0.5 ― ― 0.5 Loans to affiliates and other 10.0 10.0 ― 7.1 2.9 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 7.4 7.4 ― 7.4 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt $ 25.2 $ 25.4 $ ― $ 25.4 $ ― 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 $ ― Level 1 amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits in banks and Level 2 amount reflects time deposits and short-term investments .

Changes in Accumulated Other 20

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	Changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments for the three and six months ended June 30 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of March 31, 2017 $ (955) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations 54 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (40) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 14 Balances as of June 30, 2017 $ (941) Foreign Currency Translation Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ (1,263) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations (a) 490 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (168) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 322 Balances as of June 30, 2017 $ (941) (a) Includes $289 million of recognized tax benefits (Refer to Note 8). Foreign Currency Translation Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of March 31, 2016 $ (1,103) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (136) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 51 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (85) Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ (1,188) Foreign Currency Translation Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Millions) , net of tax Adjustments Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (33) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations 1 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (32) Balances as of June 30, 2016 $ (1,188)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income - Tax Effect	The following table shows the tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30 , for the changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments presented above : Tax (benefit) expense Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, (Millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments (a) $ (27) $ 79 $ (345) $ 49 Total tax impact $ (27) $ 79 $ (345) $ 49 Includes $289 million of tax benefits recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2017 (Refer to Note 8 ).

Card Member Receivables and L21

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 21,876	$ 18,218
Less: Reserve for losses	146	110	$ 99	$ 114
Card Member receivables, net	21,730	18,108
U.S. Consumer Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	5,601	3,518
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	14,696	13,174
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 1,579	$ 1,526

Card Member Receivables and L22

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Card Member loans
Less: Reserve for losses	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 4
Card Member loans, less reserves	466	471
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Card Member loans
Card Member loans	471	476
Less: Reserve for losses	5	5
Card Member loans, less reserves	$ 466	$ 471

Card Member Receivables and L23

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	$ 5,561	$ 3,501
Total aging	5,601	3,518
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	15	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	7	3
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	18	5
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,560	1,506
Total aging	1,579	1,526
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	7	6
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	8	10
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	467	472
Total aging	471	476
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	2
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total aging	13,063	11,956
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	110	108
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,615	1,202
Total aging	1,633	1,218
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	7	9
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	3	2
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	$ 8	$ 5

Card Member Receivables and L24

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 3)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
U.S. Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	0.67%	0.67%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.71%	0.58%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.55%	2.13%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.20%	1.39%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.28%	1.40%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	0.85%	0.70%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.08%	0.06%
90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables	0.84%	0.72%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Net Write-off Rate	1.03%	1.18%
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.10%	0.82%

Card Member Receivables and L25

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Net volume of Card Member receivables purchased	$ 124,000	$ 109,000
Net volume of Card Member loans purchased	2,100	$ 2,000
Deferred discount revenue on Card Member receivable	43		$ 27
RFC VIII [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Participation Interests In Card Member Receivables Purchased	$ 6,500		$ 4,000

Reserves (Details)

Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 110	$ 114
Provisions	113	64
Other credits	33	6
Net write-offs	(94)	(75)
Other debits	(16)	(10)
Balance, June 30	$ 146	$ 99

Reserves (Details 1)

Reserves (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 5	$ 4
Provisions	3	4
Net write-offs	(3)	(3)
Balance, June 30	$ 5	$ 5

Reserves (Details Textuals)

Reserves (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Reserves For Losses (Textuals) [Abstract]
Participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates	$ 6,000	$ 1,100
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts	45	47
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	1	1
Participation Interest in Card Member Receivables Sold to Affiliates	$ 2,600	$ 2,300

Derivatives and Hedging Activ29

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 36	$ 301
Cash collateral netting	0	(2)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(11)	(27)
Total derivatives assets,net	25	272
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	4	173
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	32	128
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	0	22
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	4	151
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	140	98
Cash collateral netting	0	(49)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(11)	(27)
Total derivatives liabilities, net	129	22
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	104	70
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	36	28
Other Liabilities [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liability	0	69
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	$ 104	$ 1

Derivatives and Hedging Activ30

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Other Expense [Member] - Interest Rate Contract [Member] - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract	$ 20	$ 63	$ (30)	$ 205
Hedged item	(37)	(55)	(8)	(201)
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$ (17)	$ 8	$ (38)	$ 4

Derivatives and Hedging Activ31

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Textuals [Abstract]
Net reduction in interest expense on long term debt	$ 17	$ 34	$ 39	$ 68
Derivative [Line Items]
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	152		152		$ 144
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net hedge ineffectiveness	0	0	0	0
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	16,900		16,900		14,800
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Effection portion of loss (gain) on hedges	40	(51)	168	(1)
Ineffectiveness reclassified from AOCI into income	0	0	0	0
Other expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss (gain) in Changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	(6)	$ 1	(10)	$ 2
Individually Significant Counterparties [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets,net	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 36	$ 301
Total assets	36	301
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	140	98
Total liabilities	$ 140	$ 98

Fair Value (Details 1)

Fair Value (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	$ 466	$ 471
Loans to affiliates and other	10,033	10,659
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	25,171	20,512
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	1,300	1,200
Other financial assets	23,400	19,300
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	500	500
Loans to affiliates and other	10,000	10,700
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	7,400	9,100
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	25,200	20,500
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	1,300	1,200
Other financial assets	23,400	19,300
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	500	500
Loans to affiliates and other	10,000	10,700
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	7,400	9,100
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	25,400	20,700
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	1,100	1,000
Other financial assets	23,400	19,300
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	0	0
Loans to affiliates and other	7,100	7,900
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	7,400	9,100
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	25,400	20,700
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	500
Loans to affiliates and other	2,900	2,800
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	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 35,361	$ 31,936
Total liabilities	32,714	29,727
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | American Express Canada Credit Corporation Member [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	1,800	1,700
Total liabilities	1,700	1,700
Liabilities eliminated in consolidation	$ 1,300	$ 1,300

Changes In Accumulated Other 36

Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period			$ (1,263)
Balances as of end of period	$ (941)	$ (1,188)	(941)	$ (1,188)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(955)	(1,103)	(1,263)	(1,156)
Net translation gain (loss) of investment in foreign operations	54	(136)	490	(33)
Net (losses) gain related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	(40)	51	(168)	1
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	14	(85)	322	(32)
Balances as of end of period	$ (941)	$ (1,188)	$ (941)	$ (1,188)

Changes in Accumulated Other 37

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (27)	$ 79	$ (345)	$ 49
Total tax impact	$ (27)	$ 79	(345)	$ 49
Tax Benefits Recognized in the period			$ 288

Changes in Accumulated Other 38

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amount of gain loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract]
Decrease in Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity	$ 289		$ 289
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest accrued	$ (42)		$ (42)
Effective tax rate	(9.60%)	12.30%	1.70%	11.50%
Tax Benefits Recognized in the period			$ 288
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