American Express Credit 10-K 1 Mar 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 01, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
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, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
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
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Busines	false

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues
Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans	$ 1,017	$ 760	$ 471
Interest income from affiliates and other	383	279	207
Finance revenue	61	48	40
Total revenues	1,461	1,087	718
Expenses
Provisions for losses	249	244	151
Interest expense	626	495	317
Interest expense to affiliates	225	58	24
Other, net	(55)	15	14
Total expenses	1,045	812	506
Pretax income	416	275	212
Income tax provision	29	878	15
Net income (loss)	$ 387	$ (603)	$ 197

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 387	$ (603)	$ 197
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(62)	265	(107)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(62)	265	(107)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 325	$ (338)	$ 90

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 102	$ 196
Card Member receivables, less reserves	24,429	20,131
Card Member loans, less reserves	636	556
Loans to affiliates and other	14,136	14,527
Due from affiliates	210	189
Other assets	529	290
Total assets	40,042	35,889
Liabilities
Short-term debt	826	1,308
Short-term debt to affiliates	5,899	5,997
Long-term debt	20,447	24,153
Long-term debt to affiliates	7,523	270
Total debt	34,695	31,728
Due to affiliates	2,869	1,988
Accrued interest and other liabilities	282	302
Total liabilities	37,846	34,018
Shareholder's Equity
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares as of December 31, 2018 and 2017	0	0
Additional paid-in-capital	161	161
Retained earnings	3,095	2,708
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,060)	(998)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,060)	(998)
Total shareholder's equity	2,196	1,871
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$ 40,042	$ 35,889

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Card Member receivables, reserves	$ 167	$ 145
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	$ 34	$ 17

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)		$ 387	$ (603)	$ 197
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses		249	244	151
Amortization of underwriting expense		25	28	23
Deferred taxes		(35)	55	14
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest, taxes and other amounts due to/from affiliates		(90)	1,088	(39)
Other operating assets and liabilities		405	(378)	475
Net cash provided by operating activities		941	434	821
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net increase in Card Member receivables and Card Member loans including held for sale		(4,984)	(1,998)	(1,059)
Net (increase) decrease in loans to affiliates and other		(67)	(1,245)	2,973
Net increase (decrease) in due to/from affiliates		978	(1,718)	(515)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(4,073)	(4,961)	1,399
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt		(482)	(1,685)	873
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt to affiliates	[1]	(97)	1,414	(861)
Proceeds from long-term debt		0	8,438	3,791
Principal payments of long-term debt		(3,647)	(4,900)	(4,961)
Proceeds from long-term debt to affiliates	[1]	11,812	270	0
Principal Payments Of long-term Debt Affiliates		(4,546)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		3,040	3,537	(1,158)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(9)	75	(24)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(101)	(915)	1,038
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		296	1,211	173
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		$ 195	$ 296	$ 1,211
[1]	Pursuant to the revision of the master note arrangem ent with American Express Company during the fourth quarter of 2018, Credco has changed the classification of the net borrowings from s hort - term debt to affiliate s to l ong- term debt to affiliate s . Refer to Note 9 for additional information .

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Non cash investing activities
Replacement of due from affiliate balance with new loan arrangement with affiliates	[1]	$ 0	$ 2,129	$ 0
[1]	To more effectively manage inter-affiliate funding, Credco entered into new loan agreements in July 2017 with American Express Limited and American Express International, Inc. The new loans were funded by the assignment of its exist ing loan to American Express Company and its outstanding due from affiliate balance with TRS

Consolidated Statement of Cas_2

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets		$ 102	$ 196	$ 1,211
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets	[1]	93	100	0
Total Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$ 195	$ 296	$ 1,211
[1]	Represents cash deposited with Amex Bank of Canada relating to the purchase of Card Member receivables and the collateralized loan arrangement for transfer of Car d Member loans

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, 2015	$ 2,119	$ 0	$ 161	$ (1,156)	$ 3,114
Net income (loss)	197				197
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(107)			(107)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	2,209	0	161	(1,263)	3,311
Net income (loss)	(603)				(603)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	265			265
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,871	0	161	(998)	2,708
Net income (loss)	387				387
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(62)			(62)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 2,196	$ 0	$ 161	$ (1,060)	$ 3,095

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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). Credco is engaged in the business of financing certain non-interest-earning Card Member receivables arising from the use of the American Express charge cards issued in the United St ates 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 . Credco executes material transactions with its affiliates. The agreements between Credco and its affiliates provide that the parties intend that the transactions ther eunder be conducted on an arm’s- length basis; however, there can be no assurance that the terms of these arrangements are the same a s would be negotiated between independent, unrelated parties. American Express provides Credco with financial support with respect to maintenance of its minimum required 1.25 fixed charge coverage ratio, which is achieved by charging appropriate d iscount 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 minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The revenue earned by Credco from purchasing Card Member receivables and Card Member loans at a discount is reported as discount revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Incom e. Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements 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 Credco holds a controlling financial 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 decis ions. For var iable 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 benef iciary 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 the losses of, or the right to receive the benefits from, the VIE that could potent ia lly be significant to that VIE. Foreign Currency Monetary 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; non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the historic exchange rate at the date of the transaction; 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 nsolidated Statements of Income . Amounts Ba sed on Estimates 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 to reserves for Card Member losses on receivables and loans and income taxes. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Discount Revenue Earned from Purchased Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans Credco earns discount revenue from purchasing Card Member receivables and Card Member 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 outstanding or funded. Estimates are based on the historical average life of Card Member receivables and Card Member 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 balance is paid. Fi nance 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 until the outstandin g balance is paid or written off. Interest Expense Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Cash and Cash E quivalents 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, along with the related Note and page number where the Note can be found. Note Significant Accounting Policy Number Note Title Page Card Member Receivables and Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans Note 2 Card Member Loans 39 Reserves for Losses – Card Member Receivables and Loans Note 3 Reserves for Losses 42 Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Note 6 Derivatives and Hedging Activities 44 Fair Value Measurements Note 7 Fair Values 48 Income Taxes Note 11 Income Taxes 55 Recently - Issued - and - adopted - Accounting - Standards Recently Issued Accounting Standards In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance for the recognition of credit losses on financial instruments, effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. Credco do es not intend to early adopt the new standard . 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 b ased on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information . The guidance also requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning o f the reporting period of adoption . Credco continue s to evaluate the impact the new guidance will have on Credco’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and credit ratings. Credco expects that the CECL model will alter the assumptions used in estimating credit losses on Card Member receivables and loans, 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 . However, the extent of the impact will depend on the characteristics of Credco ’s loan portfolio, macroeconomic conditions and forecasted information at the date of adoption. American Express continue s to be actively engaged in cross-functional implementation efforts and is in the proc ess of developing and implementing CECL models that satisfy the requirements of the new standard, along with appropriate business processes and controls. In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act ) , the FASB i ssued new accounting guidance on the reclassification of certain tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings. The optional reclassification is effective January 1, 2019. Credco is evaluating the new guidance along with any impacts on Credco’s financial posi tion, results of operations and cash flows, none of which are expected to be material. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabi lities, which was effective and adopted by Credco as o f January 1, 2018. The guidance makes targeted changes to GAAP; specifically to the classification and measurement of equity securities, and to certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair v alue of financial assets and liabilitie s. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on Credco’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Credco implemented changes to its accounting policies, business processes and intern al controls in support of the new guidance. Such changes were not material . In November 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the cash flow classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents, effective January 1, 2018. The guidance provides specifically that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are to be included with cash and cash equivalents on the statement s of cash flows. Credco holds a restricted cash balance such that it becomes a material change to the way balances are presented on the statement s of cash flows. B eginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2018, Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Cash F lows reflect the adoption of the s tandard using the full retrospective method, which applies the new standard to each prior reporting period presented. In August 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance providing targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities, effectiv e January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted in any interim period or fiscal year before the effective date. The guidance introduces a number of amendments, several of which are optional, that are designed to simplify the application of hedge accountin g, improve financial statement transparency and more closely align hedge accounting with an entity’s risk management strategies. Effective January 1, 2018, Credco adopted the guidance with no material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, along with associated changes to its accounting policies, business processes and internal controls in support of the new guidance. Such changes were not material . Other Information Effective for the second quarter of 20 18, American Express realigned its reportable operating segments to reflect the organizational changes announced during the first quarter of 2018 which combined its U.S. and International consumer businesses into a global consumer services organization , am ong other changes . To enhance the comparability and usefulness of Credco’s financial statements with that of American Express, Credco has also combined its U.S. and International consumer Card Member receivables and Card Member loans in Note 2 for the peri ods presented. This change 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 Car

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans	Note 2 – Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans American Express’ charge and lending payment card products result in the generation of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, respectively. 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 point-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Each charge card transaction is au thorized 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 exposure 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 S heets, net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 3). Card Member receivables also include participation interests purchased from an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables represent undivided interests in the cash flows of the non-int erest-earning Card Member receivables. In conjunction with TRS’ securitization program, Credco, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC), purchases participation interests from American Express Receivables Financing Corporation VIII LLC ( RFC VIII) , a wholly owned subsidiary of TRS tha t receives undivided, pro rata interests in Card Member receivables transferred to the American Express Issuance Trust (the Charge Trust), by TRS. The Charge Trust is a special purpose entity that is consolidated by TRS. Card Member receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of: (Millions) 2018 2017 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 8,485 $ 5,384 Global Commercial Services (b) 16,111 14,892 Card Member receivables (c) 24,596 20,276 Less: Reserve for losses 167 145 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 24,429 $ 20,131 Comprised of U.S. and International C onsumer Services . Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 68 million and $ 43 million as of December 31 , 2018 and 2017 , 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). 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, a nd establish reserves for interest that will not be collected. Card Member loans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of: (Millions) 2018 2017 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 641 $ 561 Less: Reserve for losses 5 5 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 636 $ 556 Comprised of International C onsumer Services. Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial. Card Member Receivables and Card Member 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, 2018 and 2017 : 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2018 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group $ 8,432 $ 17 $ 12 $ 24 $ 8,485 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,787 7 4 7 1,805 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 103 14,306 Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 636 $ 2 $ 1 $ 2 $ 641 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2017 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group $ 5,336 $ 18 $ 11 $ 19 $ 5,384 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,397 5 4 6 1,412 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 112 13,480 Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 557 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 561 For Global 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 da ys 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 for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances. Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans The followi ng table s present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the years ended December 31: 2018 2017 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: Global Consumer Services Group 1.14 % 0.62 % 1.01 % 0.89 % Global Small Business Services 1.34 % 1.00 % 1.11 % 1.06 % Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group 1.03 % 0.78 % 1.24 % 0.71 % 2018 2017 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 % 0.72 % 0.08 % 0.83 % 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. Refer to Note 3 for additional 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, 2018
Reserves for Losses [Abstract]
Reserves for Losses	Note 3 – Reserves for Losses Reserves for losses relating to Card Member receivables and Card Member 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 Card Member loans balances are written off when management considers amount s to be uncollectible , 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 Card Member loans in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification. 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) 2018 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 145 $ 110 $ 114 Provisions 243 238 145 Other credits (a) 53 58 20 Net write-offs (b) (238) (198) (146) Other debits (c) (36) (63) (23) Balance, December 31 $ 167 $ 145 $ 110 Primarily reserve balances related to new groups of , and participation interests in, Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates, totaling $ 9.8 billion, $ 9.4 billion and $ 5.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 119 million, $ 95 million and $ 91 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate . P articipation interests in Card Member receivables sold t otaled $ 6.2 billion, $ 9.4 billion and $ 5.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respective ly. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 5 $ 5 $ 4 Provisions 6 6 6 Net write-offs (a) (6) (6) (5) Balance, December 31 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 Net of recoveries of $ 1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 , and $ 1.0 million for both the yea rs ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 : 2018 2017 Outstanding Year-End Stated Outstanding Year-End Stated Balance Interest Rate on Balance Interest Rate on (Millions, except percentages) Debt (a) Debt (a) Commercial paper (b) $ 752 2.71 % $ 1,168 1.54 % Other short-term borrowings (c) 74 2.39 140 1.27 Total $ 826 2.68 % $ 1,308 1.51 % For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rates are weighted based on the outstanding principal balances and interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Average commercial paper outst anding was $228 million and $1,076 million in 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Represents interest-bearing overdrafts with banks . Long-Term Debt Cred co’s long-term debt outstanding (excluding long -term debt to affiliates), defined as debt with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows: 2018 2017 Original Year-End Year-End Year-End Year-End Contractual Interest Interest Interest 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 2019-2027 $ 16,677 2.28 % 3.06 % $ 19,652 2.24 % 2.27 % Floating Rate Senior Notes 2019-2022 3,800 3.31 ― 4,550 2.09 ― Unamortized Underwriting Fees (30) (49) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,447 2.47 % $ 24,153 2.21 % The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount, (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. Refer to Note 6 for more details on Credco’s treatment of fair value hedges. For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rate on debt is weighted based on outstanding principal balances and interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . I nteres t rates with swaps a re only presented when swaps are in place to hedge the underlying debt. The interest rates with swaps are weighted based on the outstanding principal balances and the interest rates on the floating leg of the swaps in effect as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. Aggregate annual maturities o n long-term debt obligations (based on contractual maturit y or anticipated redemption dates) as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (Millions) 2019 $ 7,150 2020 6,600 2021 2,890 2022 2,050 2023 ― Thereafter 2,000 Total 20,690 Unamortized Underwriting Fees (30) Unamortized Discount (29) Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting (184) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,447 Credco maintained a bank line of credit of $ 3.5 billion as of both December 31, 2018 and 2017 , all of which was undrawn as of the respective dates . These undrawn amounts support contingent funding needs. Credco paid $ 2.5 million and $ 6.0 million in fees to maintain these lines for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The availability of the credit line is subject to compliance with certain finan cial covenants, including the maintenance of a 1.25 minimum required fixed charge coverage ratio. The fixed charge coverage ratio for Credco was 1.49 for the year ended December 3 1 , 2018 . As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , Credco was no t 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 Credc o’s credit ratings. Credco paid total interest , primarily related to short- and long-term debt, and corresponding interest rate swaps of $ 0.6 billion, $ 0.5 billion and $ 0.3 billion for the ye ars ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Restrictions as to Dividends an

Restrictions as to Dividends and Limitations on Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 required fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 .

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Note 6 – Derivatives and Hedging Activities Credco uses d erivative financial instruments to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of Credco’s market risk management. Credco does not transact in 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 risk arising from earnings, funding, transactions and inv estments in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. American Express centrally monitor s market risks using market risk limits and escalation triggers as defined in its Asset/Liability Management Policy. Interest rate risk primarily arises through the fund ing of Card Member receivables and fixed-rate loans with variable-rate borrowings, as well as through the risk to net interest margin from changes in the relationship between benchmark rates such as Prime, LIBOR and the overnight indexed swap rate. Interes t 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 business vol umes 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 in enti ties 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 economical , through various means, including t he 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 executed either by Cr edco 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 managed 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 underlying 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 bilateral counter party 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 of Credco’s deri vative assets and liabilities as of December 31 , 2018 and 2017 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 Co nsolidated Balance Sheets. To further mitigate counterparty credit risk, Credco exercise s its rights under executed credit support agreements with the respective derivative counterparties for most of its bilateral interest rate swaps . These agreements requ ire 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 clearinghouse are collateralized to the full amount of the fair value of the contracts. In relation to Credco’s credit risk, certain of Credco’s bilateral derivative agreements include provisions that allow counterparties to terminate the agreement in the event of a downgrade of Credco’s debt credit ra ting below investment grade and settle the outstanding net liability position. As of December 31, 2018, these derivatives were not in a net liability position . Credco has no individually signi ficant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. Based on Credco’s assessment of the credit risk of it s derivative counterparties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , no credit risk adju stment 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 an y, as discussed 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) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a)(b) $ ― $ ― $ ― $ ― Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 57 54 10 38 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 57 54 10 38 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 220 9 6 57 Total derivatives, gross 277 63 16 95 Less: Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (11) (26) (11) (26) Total derivatives, net $ 266 $ 37 $ 5 $ 69 For Credco’s centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral. Credco posted $ 55 million and $ 115 million as of December 31 , 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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 amo unt of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparties under an enforceable master netting arrangement. 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 assess es , at inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting th e 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 of 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 risk . 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 $ 13.8 billion and $ 16.2 billion of its fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships a s of December 31, 201 8 and 201 7, respectively. Gains or loss es on the fair value hedging instrument principally offset the loss es or gain s on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. T he changes in the fair value of the derivative and the changes in the hedged item m ay not fully offset due to differences between a debt obligation’s intere st rate and the benchmark rate, primarily due to credit spreads at inception of the hedging relationship that are not reflected in the fair value of the interest rate swap. Furthermore, the difference may be caused by changes in 1-month LIBOR, 3-month LIBOR and the overnight indexed swa p rate, as spreads between these rates impact the fair value of the interest rate swap without an exact offsetting impact to the fair value of the hedged debt. The following table presents the gains and losses associated with the fair value hedges of Credco’s fixed-rate long-term debt for the years ended December 31: Gains (losses) (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Interest Expense (a) Other expenses Other expenses Fixed-rate long-term debt $ 29 $ 100 $ 91 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (13) (129) (102) Total $ 16 $ (29) $ (11) Credco adopted new accounting guidance providing targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities effective January 1, 2018. In compliance with the standard, amounts previously recorded in Other expenses have been prospectively recorded in Interest expense. Refer to Note 1 for additional information. The carrying values of the hedged liabilities, recorded within Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $ 13.5 billion and $16.0 b illion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, including offsetting amounts of $ 184 million and $155 million for the respective periods, related to the cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments. Credco recognize d a net increase of $ 75 million in Interest expense on Long -term debt for the year ended December 31, 2018, and net reductions of $ 53 million and $ 126 million for the years ended Dec ember 31, 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 A net investment hedge is used to hedge future changes i n currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Credco primarily designate s 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. C redco had notionals of approximately $ 2.9 billion and $ 3.0 billion of foreign currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in A OCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment w as a gain of $ 127 million , a loss of $ 174 million and a gain of $ 80 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. No amounts associated with net investment hedges were reclassified from AOCI into income for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . Derivatives Not Designated a s Hedges Credco has derivatives that act as economic hedges, but are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes. Foreign currency transactions from time to t ime 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 a n agreed - upon rate for settlement on a specified date. 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 cha nges in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in a net gains of $ 59 million, $ 21 million and $1 million for t he years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and are recognized in Other expenses.

Fair Values

Fair Values	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 the 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, 2018 and 2017 , 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 monitor s the market conditions and evaluate s the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were no Level 3 transfers. 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 described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31: (Millions) 2018 2017 Assets: Derivatives, gross (a) $ 277 $ 63 Total assets 277 63 Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 16 95 Total liabilities $ 16 $ 95 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 appl ies the following valuation techniques: Derivative Financial Instruments The fair value of Credco’s derivative financial instruments is estimated internally by using third-party pricing models , where the inputs to those models are readily observable from actively quoted markets. The pricing models used are consistently applied and reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives as described below. Credco reaffirms its understanding of the valuation techniques at least annually and validate s the valuation output on a quarterly basis . Credco’s derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hi erarchy. The fair value 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 co upon rate, floating coupon rate 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 forward contracts is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the fo llowing 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 forward curves, and discount rates consistent with the underlying economic factor s 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 derivatives are not indicative of Credco’s credit quality or that of its counterparti es. 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 summarizes the estimated fair value for Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost, and not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and require management judgment. These figures may not be i ndicative of future fair values, nor can Credco’s fair value be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2018 (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) $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ ― $ ― Other financial assets (b) 24.9 24.9 0.1 24.8 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.6 0.6 ― ― 0.6 Loans to affiliates and other 14.1 14.1 ― 7.4 6.7 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 9.0 9.0 ― 9.0 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt 20.4 20.5 ― 20.5 ― Long-term debt to affiliates $ 7.5 $ 7.3 $ ― $ 7.3 $ ― 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) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ ― $ ― Other financial assets (b) 20.6 20.6 0.1 20.5 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.6 0.6 ― ― 0.6 Loans to affiliates and other 14.5 14.4 ― 10.0 4.4 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 8.6 8.6 ― 8.6 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt 24.2 24.5 ― 24.5 ― Long-term debt to affiliates $ 0.3 $ 0.3 $ ― $ 0.3 $ ― Amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits. Level 1 amounts reflect interest-bearing restricted cash and Level 2 amounts primarily reflect Card Member receivables. 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 appl ies the following valuation techniques to measure fair value: Financial Assets For W hich 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 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 interest rate. Financial Assets Carried At Other Than Fair Value Card Member loans Card Member loans are reco rded at historical cost, less reserves, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating the fair value for Credco’s Card Member loans, Credco uses a discounted cash flow model. Due to the lack of a comparable whole loan sales market for similar loans and the lack of observable pricing inputs thereof, Credco uses various inputs to estimate fair value. Such inputs include projected income , discount rates and relevant credit losses. 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 the 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 o ther, 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 val ue include short-term 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 ma rket-based interest rate. Financial Liabilities Carried At Other Than Fair Value Long-term debt Long-term debt , includ ing with affiliates , is recorded at historical issuance cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets adjusted for (i) unamortized discount and unamortized fees, (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 throu gh the use of interest rate swaps. 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 discounting the future ca sh 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 similar terms and compar able credit risk, Credco uses market interest rates and adjust s those rates for necessary risks, including Credco’s own credit risk. In determining an appropriate spread to reflect Credco’s credit standing, Credco consider s credit default swap spreads, bon d 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 D uring the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Note 8 – Variable Interest Entity Credco established a VIE, American Express Canada Credit Corporation (AECCC), primarily to issue notes in Canada under a medium-term note program and lend the proceeds to affiliates. The notes issued under the medium-term note program are fully guaranteed by Credco. The prospectus for this program expired in September 2014 and was not renewed . Credco is considered the primary beneficiary of the entity and owns all of the outstanding voting interests and, therefore, consolidates the entity. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, total assets of AECCC were $0.4 million and $ 466 m illion , respectively , a nd total liabilities were nil and $ 457 m illion , respectively, none of which were eliminated in consolidation. In March 2018, the funds lent by AECCC were repaid by the affiliates and used to satisfy the scheduled maturity of notes issued under the medium-term note program.

Transactions With Affiliates

Transactions With Affiliates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , Credco purchased Card Member receivables and loans without recourse from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries totaling approximately $ 299 billion, $ 262 billion and $ 225 billion, respectively. In 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , Credco sold Card Member receivab les and participating interests to affiliates totaling $ 6.2 billion, $ 9.4 billion and $ 5.7 billion, respectively. The discount revenue on purchased Card Member receivables and loans total ed $ 1.0 b illion, $ 0.8 b illion and $ 0.5 b illion for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , 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, 2018 and 2017 , CRC owned approximately $ 6.7 billion and $ 4.1 billion, respectively, of participation interests purchased from RFC VIII. Transactions with affiliates as of or for the year s ended December 31, were as follows: (Millions, except percentages) 2018 2017 2016 Loans to affiliates and other $ 14,136 $ 14,527 $ 10,659 Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other 2.79 % 2.19 % 1.78 % Due from affiliates $ 210 $ 189 $ 997 Restricted cash with affiliates 93 100 ― Short-term debt to affiliates 5,899 5,997 4,559 Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates 2.09 % 1.04 % 0.49 % Maximum month-end level of short-term debt during the year $ 14,216 $ 8,377 $ 5,091 Long term debt to affiliates 7,523 270 ― Average interest rate on long-term debt to affiliates 2.69 % 0.23 % ― Maximum month-end level of long-term debt during the year $ 8,725 $ 270 $ ― Due to affiliates 2,869 1,988 1,517 Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year 14,136 14,527 13,083 Interest income from affiliates and other 383 279 207 Interest expense to affiliates 225 58 24 Other, net expense 2 2 1 Interest paid on short-term and long-term debt $ 198 $ 54 $ 21 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 in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , no amount of loss reserves has been recorded and no loans are 30 days or more past due. The components of loans to a ffiliates and other as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2018 2017 American Express Limited $ 3,847 $ 3,847 American Express Services Europe Limited 3,552 2,747 American Express Australia Limited 1,839 1,616 Amex Bank of Canada 1,334 1,737 American Express International, Inc. 1,243 1,180 Amex Global Holdings C.V. 888 888 American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. 463 812 American Express International, Inc. - Branch - Singapore 383 124 American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. 348 325 Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A. 114 138 American Express International (NZ), Inc. 72 80 American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC 53 34 Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited ― 38 American Express Company ― 961 Total (a) $ 14,136 $ 14,527 As of December 31 , 2018 and 2017 , approximately $ 7.2 billion and $ 5.0 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 and its subsidiaries , as well as from operating activities. As of December 31, 2018 , due to affiliates primarily represents tax liability on account of the Tax Act. Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the amount of interest-bearing restricted cash was $ 93 million and $100 million , respectively , which represents cash depos ited with Amex Bank of Canada relating to the purchase of Card Member receivables and the collateralized loan arrangement fo r transfer of Card Member loans. It is included under “Other a ssets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet s . Short-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of master note agreements payable on demand. Credco does not expect any changes to its short-term funding strategies with affiliates. Components of short-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as f ollows: (Millions) 2018 2017 AE Exposure Management Limited $ 5,122 $ 4,548 American Express Europe LLC 517 765 American Express Holdings Netherlands CV 192 192 Accertify Inc. 68 48 American Express Swiss Holdings GmbH ― 444 Total $ 5,899 $ 5,997 Long-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of master note agreements with ori ginal contractual maturity dates of one year or greater and are not payable on demand. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the master note arrangement with American Express Company was amended to exclude a ‘payable on demand’ clause. This r evision in the agreement resulted in a change in the classification of the net borrowings from short-term deb t to affiliates to l ong-term debt to affiliates. The net borrowings from American Express Company were nil as on December 31, 2017. Components of long-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows: 2018 2017 Outstanding Year-End Stated Outstanding Year-End Stated Balance Interest Rate on Balance Interest Rate on (Millions, except percentages) Debt Debt American Express Company (a) $ 7,240 3.32 % $ ― ― % Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited (b) 283 0.28 ― ― LB Luxembourg Two S.a.r.l. ― ― 270 0.22 Total $ 7,523 3.20 % $ 270 0.22 % A mount s payable by November 2023. Amounts payable by September 2021. 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 fee had been charged by these affiliates from which Credco purchases receivables, fees to affiliates for servicing receivables would have been approxima tely $ 305 million, $ 234 million and $ 253 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , 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, 2018
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 10 – Changes in Accumu lated Other Comprehensive Income AOC I is a balance sheet item in the Shareholder’s Equity section o n 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 Adjustment (Millions), net of tax (losses) gains Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (187) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations 80 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (107) Balances as of December 31, 2016 (1,263) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations (a) 439 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations (174) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 265 Balances as of December 31, 2017 (998) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (189) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations 127 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (62) Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ (1,060) Includes $289 million of tax benefit recognized in the year ended December 31, 2017 (refer to N ote 11) . The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for th e changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments presented above : Tax expense (benefit) (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Net translation on investments in foreign operations (a) $ (23) $ (209) $ 49 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations 40 (103) 48 Total tax impact $ 17 $ (312) $ 97 Include s $ 289 million of tax benefit recognized in the year ended December 31, 2017 (refer to Note 11). No amounts were reclassified out of AOC I into the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year s ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 11 – Income Taxes The Tax Act, enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code which required time to interpret. The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118) in December, 2017, to provide guidance on accounting f or the effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides for a measurement period of up to one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete their assessment of and accounting for those effects of the Tax Act required under ASC 740 , “ Implementation Guidance on Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” to be report ed in the period of enactment. Under SAB 118, a company must first reflect the income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the accou nting is complete in the period of the date of enactment. To the extent the accounting for other income tax effects is incomplete, but a reasonable estimate can be determined, companies must record a provisional estimate to be included in their financial s tatements. For any income tax effect for which a reasonable estimate cannot be determined, an entity must continue to apply ASC 740 based on the provisions of the tax laws in effect immediately prior to the Tax Act being enacted until such time as a reason able estimate can be determined. In 2017, Credco recorded a net discrete tax charge of $ 858 million related to the Tax Act that was accounted for as a provisi onal estimate under SAB 118. Credco ha s completed its assessment of and accounting for the Tax Act , and recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $ 23 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 , which represents the final adjustment to Credco’s 2017 original provisional estimate, which is further explained below Impacts of the Deemed Repatriation: In 2017, Credco recorded a provisional tax charge of $737 million related to the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated post-1986 accumulated earnings and profits (E&P) of certain foreign subsidiaries. Credco has completed its assessment of the transition tax, which resulted in an additional tax charge of $2 million to its orig inal estimate of $737 million. Credco also recorded a provisional deferred tax liability of $105 m illion to account for the state income and foreign withholding tax on potential futur e cash dividends paid from such E&P. Credco has completed its assessment and reduced the deferred tax liability for state income and foreign withholding taxes related to certain foreign subsidiaries, which resulted in a discrete tax benefit adjustment of $ 25 million to its original provisional estimate. Remeasurement of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities: In 2017, Credco recorded a provisional deferred tax charge of $16 million related to the remeasurement of its U.S. federal net deferred tax assets to reflect the change in the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, as well as ot her provisions of the Tax Act. Credco has completed its assessment of the reme a surement of deferred tax assets and liabilities which resulted in no change to its origin al estimate. The global intangible low tax income (GILTI) provisions of the Tax Act impose a minimum tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets. Credco has elected to account for GILTI as a current period expense when incurred. T he 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 oper ating 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 Exp ress consolidated reporting basis. The c omponents of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 included in Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows: (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Current income tax expense (benefit): U.S. federal $ (14) $ 785 $ (4) U.S. state and local (6) 15 (6) Non-U.S. 84 24 11 Total current income tax expense 64 824 1 Deferred income tax (benefit) expense: U.S. federal (28) 58 10 U.S. state and local 1 1 1 Non-U.S. (8) (5) 3 Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense (35) 54 14 Total income tax expense $ 29 $ 878 $ 15 A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21 percent as of December 31, 2018 , and 35 percent as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, to Credco’s actual income tax rate on continuing operations was as follows: 2018 2017 2016 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % (Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (0.4) (0.3) (0.5) Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings (a) (8.7) (25.7) (25.1) Tax settlements (b) ― (1.1) (1.4) U.S. Tax Act (c) (5.6) 311.6 ― Other (d) 0.7 (0.2) (0.9) Actual tax rate 7.0 % 319.3 % 7.1 % Results for 2018 reflect the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the impact of certain prior years’ tax item. Results for 2017 and 2016 primarily included tax benefits associated with the undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that were deemed to be reinvested indefinitely Relates to the resolution of tax matters in various jurisdictions Relates to the $858 million charge in 2017 for the impacts of the Tax Act and the adjustments thereto in 2018 Results for all years include the impact of prior year tax returns filed in the current year Credco records a deferred income tax (benefit) provision when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax return pu rposes. 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. In particular, the 2017 balances were reduced to reflect the remeasurement of certain federal net deferred tax assets due to the enacted lower federal tax rate of 21 percent. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are reflected in the following table: (Millions) 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 36 $ 26 State income taxes 7 5 Foreign exchange loss 42 7 Other 29 ― Gross deferred tax assets 114 38 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in foreign subsidiaries (a) 77 105 Gross deferred tax liabilities 77 105 Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 37 $ (67) Deferred state income and foreign withholding tax consequences of future cash distributions from non-U.S. subsidiaries 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 some times open to interpretation. Given these inherent complexities, Credco must make judgments in assessing the likelihood that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the tax position. A ta x 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 sustained upon examination. The amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting p urposes 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 authority given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. Cre dco adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is new information available to assess the likelihood of the outcome. Credco is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and stat es in which it has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. In 2018, Credco settled its US federal income tax audits for tax years 2008-2014 , and the statute of limitations for these ye ars remain open th rough 2019. Tax years from 2015 onwards are open for examination by the IRS. The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 24 $ 308 $ 211 Increases: Current year tax positions 4 8 79 Tax positions related to prior years 46 ― 24 Decreases: Tax positions related to prior years (a) ― (289) (1) Settlements with tax authorities ― ― (1) Lapse of statute of limitations (1) (3) (4) Balance, December 31 $ 73 $ 24 $ 308 Decrease due to the resolution with the IRS of an uncertain tax position in January 2017, which resulted in the recognition of $289 million in shareholder ’ s equity, specifically within AOCI Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $ 73 million, $ 24 million and $308 million for December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 , res pectively, are approximately $52 million, $19 million and $12 million, respectively , that if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in a future period. Credco believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $3 million principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax ite ms 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 $3 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $2 million r elates to amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate in a future period. Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits are reported in the income tax provision. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Credco recognized a n immaterial amount for interest and penalties. For t he years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , Credco recognized tax benefits of approximately $ 1 million and $ 2 million, respectively, for in terest and penalties. Credco had approximately $5 million accrued for the payment of interest and p enalties as of both December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Current tax es due to American Express or affiliates as of De cember 31, 2018 and 2017 were $727 million and $786 million, respectively. The amount due to American Express for 2018 includes a $ 731 million payable related to the deemed repatriation tax. Payments due by year (Millions) 2019 2020 - 2021 2022 - 2023 2024 and thereafter Total Deemed repatriation tax (a) $ 63 $ 116 $ 116 $ 436 $ 731 Represents Credco’s estimated obligation under the Tax Act to pay the deemed repatriation tax to American Express on certain non-U . S . earnings over eight years starting in 2018 . This amount does not reflect other related non-cash accruals Net income taxe s paid by Credco during 2018 were approximately $ 144 million and net income taxes refunded to Credco during 2017 were approximately $308 million.

Significant Credit Concentratio

Significant Credit Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, Card Member 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 of the on-balance sheet assets by category , as of December 31: (Billions) 2018 2017 On-balance sheet: Loans to affiliates and other $ 14 $ 15 Institutions (a) 14 13 Individuals (b) 11 7 Financial Services (c) 1 1 Total on-balance sheet $ 40 $ 36 P rimarily reflects Card Member receivables from other corporate institutions , which are governed by institutional credit risk management . P rimarily reflects Card Member receivables and loans , which are governed by individual credit risk management. Represents banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and savings and loan associations. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , Credco’s most significant concen tration of credit risk was with Loans to affiliates and C orporate institutions, including Card Member receivables. 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 review s each potential customer’s credit application and evaluate s the a pplicant’s financial history and ability and willingness to repay. TRS also consider s , on behalf of Credco, credit performance by customer tenure, industry and geographic location in managing credit 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) 2018 2017 United States $ 18 $ 15 Outside the United States 7 6 Total $ 25 $ 21

Geographic Regions

Geographic Regions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 based, in part, upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management’s judgment : (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Revenues United States $ 1,033 $ 779 $ 440 Outside the United States 428 308 278 Consolidated $ 1,461 $ 1,087 $ 718 Pretax income United States $ 28 $ 9 $ 16 Outside the United States 388 266 196 Consolidated $ 416 $ 275 $ 212

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Note 14 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows : (Millions) 2018 2017 Quarters ended 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 Revenues $ 406 $ 386 $ 351 $ 318 $ 296 $ 286 $ 253 $ 252 Pretax income 108 107 93 108 72 85 52 66 Net income (loss) (a) $ 61 $ 109 $ 88 $ 129 $ (791) $ 72 $ 57 $ 59 Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2017 , includes impact of the Tax Act (r efer to Note 11 ) .

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements 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 Credco holds a controlling financial 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 decis ions. For var iable 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 benef iciary 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 the losses of, or the right to receive the benefits from, the VIE that could potent ia lly be significant to that VIE.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency Monetary 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; non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the historic exchange rate at the date of the transaction; 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 nsolidated Statements of Income .
Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions	Amounts Ba sed on Estimates 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 to reserves for Card Member losses on receivables and loans 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 Receivables and Card Member Loans Credco earns discount revenue from purchasing Card Member receivables and Card Member 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 outstanding or funded. Estimates are based on the historical average life of Card Member receivables and Card Member 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 balance is paid. Fi nance 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 until the outstandin g balance is paid or written off. Interest Expense Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash E quivalents 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 Card Member 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 point-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Each charge card transaction is au thorized 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 exposure 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 S heets, 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, a nd 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 Card Member 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 Card Member loans balances are written off when management considers amount s to be uncollectible , 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 Card Member loans in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification.
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 an y, as discussed below. Credco formally assess es , at inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting th e 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 of hedge accounting. Credco primarily designate s 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 hedges, but are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes. Foreign currency transactions from time to t ime 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 a n agreed - upon rate for settlement on a specified date. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures.
Fair Values [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Credco monitor s the market conditions and evaluate s the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly.
Income Tax Policy [Abstract]
Income taxes	The Tax Act, enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code which required time to interpret. The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118) in December, 2017, to provide guidance on accounting f or the effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides for a measurement period of up to one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete their assessment of and accounting for those effects of the Tax Act required under ASC 740 , “ Implementation Guidance on Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” to be report ed in the period of enactment. Under SAB 118, a company must first reflect the income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the accou nting is complete in the period of the date of enactment. To the extent the accounting for other income tax effects is incomplete, but a reasonable estimate can be determined, companies must record a provisional estimate to be included in their financial s tatements. For any income tax effect for which a reasonable estimate cannot be determined, an entity must continue to apply ASC 740 based on the provisions of the tax laws in effect immediately prior to the Tax Act being enacted until such time as a reason able estimate can be determined. Credco records a deferred income tax (benefit) provision when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax return pu rposes. 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. In particular, the 2017 balances were reduced to reflect the remeasurement of certain federal net deferred tax assets due to the enacted lower federal tax rate of 21 percent. 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 p urposes 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 authority given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. Cre dco adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is new information available to assess the likelihood of the outcome.

Card Member Receivables and C_2

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts Receivable And Loans Tables [Abstract]
Card Member receivables detail	Card Member receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of: (Millions) 2018 2017 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 8,485 $ 5,384 Global Commercial Services (b) 16,111 14,892 Card Member receivables (c) 24,596 20,276 Less: Reserve for losses 167 145 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 24,429 $ 20,131 Comprised of U.S. and International C onsumer Services . Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 68 million and $ 43 million as of December 31 , 2018 and 2017 , 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, 2018 and 2017 consisted of: (Millions) 2018 2017 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 641 $ 561 Less: Reserve for losses 5 5 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 636 $ 556 Comprised of International C onsumer Services. Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial.
Aging of Card Member receivables and loans	30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2018 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group $ 8,432 $ 17 $ 12 $ 24 $ 8,485 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,787 7 4 7 1,805 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 103 14,306 Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 636 $ 2 $ 1 $ 2 $ 641 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2017 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group $ 5,336 $ 18 $ 11 $ 19 $ 5,384 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,397 5 4 6 1,412 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 112 13,480 Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 557 $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 561 For Global 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 da ys 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 for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.
Credit quality indicators for receivables and loans	The followi ng table s present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the years ended December 31: 2018 2017 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: Global Consumer Services Group 1.14 % 0.62 % 1.01 % 0.89 % Global Small Business Services 1.34 % 1.00 % 1.11 % 1.06 % Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group 1.03 % 0.78 % 1.24 % 0.71 % 2018 2017 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 % 0.72 % 0.08 % 0.83 % 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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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) 2018 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 145 $ 110 $ 114 Provisions 243 238 145 Other credits (a) 53 58 20 Net write-offs (b) (238) (198) (146) Other debits (c) (36) (63) (23) Balance, December 31 $ 167 $ 145 $ 110 Primarily reserve balances related to new groups of , and participation interests in, Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates, totaling $ 9.8 billion, $ 9.4 billion and $ 5.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 119 million, $ 95 million and $ 91 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate . P articipation interests in Card Member receivables sold t otaled $ 6.2 billion, $ 9.4 billion and $ 5.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respective
Changes in the Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 5 $ 5 $ 4 Provisions 6 6 6 Net write-offs (a) (6) (6) (5) Balance, December 31 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 Net of recoveries of $ 1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 , and $ 1.0 million for both the yea rs ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 : 2018 2017 Outstanding Year-End Stated Outstanding Year-End Stated Balance Interest Rate on Balance Interest Rate on (Millions, except percentages) Debt (a) Debt (a) Commercial paper (b) $ 752 2.71 % $ 1,168 1.54 % Other short-term borrowings (c) 74 2.39 140 1.27 Total $ 826 2.68 % $ 1,308 1.51 % For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rates are weighted based on the outstanding principal balances and interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Average commercial paper outst anding was $228 million and $1,076 million in 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Represents interest-bearing overdrafts with banks .
Long-term debt	Cred co’s long-term debt outstanding (excluding long -term debt to affiliates), defined as debt with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows: 2018 2017 Original Year-End Year-End Year-End Year-End Contractual Interest Interest Interest 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 2019-2027 $ 16,677 2.28 % 3.06 % $ 19,652 2.24 % 2.27 % Floating Rate Senior Notes 2019-2022 3,800 3.31 ― 4,550 2.09 ― Unamortized Underwriting Fees (30) (49) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,447 2.47 % $ 24,153 2.21 % The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount, (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. Refer to Note 6 for more details on Credco’s treatment of fair value hedges. For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rate on debt is weighted based on outstanding principal balances and interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . I nteres t rates with swaps a re only presented when swaps are in place to hedge the underlying debt. The interest rates with swaps are weighted based on the outstanding principal balances and the interest rates on the floating leg of the swaps in effect as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	Aggregate annual maturities o n long-term debt obligations (based on contractual maturit y or anticipated redemption dates) as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: (Millions) 2019 $ 7,150 2020 6,600 2021 2,890 2022 2,050 2023 ― Thereafter 2,000 Total 20,690 Unamortized Underwriting Fees (30) Unamortized Discount (29) Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting (184) Total Long-Term Debt $ 20,447

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a)(b) $ ― $ ― $ ― $ ― Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 57 54 10 38 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 57 54 10 38 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 220 9 6 57 Total derivatives, gross 277 63 16 95 Less: Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (11) (26) (11) (26) Total derivatives, net $ 266 $ 37 $ 5 $ 69 For Credco’s centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral. Credco posted $ 55 million and $ 115 million as of December 31 , 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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 amo unt of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparties under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	The following table presents the gains and losses associated with the fair value hedges of Credco’s fixed-rate long-term debt for the years ended December 31: Gains (losses) (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Interest Expense (a) Other expenses Other expenses Fixed-rate long-term debt $ 29 $ 100 $ 91 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (13) (129) (102) Total $ 16 $ (29) $ (11) Credco adopted new accounting guidance providing targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities effective January 1, 2018. In compliance with the standard, amounts previously recorded in Other expenses have been prospectively recorded in Interest expense. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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) 2018 2017 Assets: Derivatives, gross (a) $ 277 $ 63 Total assets 277 63 Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 16 95 Total liabilities $ 16 $ 95 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 summarizes the estimated fair value for Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost, and not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2018 (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) $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ ― $ ― Other financial assets (b) 24.9 24.9 0.1 24.8 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.6 0.6 ― ― 0.6 Loans to affiliates and other 14.1 14.1 ― 7.4 6.7 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 9.0 9.0 ― 9.0 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt 20.4 20.5 ― 20.5 ― Long-term debt to affiliates $ 7.5 $ 7.3 $ ― $ 7.3 $ ― 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) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ ― $ ― Other financial assets (b) 20.6 20.6 0.1 20.5 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.6 0.6 ― ― 0.6 Loans to affiliates and other 14.5 14.4 ― 10.0 4.4 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 8.6 8.6 ― 8.6 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt 24.2 24.5 ― 24.5 ― Long-term debt to affiliates $ 0.3 $ 0.3 $ ― $ 0.3 $ ― Amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits. Level 1 amounts reflect interest-bearing restricted cash and Level 2 amounts primarily reflect Card Member receivables.

Transactions With Affiliates (T

Transactions With Affiliates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party (Tables) [Abstract]
Certain transactions with affiliates	Transactions with affiliates as of or for the year s ended December 31, were as follows: (Millions, except percentages) 2018 2017 2016 Loans to affiliates and other $ 14,136 $ 14,527 $ 10,659 Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other 2.79 % 2.19 % 1.78 % Due from affiliates $ 210 $ 189 $ 997 Restricted cash with affiliates 93 100 ― Short-term debt to affiliates 5,899 5,997 4,559 Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates 2.09 % 1.04 % 0.49 % Maximum month-end level of short-term debt during the year $ 14,216 $ 8,377 $ 5,091 Long term debt to affiliates 7,523 270 ― Average interest rate on long-term debt to affiliates 2.69 % 0.23 % ― Maximum month-end level of long-term debt during the year $ 8,725 $ 270 $ ― Due to affiliates 2,869 1,988 1,517 Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year 14,136 14,527 13,083 Interest income from affiliates and other 383 279 207 Interest expense to affiliates 225 58 24 Other, net expense 2 2 1 Interest paid on short-term and long-term debt $ 198 $ 54 $ 21
Components of loans to affiliates	The components of loans to a ffiliates and other as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2018 2017 American Express Limited $ 3,847 $ 3,847 American Express Services Europe Limited 3,552 2,747 American Express Australia Limited 1,839 1,616 Amex Bank of Canada 1,334 1,737 American Express International, Inc. 1,243 1,180 Amex Global Holdings C.V. 888 888 American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. 463 812 American Express International, Inc. - Branch - Singapore 383 124 American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. 348 325 Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A. 114 138 American Express International (NZ), Inc. 72 80 American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC 53 34 Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited ― 38 American Express Company ― 961 Total (a) $ 14,136 $ 14,527 As of December 31 , 2018 and 2017 , approximately $ 7.2 billion and $ 5.0 billion, respectively, were collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans transferred with recourse.
Components of short-term debt to affiliates	Short-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of master note agreements payable on demand. Credco does not expect any changes to its short-term funding strategies with affiliates. Components of short-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as f ollows: (Millions) 2018 2017 AE Exposure Management Limited $ 5,122 $ 4,548 American Express Europe LLC 517 765 American Express Holdings Netherlands CV 192 192 Accertify Inc. 68 48 American Express Swiss Holdings GmbH ― 444 Total $ 5,899 $ 5,997
Components of long-term debt to affiliates	Components of long-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows: 2018 2017 Outstanding Year-End Stated Outstanding Year-End Stated Balance Interest Rate on Balance Interest Rate on (Millions, except percentages) Debt Debt American Express Company (a) $ 7,240 3.32 % $ ― ― % Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited (b) 283 0.28 ― ― LB Luxembourg Two S.a.r.l. ― ― 270 0.22 Total $ 7,523 3.20 % $ 270 0.22 % A mount s payable by November 2023. Amounts payable by September 2021.

Changes in Accumulated Other _2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 Adjustment (Millions), net of tax (losses) gains Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (1,156) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (187) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations 80 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (107) Balances as of December 31, 2016 (1,263) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations (a) 439 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations (174) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 265 Balances as of December 31, 2017 (998) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations (189) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations 127 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (62) Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ (1,060) Includes $289 million of tax benefit recognized in the year ended December 31, 2017 (refer to N ote 11) .
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income - Tax Effect	The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for th e changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments presented above : Tax expense (benefit) (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Net translation on investments in foreign operations (a) $ (23) $ (209) $ 49 Net hedges of investments in foreign operations 40 (103) 48 Total tax impact $ 17 $ (312) $ 97 Include s $ 289 million of tax benefit recognized in the year ended December 31, 2017 (refer to Note 11).

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes (Tables) [Abstract]
Components of income tax expense	The c omponents of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 included in Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows: (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Current income tax expense (benefit): U.S. federal $ (14) $ 785 $ (4) U.S. state and local (6) 15 (6) Non-U.S. 84 24 11 Total current income tax expense 64 824 1 Deferred income tax (benefit) expense: U.S. federal (28) 58 10 U.S. state and local 1 1 1 Non-U.S. (8) (5) 3 Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense (35) 54 14 Total income tax expense $ 29 $ 878 $ 15
Effective income tax rate	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21 percent as of December 31, 2018 2018 2017 2016 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % (Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (0.4) (0.3) (0.5) Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings (a) (8.7) (25.7) (25.1) Tax settlements (b) ― (1.1) (1.4) U.S. Tax Act (c) (5.6) 311.6 ― Other (d) 0.7 (0.2) (0.9) Actual tax rate 7.0 % 319.3 % 7.1 % Results for 2018 reflect the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the impact of certain prior years’ tax item. Results for 2017 and 2016 primarily included tax benefits associated with the undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that were deemed to be reinvested indefinitely . Relates to the resolution of tax matters in various jurisdictions . Relates to the $858 million charge in 2017 for the impacts of the Tax Act and the adjustments thereto in 2018 . 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) 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 36 $ 26 State income taxes 7 5 Foreign exchange loss 42 7 Other 29 ― Gross deferred tax assets 114 38 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in foreign subsidiaries (a) 77 105 Gross deferred tax liabilities 77 105 Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 37 $ (67) Deferred state income and foreign withholding tax consequences of future cash distributions from non-U.S. subsidiaries .
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 24 $ 308 $ 211 Increases: Current year tax positions 4 8 79 Tax positions related to prior years 46 ― 24 Decreases: Tax positions related to prior years (a) ― (289) (1) Settlements with tax authorities ― ― (1) Lapse of statute of limitations (1) (3) (4) Balance, December 31 $ 73 $ 24 $ 308 Decrease due to the resolution with the IRS of an uncertain tax position in January 2017, which resulted in the recognition of $289 million in shareholder ’ s equity, specifically within AOCI .
Deemed repatriation tax payments due by year	Payments due by year (Millions) 2019 2020 - 2021 2022 - 2023 2024 and thereafter Total Deemed repatriation tax (a) $ 63 $ 116 $ 116 $ 436 $ 731 (a) Represents Credco’s estimated obligation under the Tax Act to pay the deemed repatriation tax to American Express on certain non-U . S . earnings over eight years starting in 2018 . This amount does not reflect other related non-cash accruals .

Significant Credit Concentrat_2

Significant Credit Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Significant Credit Concentrations (Tables) [Abstract]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category	The following table details Credco’s maximum credit exposure of the on-balance sheet assets by category , as of December 31: (Billions) 2018 2017 On-balance sheet: Loans to affiliates and other $ 14 $ 15 Institutions (a) 14 13 Individuals (b) 11 7 Financial Services (c) 1 1 Total on-balance sheet $ 40 $ 36 P rimarily reflects Card Member receivables from other corporate institutions , which are governed by institutional credit risk management . P rimarily reflects Card Member receivables and loans , which are governed by individual credit risk management. Represents banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and savings and loan associations.
Card Member receivables and loans 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) 2018 2017 United States $ 18 $ 15 Outside the United States 7 6 Total $ 25 $ 21

Geographic Regions (Tables)

Geographic Regions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 based, in part, upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management’s judgment : (Millions) 2018 2017 2016 Revenues United States $ 1,033 $ 779 $ 440 Outside the United States 428 308 278 Consolidated $ 1,461 $ 1,087 $ 718 Pretax income United States $ 28 $ 9 $ 16 Outside the United States 388 266 196 Consolidated $ 416 $ 275 $ 212

Quaterly Financial Data (Tables

Quaterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quartertly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows : (Millions) 2018 2017 Quarters ended 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 Revenues $ 406 $ 386 $ 351 $ 318 $ 296 $ 286 $ 253 $ 252 Pretax income 108 107 93 108 72 85 52 66 Net income (loss) (a) $ 61 $ 109 $ 88 $ 129 $ (791) $ 72 $ 57 $ 59 Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2017 , includes impact of the Tax Act (r efer to Note 11 ) .

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals [Abstract]
Ratio of combined earnings and fixed earnings to fixed charges required to maintain availability of credit line	1.25

Card Member Receivables and C_3

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 24,596	$ 20,276
Less: Reserve for losses	167	145	$ 110	$ 114
Card Member receivables, net	24,429	20,131
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	8,485	5,384
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 16,111	$ 14,892

Card Member Receivables and C_4

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Card Member loans
Less: Reserve for losses	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5	$ 4
Card Member loans, net	636	556
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Card Member loans
Card Member loans	641	561
Less: Reserve for losses	5	5
Card Member loans, net	$ 636	$ 556

Card Member Receivables and C_5

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	$ 24,596	$ 20,276
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	8,485	5,384
Card Member loans Total aging	641	561
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	8,432	5,336
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	17	18
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	12	11
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	24	19
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	636	557
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	2	1
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 60 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	1	1
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	2	2
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	16,111	14,892
Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	1,805	1,412
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,787	1,397
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	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	4	4
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	7	6
Global Corporate Payments [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	14,306	13,480
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	$ 103	$ 112

Card Member Receivables and C_6

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans 3 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	1.14%	1.01%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	0.62%	0.89%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	1.03%	1.24%
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	0.78%	0.71%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	1.34%	1.11%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	1.00%	1.06%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	0.08%	0.08%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ days past billing as a percentage of receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	0.72%	0.83%

Card Member Receivables and C_7

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred discount revenue on Card Member receivable	$ 68	$ 43

Reserves (Details)

Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 145	$ 110	$ 114
Provisions	243	238	145
Other credits	53	58	20
Net write-offs	(238)	(198)	(146)
Other debits	(36)	(63)	(23)
Balance, December 31	$ 167	$ 145	$ 110

Reserves 1 (Details)

Reserves 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses [Line Items]
Balance, January 1	$ 5	$ 5	$ 4
Provisions	6	6	6
Net Write-Offs	(6)	(6)	(5)
Balance, December 31	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5

Reserves Textuals (Details)

Reserves Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reserves For Losses (Textuals) [Abstract]
Participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates	$ 9,800	$ 9,400	$ 5,400
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts	119	95	91
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	1.8	1	1
Participation Interest in Card Member Receivables Sold to Affiliates	$ 6,200	$ 9,400	$ 5,700

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Short Term Debt Line Items
Outstanding Balance	$ 826	$ 1,308
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.68%	1.51%
Commercial Paper [Member] | Short Term Debt [Member]
Short Term Debt Line Items
Outstanding Balance	$ 752	$ 1,168
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.71%	1.54%
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member] | Short Term Debt [Member]
Short Term Debt Line Items
Outstanding Balance	$ 74	$ 140
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.39%	1.27%

Debt 1 (Details)

Debt 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-term Debt	$ 20,447	$ 24,153
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.68%	1.51%
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	$ (30)	$ (49)
Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.47%	2.21%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	2,019
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	2,027
Total Long-term Debt	$ 16,677	$ 19,652
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.28%	2.24%
Year End Interest Rate With Swaps	3.06%	2.27%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	2,019
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	2,022
Total Long-term Debt	$ 3,800	$ 4,550
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	3.31%	2.09%
Year End Interest Rate With Swaps	0.00%	0.00%

Debt 2 (Details)

Debt 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long Term Debt By Maturity Abstract
2,019	$ 7,150
2,020	6,600
2,021	2,890
2,022	2,050
2,023	0
Thereafter	2,000
Total	20,690
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	(30)	$ (49)
Unamortized Discount	(29)
Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting	(184)
Total Long-term Debt	$ 20,447	$ 24,153

Debt Textuals (Details)

Debt Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fees to maintain credit lines	$ 2.5	$ 6
Ratio of combined earnings and fixed earnings to fixed charges required to maintain availability of credit line	1.25
Line of credit facility financial covenants combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges ratio actual	1.49
Average Commercial Paper Outstanding	$ 228	1,076
Total Interest Paid on short and long term debt	600	500	$ 300
Long Term Debt [Member] | ParentCompanyMember
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total bank lines of credit of the company	3,500	3,500
Unutilized total credit lines	$ 3,500	$ 3,500

Restrictions as to Dividends _2

Restrictions as to Dividends and Limitations on Indebtness Textual (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
RestrictionsTextuals[Abstract]
Minimum consolidated net worth	$ 50
Ratio of combined earnings and fixed earnings to fixed charges required to maintain availability of credit line	1.25

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 277	$ 63
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting	(11)	(26)
Total derivatives assets, net	266	37
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	57	54
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	220	9
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	0
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	57	54
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	16	95
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting	(11)	(26)
Total derivatives liabilities, net	5	69
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	10	38
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	6	57
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 liabilities	0	0
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 liabilities	$ 10	$ 38

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities 1 (Details) - Interest Rate Contracts [Member] - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gains (Losses) [Line Items]
Fixed-rate long-term debt		$ 100	$ 91
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		(129)	(102)
Total		$ (29)	$ (11)
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gains (Losses) [Line Items]
Fixed-rate long-term debt	$ 29
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	(13)
Total	$ 16

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Textuals [Abstract]
Net (increase) reduction in interest expense on long term debt.	$ (75)	$ 53	$ 126
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	13,500	16,000
Loss (gain) on net investment hedges	(127)	174	(80)
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	55	115
Gain in Changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	59	21	$ 1
Cumulative Fair Value hedging adjustments of hedged item in fair value hedge	184	155
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives	2,900	3,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	$ 13,800	$ 16,200

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives, gross	$ 277	$ 63
Total assets	277	63
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives, gross	16	95
Total liabilities	$ 16	$ 95

Fair Value 1 (Details)

Fair Value 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 102	$ 196	$ 1,211
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	636	556
Loans to affiliates and other	14,136	14,527	10,659
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	20,447	24,153
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	7,523	270	$ 0
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	100	200
Other financial assets	24,900	20,600
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	600	600
Loans to affiliates and other	14,100	14,500
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	9,000	8,600
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	20,400	24,200
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	7,500	300
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	100	200
Other financial assets	24,900	20,600
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	600	600
Loans to affiliates and other	14,100	14,400
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	9,000	8,600
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	20,500	24,500
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	7,300	300
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	100	200
Other financial assets	100	100
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]
Total Long-term Debt	0	0
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	0	0
Other financial assets	24,800	20,500
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	0	0
Loans to affiliates and other	7,400	10,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	9,000	8,600
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	20,500	24,500
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	7,300	300
Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	0	0
Other financial assets	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	600	600
Loans to affiliates and other	6,700	4,400
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	0	0
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Textuals (Details)

Fair Value Textuals (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on 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, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 40,042	$ 35,889
Total liabilities	37,846	34,018
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | American Express Canada Credit Corporation Member [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets	0.4	466
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 457

Transactions with Affiliates (D

Transactions with Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Parties Details [Abstract]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 14,136	$ 14,527	$ 10,659
Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other	2.79%	2.19%	1.78%
Due from affiliates	$ 210	$ 189	$ 997
Restricted cash with affiliates	93	100	0
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 5,899	$ 5,997	$ 4,559
Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates	2.09%	1.04%	0.49%
Maximum month-end level of short-term borrowings during the year	$ 14,216	$ 8,377	$ 5,091
Long-term debt with affiliates	$ 7,523	$ 270	$ 0
Average interest rate long-term debt to affiliates	2.69%	0.23%	0.00%
Maximum month-end level of long-term borrowings during the year	$ 8,725	$ 270	$ 0
Due to affiliates	2,869	1,988	1,517
Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year	14,136	14,527	13,083
Interest income from affiliates and other	383	279	207
Interest expense to affiliates	225	58	24
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other, net	(55)	15	14
Interest paid on short term and long-term debt to affiliates	198	54	21
Related Party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other, net	$ 2	$ 2	$ 1

Transactions with Affiliates 1

Transactions with Affiliates 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 14,136	$ 14,527	$ 10,659
American Express Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	0	961
American Express Services Europe Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	3,552	2,747
Amex Bank Of Canada [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	1,334	1,737
American Express Australia Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	1,839	1,616
American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	463	812
American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	348	325
American Express International, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	1,243	1,180
American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	53	34
Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	114	138
American Express International (NZ), Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	72	80
American Express Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	3,847	3,847
Amex Global Holdings CV [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	888	888
Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	0	38
American Express International, Inc. - Branch - Singapore [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 383	$ 124

Transactions with Affiliates 2

Transactions with Affiliates 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 5,899	$ 5,997	$ 4,559
AE Exposure Management Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	5,122	4,548
American Express Swiss Holdings Gmbh [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	0	444
American Express Europe LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	517	765
American Express Holdings Netherlands CV [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	192	192
Accertify Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 68	$ 48

Transactions with Affiliates 3

Transactions with Affiliates 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long Term Debt To Affiliates	$ 7,523	$ 270
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.68%	1.51%
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	3.20%	0.22%
American Express Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	3.32%	0.00%
American Express Company [Member] | Maturity November 2023 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long Term Debt To Affiliates	$ 7,240	$ 0
Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long Term Debt To Affiliates		$ 0
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.28%	0.00%
Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited [Member] | Maturity September 2021 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long Term Debt To Affiliates	$ 283
LB Luxembourg Two S.a.r.l [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long Term Debt To Affiliates	$ 0	$ 270
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.00%	0.22%

Transactions with Affiliates Te

Transactions with Affiliates Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Parties Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables and loans purchased without recourse from TRS	$ 299,000	$ 262,000	$ 225,000
Participation Interest And Card Member Receivables Sold To Affiliates	6,200	9,400	5,700
Discount Revenue Earned From Purchased Cardmember Receivables And Loans	1,017	760	471
Uncharged Servicing Fees to Affiliates	305	234	253
Restricted Cash with Affiliates	93	100	0
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	7,523	270	0
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	14,136	14,527	$ 10,659
Participation Interests In Card Member Receivables Purchased	6,700	4,100
Collateralized [Member] | RFC VIII [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 7,200	$ 5,000

Changes In Accumulated Other _3

Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	$ (998)
Balances as of end of period	(1,060)	$ (998)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(998)	(1,263)	$ (1,156)
Net translation (loss) gain of investments in foreign operations	(189)	439	(187)
Net (losses) gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	127	(174)	80
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(62)	265	(107)
Balances as of end of period	$ (1,060)	$ (998)	$ (1,263)

Changes in Accumulated Other _4

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments,tax	$ (23)	$ (209)	$ 49
Net investment hedges	40	(103)	48
Total tax impact	$ 17	(312)	$ 97
Tax Benefits Recognized in the period		$ 289

Changes in Accumulated Other _5

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract]
U.S. federal	$ (14)	$ 785	$ (4)
U.S. state and local	(6)	15	(6)
Non-U.S.	84	24	11
Total current income tax expense	64	824	1
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
U.S. federal	(28)	58	10
U.S. state and local	1	1	1
Non-U.S.	(8)	(5)	3
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(35)	54	14
Total income tax expense	$ 29	$ 878	$ 15

Income Taxes 1 (Details)

Income Taxes 1 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effective tax rate reconciliation
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
(Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from:
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	(0.40%)	(0.30%)	(0.50%)
Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings	(8.70%)	(25.70%)	(25.10%)
Tax Settlements	0.00%	(1.10%)	(1.40%)
Other	0.70%	(0.20%)	(0.90%)
U.S. Tax Act	(5.60%)	311.60%	0.00%
Actual tax rate	7.00%	319.30%	7.10%

Income Taxes 2 (Details)

Income Taxes 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes	$ 36	$ 26
State income taxes	7	5
Foreign exchange loss	42	7
Other	29	0
Gross deferred tax assets	114	38
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in foreign subsidiaries	77	105
Gross deferred tax liabilities	77	105
Net deferred tax assets liabilities	$ 37	$ 67

Income Taxes 3 (Details)

Income Taxes 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, January 1	$ 24	$ 308	$ 211
Increases:
Current year tax positions	4	8	79
Tax positions related to prior years	46	0	24
Decreases:
Tax positions related to prior years	0	(289)	(1)
Settlements with tax authorities	0	0	(1)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(1)	(3)	(4)
Balance, December 31	$ 73	$ 24	$ 308

Income Taxes 4 (Details)

Income Taxes 4 (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Deemed Repatriation Tax Payments Due By Year [Line Items]
2,019	$ 63
2020-2021	116
2022-2023	116
2024 and Thereafter	436
Total	$ 731

Income Taxes Textuals (Details)

Income Taxes Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits change as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$ 3
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 73	$ 24	$ 308	$ 211
Unrecognized tax benefits that effect effective tax rate	52	19	12
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest expense	0	1	2
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest accrued	5	5
Current federal taxes payable/receivable	727	786
Income tax paid/refund net	144	(308)
Tax positions related to prior years	0	(289)	$ (1)
U.S. Tax Act Discrete Tax (Benefit) charge	(23)	858
U.S. Tax Act Deemed Repatriation of Taxes		737
U.S. Tax Act Deferred Tax on distribution of foreign subs earnings	(25)	105
U.S. Tax Act Remeasurement Of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities		$ 16
Deemed Repatriation Tax Payments Due By Year Total	$ 731
Effective tax rate	7.00%	319.30%	7.10%
U.S. Tax Act Deemed Repatriation of Taxes Additional	$ 2
Tax Year 2018 [Member]
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Line Items]
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	21.00%	21.00%
Twelve Month [Member]
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits that effect effective tax rate	$ 2
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2,015
Tax Audit Settlement Years	2,008
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax Audit Settlement Years	2,014

Significant Credit Concentrat_3

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	$ 40	$ 36
Individuals [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	11	7
Financial Services [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	1	1
Loans to affiliates and other
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	14	15
Institutions [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	$ 14	$ 13

Significant Credit Concentrat_4

Significant Credit Concentrations 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet	$ 40	$ 36
Individuals [Member]
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet	11	7
Card Members Member Loans And Receivables [Member]
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet	25	21
United States [Member]
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet	18	15
Outside the United States [Member]
Card Member receivables and loans exposure
On-balance sheet	$ 7	$ 6

Geographic Regions (Details)

Geographic Regions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Revenues and Pretax Income (Loss) by Geographic Location [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 406	$ 386	$ 351	$ 318	$ 296	$ 286	$ 253	$ 252	$ 1,461	$ 1,087	$ 718
Pretax income	$ 108	$ 107	$ 93	$ 108	$ 72	$ 85	$ 52	$ 66	416	275	212
United States [Member]
Segment Revenues and Pretax Income (Loss) by Geographic Location [Line Items]
Revenues									1,033	779	440
Pretax income									28	9	16
Outside the United States [Member]
Segment Revenues and Pretax Income (Loss) by Geographic Location [Line Items]
Revenues									428	308	278
Pretax income									$ 388	$ 266	$ 196

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of quarterly financial data
Revenues	$ 406	$ 386	$ 351	$ 318	$ 296	$ 286	$ 253	$ 252	$ 1,461	$ 1,087	$ 718
Pretax income	108	107	93	108	72	85	52	66	416	275	212
Net income (loss)	$ 61	$ 109	$ 88	$ 129	$ (791)	$ 72	$ 57	$ 59	$ 387	$ (603)	$ 197