American Express Credit 10-Q 3 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	May 03, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000004969
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues
Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans	$ 303	$ 214
Interest income from affiliates and other	110	89
Finance revenue	19	15
Total revenues	432	318
Expenses
Provisions for losses	63	64
Interest expense	169	131
Interest expense to affiliates	104	29
Other, net	(23)	(14)
Total expenses	313	210
Pretax income	119	108
Income tax provision (benefit)	16	(21)
Net income	$ 103	$ 129

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 103	$ 129
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	7	10
Other comprehensive income	7	10
Comprehensive income	$ 110	$ 139

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 65	$ 102
Card Member receivables, less reserves	25,832	24,429
Card Member loans, less reserves	637	636
Loans to affiliates and other	14,235	14,136
Due from affiliates	19	210
Other assets	274	529
Total assets	41,062	40,042
Liabilities
Short-term debt	93	826
Short-term debt to affiliates	6,352	5,899
Long-term debt	18,259	20,447
Long-term debt to affiliates	10,581	7,523
Total debt	35,285	34,695
Due to affiliates	3,059	2,869
Accrued interest and other liabilities	412	282
Total liabilities	38,756	37,846
Shareholder's Equity
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018	0	0
Additional paid-in-capital	161	161
Retained earnings	3,198	3,095
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,053)	(1,060)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,053)	(1,060)
Total shareholder's equity	2,306	2,196
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$ 41,062	$ 40,042

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Card Member receivables, reserves	$ 175	$ 167
Card Member loans, reserves	$ 6	$ 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	$ 19	$ 34

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income		$ 103	$ 129
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provisions for losses		63	64
Amortization of underwriting expense		6	7
Deferred taxes		(3)	(42)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest, taxes and other amounts due to/from affiliates		18	23
Other operating assets and liabilities		153	(290)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		340	(109)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net increase in Card Member receivables and Card Member loans		(1,396)	(4,527)
Net decrease in loans to affiliates and other		130	1,365
Net increase in due to/from affiliates		358	1,083
Net cash used in investing activities		(908)	(2,079)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net decrease in short-term debt		(733)	(1,166)
Net increase in short-term debt to affiliates	[1]	453	3,796
Principal payments of long-term debt		(2,250)	(447)
Proceeds from long-term debt to affiliates	[1]	8,379	0
Principal Payments Of long-term Debt Affiliates	[1]	(5,318)	0
Net cash provided by financing activities		531	2,183
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		2	(1)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(35)	(6)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		195	296
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		$ 160	$ 290
[1]	Pursuant to the revision of the master note arrangement with American Express Company during the fourth quarter of 2018, Credco has changed the classification of the net borrowings from short-term debt to affiliates to long-term debt to affiliates .

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets		$ 65	$ 102	$ 191	$ 196
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets	[1]	95	93	99	100
Total Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$ 160	$ 195	$ 290	$ 296
[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 Card 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, 2017	$ 1,871		$ 161	$ (998)	$ 2,708
Net income	129	$ 0			129
Other comprehensive income	10			10
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018	2,010		161	(988)	2,837
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	2,196		161	(1,060)	3,095
Net income	103	$ 0			103
Other comprehensive income	7			7
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 2,306		$ 161	$ (1,053)	$ 3,198

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Basis of Presentation	1 . Basis of Presentation The Company Credco 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 States and in certain countries outside the United States. Credco also financ es 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 t hat 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 as would be negotiated between independent, unrelated parties. American Expr ess 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 discount rates on the purchases of receivables Credco makes from, and the interest ra tes 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 Income . The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should b e read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Credco’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 201 8 . If not ma terially different, certain note disclosures included therein have been omitted from these C onsolidated Financial Statements . The interim consolidated financial information in this report has not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim period consolidated financial information, have been made. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Recently - Issued - 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 . The guidance introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which is based on expecte d losses, and differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires measurement of expected credit losses not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable f orecasts incorporating forward-looking information . The guidance also requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption . Credco continue s to evaluate the impact the new guidance will have o n Credco’s financial position and results of operations . T he CECL model will alter the assumptions used in estimating credit losses on Card Member receivables and loans, and Credco may have material changes to its 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. Americ an Express continue s to drive its cross-functional implementation efforts and has substantially completed development of CECL models. Continuing through 2019, American Express is validating and analyzing model output during CECL parallel runs, and developi ng the business processes, policies and controls that satisfy the r equirements of the new standard. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act ) , the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income ( AOCI) to retained earnings. Credco adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2019 and did not elect the optional reclassific ation .

Card Member Receivables and Car

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans	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 as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of: (Millions) 2019 2018 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 8,902 $ 8,485 Global Commercial Services (b) 17,105 16,111 Card Member receivables (c) 26,007 24,596 Less: Reserve for losses 175 167 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 25,832 $ 24,429 Comprised of U . S . and International C onsumer Services . Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 87 million and $ 68 million as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial. Card Member loans as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of: (Millions) 2019 2018 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 643 $ 641 Less: Reserve for losses 6 5 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 637 $ 636 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 presen ts the aging of C ard Member receivables and Card Member loans as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 : 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2019 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group $ 8,840 $ 23 $ 13 $ 26 $ 8,902 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,981 8 4 8 2,001 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 95 15,104 Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 638 $ 2 $ 1 $ 2 $ 643 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 For G lobal Corporate Payments Card Member receivables in Global Commercial Services , delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if collection procedures are initiated on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 day s past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes . See also (b). Delinquency data for periods other than 90 + days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized 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 three months ended March 31 : 2019 2018 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 1.20 % 0.70 % 1.25 % 1.00 % Global Small Business Services 1.47 % 1.00 % 1.42 % 1.30 % Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group 1.25 % 0.78 % 1.40 % 0.89 % 2019 2018 Net Loss 90+ Days Net Loss 90+ Days Ratio as a Past Ratio as a Past % of Billing % of Billing Charge as a % of Charge as a % of Volume (b) Receivables Volume (b) Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.06 % 0.63 % 0.07 % 0.86 % Represents the amount of Card Member receivables or Card Member loans owned by Credco that are written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the average Card Member receivables or Card Member loans balances in each of the periods indicated. Represents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco that are written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco in each of the periods indicated

Reserves for Losses

Reserves for Losses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Reserves for Losses [Abstract]
Reserves for Losses	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. Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2019 2018 Balance, January 1 $ 167 $ 145 Provisions 60 62 Other credits (a) 9 28 Net write-offs (b) (61) (56) Balance, March 31 $ 175 $ 179 Primarily reserve balances related to new groups of , and participation interests in, Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates , totaling $ 1.6 billion and $ 4.3 billion for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 31 million and $ 28 million for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2019 2018 Balance, January 1 $ 5 $ 5 Provisions 3 2 Net write-offs (a) (2) (1) Balance, March 31 $ 6 $ 6 Net of recoveries of $ 0.3 million for both the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	4 . Derivatives and Hedging Activities Credco uses derivative 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 ex posure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of Credco’s market risk management. Credco does not transact in derivatives for trading purposes. In relation to Credco’s credit risk, certain of Credco’s bilateral derivative a greements include provisions that allow counterparties to terminate the agreement in the event of a downgrade of Credco’s debt credit rating below investment grade and settle the outstanding net liability position. As of March 31 , 2019 , these derivative s were not in a material net liability position. Based on Credco’s assessment of the credit risk of its derivative counterparties as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 , no credit risk adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required . A majori ty of Credco’s derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are subject to master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. Credco has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements tha t are not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 : Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a)(b) $ ― $ ― $ 6 $ ― Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 19 57 40 10 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 19 57 46 10 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 30 220 114 6 Total derivatives, gross 49 277 160 16 Less: Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (27) (11) (27) (11) Total derivatives, net $ 22 $ 266 $ 133 $ 5 For Credco’s centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral. Credco posted $ 44 million and $ 55 million as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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 th e amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparties under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Fair Value Hedges Credco is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt obligations. At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate debt obligations are designated in fa ir value hedging relationships us ing interest rate swaps to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate . Credco has $ 12.5 billion and $ 13.8 billion of its fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedg ing relationships as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. The following table presents the gains and losses recognized in Interest expense associated with the fair value hedges of Credco’s fixed-rate long-term debt : Gains (losses) Three Months Ended March 31, (Millions) 2019 2018 Fixed-rate long-term debt $ (67) $ 115 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 65 (95) Total $ (2) $ 20 The carrying values of the hedged liabilities, recorded within Long-term debt on the Consoli dated Balance Sheets, were $12.4 billion and $1 3.5 billion as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2 018 , respectively, in cluding offsetting amounts of $116 million and $184 million for the respective periods, related to the cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments. Credco recognized a net increase of $ 32 million and $ 4 million in Interest expense o n l ong-term debt for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 , respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on Credco’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Net Investment Hedges Credco had notional amounts of approximately $ 2.9 billion of foreign currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges as of both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . The gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumula tive translation adjustment, were losses of $ 57 million and $ 43 million for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 , respectivel y. No amounts associated with net investment hedges were reclassified from AOCI into income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 . Derivatives Not Designated a s Hedges The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures . The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in net gains of $ 23 million and $ 15 million for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and are recognized in Other expenses.

Fair Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values	5 . Fair Values Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value The following table summarizes Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy as Level 2 , as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 : (Millions) 2019 2018 Assets: Derivatives, gross (a) $ 49 $ 277 Total assets 49 277 Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 160 16 Total liabilities $ 160 $ 16 Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of de rivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value The following table summ arizes the estimated fair value f or 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 March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimat es based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 , and require management judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of Credco be estimated by aggregatin g the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2019 (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) 26.0 26.0 0.1 25.9 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.6 0.6 ― ― 0.6 Loans to affiliates and other 14.2 14.3 ― 7.6 6.7 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 8.9 8.9 ― 8.9 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt 18.3 18.5 ― 18.5 ― Long-term debt to affiliates $ 10.6 $ 10.6 $ ― $ 10.6 $ ― 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 $ ― Amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits. Level 1 amounts reflect interest-bearing restricted cash and Level 2 amounts primarily reflect Card Member receivables. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements During the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and during the year ended December 31, 2018 , Credco did not have any assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment on a nonrecurring basis.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 . Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 2019 (Millions) , net of tax Gains (Losses) Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ (1,060) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations 64 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (57) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 7 Balances as of March 31, 2019 $ (1,053) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 2018 (Millions) , net of tax Gains (Losses) Balances as of December 31, 2017 $ (998) Net translations gain of investments in foreign operations 53 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations (43) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 10 Balances as of March 31, 2018 $ (988) The following table shows the tax impact for the three months ended March 31 for the changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments presented above : Tax (benefit) expense Three Months Ended March 31, (Millions) 2019 2018 Net translation on investments in foreign operations $ 3 $ (8) Net hedges of investments in foreign operations (18) (14) Total tax impact $ (15) $ (22) No amounts were reclassified out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	7 . Income Taxes The results of operations of Credco are included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of American Express. Under an agreement with American Express, provision for income taxes is recognized on a separate company basis. If benefits for net operating losses, future tax deduction s and foreign tax credits cannot be recognized on a separate company basis, such benefits are then recognized based upon a share, derived by formula, of those deductions and credits that are recognizable on an American Express consolidated reporting basis. The effective tax rate was 13.4 percent and (19.4) percent for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 includes a $24 million discrete tax benefit related to the Tax Act that red uced the reported effective tax rate by 22.2 percent. The tax rate in each of the periods reflects the geographic mix of expenses in the United States that generates a tax benefit at the U.S. statutory rate and foreign earnings taxed at lower rates, and t he favorable impact of the tax benefit related to Credco’s ongoing funding activities outside the United States. Credco’s provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is not based on an estimated annual effective rate due to volatility in certa in components of revenues and expenses that prevents Credco from projecting a reliable estimate of full year pretax income. A discrete calculation of the provision for income taxes is recorded for each interim period. Credco is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which it has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. In 2018, Credco settled its U . S . federal income tax audits for tax years 2008-2014, and the statute of limitations for these years remain open through 2019. Tax years from 2015 onwards are open for examination by the IRS. Credco believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefit s could decrease by an immaterial amount within the next 12 months, principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the att ribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. The resolution of such items would not have a material impact on Credco’s effective tax rate.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Policy [Abstract]
Derivatives Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	Credco uses derivative 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. 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

Card Member Receivables and C_2

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable And Loans Tables [Abstract]
Card Member receivables detail	Card Member receivables as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of: (Millions) 2019 2018 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 8,902 $ 8,485 Global Commercial Services (b) 17,105 16,111 Card Member receivables (c) 26,007 24,596 Less: Reserve for losses 175 167 Card Member receivables, net (d) $ 25,832 $ 24,429 Comprised of U . S . and International C onsumer Services . Comprised of Corporate and Small Business Services. Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $ 87 million and $ 68 million as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial.
Card Member loans detail	Card Member loans as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of: (Millions) 2019 2018 Global Consumer Services Group (a) $ 643 $ 641 Less: Reserve for losses 6 5 Card Member loans, net (b) $ 637 $ 636 Comprised of International C onsumer Services . Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial.
Aging of Card Member receivables and loans	The following table presen ts the aging of C ard Member receivables and Card Member loans as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 : 30-59 60-89 Days Days 90+ Days 2019 (Millions) Current Past Due Past Due Past Due Total Card Member Receivables: Global Consumer Services Group $ 8,840 $ 23 $ 13 $ 26 $ 8,902 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 1,981 8 4 8 2,001 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 95 15,104 Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group $ 638 $ 2 $ 1 $ 2 $ 643 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 For G lobal Corporate Payments Card Member receivables in Global Commercial Services , delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if collection procedures are initiated on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 day s past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes . See also (b). Delinquency data for periods other than 90 + days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized 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 three months ended March 31 : 2019 2018 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 1.20 % 0.70 % 1.25 % 1.00 % Global Small Business Services 1.47 % 1.00 % 1.42 % 1.30 % Card Member Loans: Global Consumer Services Group 1.25 % 0.78 % 1.40 % 0.89 % 2019 2018 Net Loss 90+ Days Net Loss 90+ Days Ratio as a Past Ratio as a Past % of Billing % of Billing Charge as a % of Charge as a % of Volume (b) Receivables Volume (b) Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.06 % 0.63 % 0.07 % 0.86 % 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Reserves For Losses Tables [Abstract]
Changes in the Card Member Receivable Reserve for Losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2019 2018 Balance, January 1 $ 167 $ 145 Provisions 60 62 Other credits (a) 9 28 Net write-offs (b) (61) (56) Balance, March 31 $ 175 $ 179 Primarily reserve balances related to new groups of , and participation interests in, Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates , totaling $ 1.6 billion and $ 4.3 billion for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Net of recoveries of $ 31 million and $ 28 million for the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 , respectively.
Changes in the Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31 : (Millions) 2019 2018 Balance, January 1 $ 5 $ 5 Provisions 3 2 Net write-offs (a) (2) (1) Balance, March 31 $ 6 $ 6 Net of recoveries of $ 0.3 million for both the three months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 : Other Assets Other Liabilities Fair Value Fair Value (Millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts (a)(b) $ ― $ ― $ 6 $ ― Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 19 57 40 10 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 19 57 46 10 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 30 220 114 6 Total derivatives, gross 49 277 160 16 Less: Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (27) (11) (27) (11) Total derivatives, net $ 22 $ 266 $ 133 $ 5 For Credco’s centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral. Credco posted $ 44 million and $ 55 million as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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 th e amount 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 recognized in Interest expense associated with the fair value hedges of Credco’s fixed-rate long-term debt : Gains (losses) Three Months Ended March 31, (Millions) 2019 2018 Fixed-rate long-term debt $ (67) $ 115 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 65 (95) Total $ (2) $ 20

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Values (Tables) [Abstract]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following table summarizes Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy as Level 2 , as of March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 : (Millions) 2019 2018 Assets: Derivatives, gross (a) $ 49 $ 277 Total assets 49 277 Liabilities: Derivatives, gross (a) 160 16 Total liabilities $ 160 $ 16 Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of de rivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.
Estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities	The following table summ arizes the estimated fair value f or 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 March 31 , 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2019 (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) 26.0 26.0 0.1 25.9 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans, net 0.6 0.6 ― ― 0.6 Loans to affiliates and other 14.2 14.3 ― 7.6 6.7 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 8.9 8.9 ― 8.9 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Long-term debt 18.3 18.5 ― 18.5 ― Long-term debt to affiliates $ 10.6 $ 10.6 $ ― $ 10.6 $ ― 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 $ ― Amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits. Level 1 amounts reflect interest-bearing restricted cash and Level 2 amounts primarily reflect Card Member receivables.

Changes in Accumulated Other _2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 months ended March 31 , 2019 and 2018 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 2019 (Millions) , net of tax Gains (Losses) Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ (1,060) Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations 64 Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations (57) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 7 Balances as of March 31, 2019 $ (1,053) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 2018 (Millions) , net of tax Gains (Losses) Balances as of December 31, 2017 $ (998) Net translations gain of investments in foreign operations 53 Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations (43) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss 10 Balances as of March 31, 2018 $ (988)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income - Tax Effect	The following table shows the tax impact for the three months ended March 31 for the changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments presented above : Tax (benefit) expense Three Months Ended March 31, (Millions) 2019 2018 Net translation on investments in foreign operations $ 3 $ (8) Net hedges of investments in foreign operations (18) (14) Total tax impact $ (15) $ (22)

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 26,007	$ 24,596
Less: Reserve for losses	175	167	$ 179	$ 145
Card Member receivables, net	25,832	24,429
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	8,902	8,485
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Card Member receivables	$ 17,105	$ 16,111

Card Member Receivables and C_4

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Card Member loans
Less: Reserve for losses	$ 6	$ 5	$ 6	$ 5
Card Member loans, net	637	636
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Card Member loans
Card Member loans	643	641
Less: Reserve for losses	6	5
Card Member loans, net	$ 637	$ 636

Card Member Receivables and C_5

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	$ 26,007	$ 24,596
Global Consumer Services Group [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	8,902	8,485
Card Member loans Total aging	643	641
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	8,840	8,432
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	23	17
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	13	12
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	26	24
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	638	636
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	2
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	17,105	16,111
Global Small Business Services [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	2,001	1,805
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Current	1,981	1,787
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	8	7
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	8	7
Global Corporate Payments [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Card Member receivables Total Aging	15,104	14,306
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | 90+ Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Period past due	$ 95	$ 103

Card Member Receivables and C_6

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans 3 (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	0.012	0.0125
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	0.007	0.01
Global Consumer Services Group [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	0.0125	0.014
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	0.0078	0.0089
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member] | Net Write-Off Rate [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans
Credit Quality Indicators	0.0147	0.0142
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	0.01	0.013
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	0.0006	0.0007
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	0.0063	0.0086

Card Member Receivables and C_7

Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Deferred discount revenue on Card Member receivable	$ 87	$ 68

Reserves (Details)

Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 167	$ 145
Provisions	60	62
Other credits	9	28
Net write-offs	(61)	(56)
Balance, March 31	$ 175	$ 179

Reserves 1 (Details)

Reserves 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses [Line Items]
Balance, January 1	$ 5	$ 5
Provisions	3	2
Net Write-Offs	(2)	(1)
Balance, March 31	$ 6	$ 6

Reserves Textuals (Details)

Reserves Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reserves For Losses (Textuals) [Abstract]
Participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates	$ 1,600	$ 4,300
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts	31	28
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 49	$ 277
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting	(27)	(11)
Total derivatives assets, net	22	266
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	19	57
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	19	57
Other Assets [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	30	220
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	160	16
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting	(27)	(11)
Total derivatives liabilities, net	133	5
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	46	10
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	6	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	40	10
Other Liabilities [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	$ 114	$ 6

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gains (Losses) [Line Items]
Fixed-rate long-term debt	$ (67)	$ 115
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	65	(95)
Total	$ (2)	$ 20

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Textuals [Abstract]
Net increase in interest expense on long term debt.	$ 32	$ 4
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	12,400		$ 13,500
Loss on net investment hedges	57	43
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into income	0	0
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	44		55
Gain in Changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	23	$ 15
Cumulative Fair Value hedging adjustments of hedged item in fair value hedge	116		184
Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives	2,900		2,900
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	$ 12,500		$ 13,800

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets [Abstract]
Derivatives, gross	$ 49	$ 277
Total assets	49	277
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives, gross	160	16
Total liabilities	$ 160	$ 16

Fair Value 1 (Details)

Fair Value 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 65	$ 102	$ 191	$ 196
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	637	636
Loans to affiliates and other	14,235	14,136
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	18,259	20,447
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	10,581	7,523
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	100	100
Other financial assets	26,000	24,900
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	600	600
Loans to affiliates and other	14,200	14,100
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	8,900	9,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	18,300	20,400
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	10,600	7,500
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	100
Other financial assets	26,000	24,900
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	600	600
Loans to affiliates and other	14,300	14,100
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	8,900	9,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	18,500	20,500
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	10,600	7,300
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets	100	100
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	25,900	24,800
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Card Member loans, less reserves	0	0
Loans to affiliates and other	7,600	7,400
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	8,900	9,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]
Total Long-term Debt	18,500	20,500
Long Term Debt with Affiliates	10,600	7,300
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	6,700
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 ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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

Changes In Accumulated Other _3

Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	$ (1,060)
Balances as of end of period	(1,053)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Changes in other comprehensive income
Balances as of start of period	(1,060)	$ (998)
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations	64	53
Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	(57)	(43)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	7	10
Balances as of end of period	$ (1,053)	$ (988)

Changes in Accumulated Other _4

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Other comprehensive loss
Net translation on investments in foreign operations	$ 3	$ (8)
Net hedges of investments in foreign operations	(18)	(14)
Total tax impact	$ (15)	$ (22)

Changes in Accumulated Other _5

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amount of gain loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes Textuals (Details)

Income Taxes Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Line Items]
U.S. Tax Act Discrete Tax (Benefit) charge		$ 24
Effective tax rate	13.40%	(19.40%)
Reduction in Effective Tax Rate		22.20%
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2015
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2015
Tax Audit Settlement Years			2008
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax Audit Settlement Years			2014