American Express Credit 10-Q 6 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	6-May-14
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	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,504,938

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues	'	'
Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and loans	$137	$149
Interest income from affiliates	91	118
Interest income from deposits	0	1
Finance revenue	13	11
Total revenues	241	279
Expenses	'	'
Provisions for losses	61	42
Interest expense	125	168
Interest expense to affiliates	2	2
Other, net	-22	-32
Total expenses	166	180
Pretax income	75	99
Income tax benefit	-3	-12
Net income	78	111
Retained earnings at beginning of period	3,004	2,999
Dividends	-78	-73
Retained earnings at end of period	$3,004	$3,037

Statement_of_Comprehensive_Inc

Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$78	$111
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-25	18
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-25	18
Comprehensive income	$53	$129

Statement_of_Comprehensive_Inc1

Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	($45)	($23)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$79	$86
Card Member receivables, less reserves	17,482	14,458
Card Member loans, less reserves	494	519
Loans to affiliates	10,339	11,340
Deferred charges and other assets	213	143
Due from affiliates	4,159	3,380
Total assets	32,766	29,926
Liabilities	'	'
Short-term debt	0	200
Short-term debt to affiliates	4,558	3,583
Long-term debt	23,956	21,700
Total debt	28,514	25,483
Due to affiliates	1,234	1,323
Accrued interest and other liabilities	356	433
Total liabilities	30,104	27,239
Shareholder's Equity	'	'
Common stock, $.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares	0	0
Additional paid-in-capital	161	161
Retained earnings	3,004	3,004
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-503	-478
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-503	-478
Total shareholder's equity	2,662	2,687
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$32,766	$29,926

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Card Member receivables, reserves	$102	$76
Card Member loans, reserves	5	4
Shareholder's Equity	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
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	($79)	($34)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$78	$111
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Provisions for losses	61	42
Amortization and other	5	6
Deferred taxes	-8	-8
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Interest, taxes and other amounts due from affiliates, net	41	-86
Other operating assets and liabilities	-156	124
Net cash provided by operating activities	21	189
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'
Net increase in Card Member receivables and loans	-3,062	-2,288
Net decrease in loans to affiliates	969	2,129
Net increase in due from affiliates	-872	-487
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,965	-646
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'
Net increase in short-term debt to affiliates	974	348
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt	-200	86
Issuance of long-term debt	2,240	0
Dividends paid	-78	-73
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,936	361
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1	0
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-7	-96
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	86	275
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$79	$179

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The Company
	American Express Credit Corporation (Credco), together with its subsidiaries, is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express). American Express charge cards and American Express credit cards are collectively referred to herein as the card.
	Credco is engaged in the business of financing non-interest-earning Card Member receivables arising from the use of the American Express® Green Card, the American Express® Gold Card, Platinum Card®, Corporate Card and other American Express cards issued in the U.S. and in certain countries outside the U.S. Credco also finances certain interest-earning revolving loans generated by Card Member spending on American Express credit cards issued in non-U.S. markets, although interest-earning revolving loans are primarily funded by subsidiaries of TRS other than Credco.
	Credco executes material transactions with its affiliates. The agreements between Credco and its affiliates provide that the parties intend that the transactions thereunder be conducted on an arm's length basis; however, there can be no assurance that the terms of these arrangements are the same as would be negotiated between independent, unrelated parties.
	American Express provides Credco with financial support with respect to maintenance of its minimum overall 1.25 fixed charge coverage ratio, which is achieved by charging appropriate discount rates on the purchases of receivables Credco makes from, and the interest rates on the loans Credco provides to, TRS and other American Express subsidiaries. Each monthly period, the discount and interest rates are determined to generate income for Credco that is sufficient to maintain its minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in Credco's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (Form 10-K).
	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, revenue and expense. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
	Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on Credco's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Card_Member_Receivables_and_Lo

Card Member Receivables and Loans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Card Member Receivables and Loans [Abstract]	'
Card Member Receivables and Loans	'
	2. Card Member Receivables and Loans
	American Express' charge and lending payment card products result in the generation of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, respectively. For information on Credco's Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, related accounting policies and Credco's participation interests in TRS' securitization program, refer to Note 3 on pages F-13 – F-16 of the Form 10-K.
	The net volume of Card Member receivables purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $55 billion and $52 billion, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC) owned approximately $5.0 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, of participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased without recourse from Receivables Financing Corporation VIII LLC (RFC VIII).
	Card Member receivables as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of:
	(Millions)				2014			2013
	U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services			$	4,953		$	2,490
	International Card Services(a)				1,270			(b)
	Global Commercial Services				11,361			(b)
	International Card Services and Global Commercial Services(a)				(b)			12,044
	Card Member receivables(c)(d)				17,584			14,534
	Less: Reserve for losses				102			76
		Card Member receivables, net(e)		$	17,482		$	14,458
	International is comprised of consumer and small business services.
	Effective March 31, 2014, a split between International Card Services (ICS) and Global Commercial Services (GCS) for Card Member receivables has been provided to supplement the presentation of Card Member receivables aging for ICS.
	$229 million and $254 million of Card Member credit balances were reclassified from Card Member receivables to due to affiliates as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $26 million and $21 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial.
	The net volume of Card Member loans purchased during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively.
	Card Member loans as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of:
	(Millions)				2014			2013
	International Card Services(a)			$	499		$	523
	Less: Reserve for losses				5			4
		Card Member loans, net(b)		$	494		$	519
	$8 million and $7 million of Card Member credit balances were reclassified from Card Member loans to due to affiliates as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	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 represents the aging of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
									30-59			60-89
									Days			Days			90+ Days
	2014 (Millions)					Current			Past Due			Past Due			Past Due			Total
	Card Member Receivables:
		U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services			$	4,894		$	24		$	11		$	24		$	4,953
		International Card Services(a)				1,250			8			4			8			1,270
		Global Commercial Services				(b)			(b)			(b)			84			11,361
	Card Member Loans:
		International Card Services(c)			$	491		$	3		$	2		$	3		$	499
									30-59			60-89
									Days			Days			90+ Days
	2013 (Millions)					Current			Past Due			Past Due			Past Due			Total
	Card Member Receivables:
		U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services			$	2,464		$	12		$	5		$	9		$	2,490
		International Card Services and
			Global Commercial Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			115			12,044
	Card Member Loans:
		International Card Services(c)			$	514		$	4		$	2		$	3		$	523
	Effective March 31, 2014, as a result of system enhancements, delinquency data for International Card Services (ICS) is now available and presented on a prospective basis for the indicated aging categories. Comparable data for prior periods is not available. For risk management purposes, Credco has historically utilized 90 days past billing for the ICS segment as described below in (b).
	Data for periods prior to 90 days past billing are not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data have 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. For Card Member receivables in Global Commercial Services (GCS) as of March 31, 2014 and ICS and GCS as of December 31, 2013, 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 Credco initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is considered as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes.
	Card Member loans over 90 days past due continue to accrue interest.
	Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans
	The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the three months ended March 31:
						2014						2013
									30 Days						30 Days
						Net			Past Due			Net			Past Due
						Write-off			as a % of			Write-off			as a % of
						Rate	(a)		Total			Rate	(a)		Total
	Card Member Receivables:
		U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services				1.12	%		1.19	%		1.4	%		1.25	%
		International Card Services				2.2	%		1.57	%		(b)			(b)
	Card Member Loans:
		International Card Services				0.78	%		1.6	%		0.85	%		1.56	%
						2014						2013
						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	(c)		Receivables			Volume	(c)		Receivables
Card Member Receivables:
	Global Commercial Services				0.08	%		0.74	%		(b)			(b)
	International Card Services and
		Global Commercial Services			(b)			(b)			0.07	%		0.73	%
Credco's net write-off rate 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.
Historically, net loss ratio as a % of charge volume and 90 days past billings as a % of receivables were presented for ICS and GCS. Effective March 31, 2014, as a result of system enhancements, 30 days past due as a % of total and net write-off rate for ICS have been presented.
Credco's net loss ratio 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 4 on pages F-16 – F-17 of the Form 10-K 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Reserves for Losses [Abstract]	'
Reserves for Losses	'
	3. Reserves for Losses
	Reserves for losses relating to Card Member receivables and loans represent management's best estimate of the probable inherent losses in Credco's outstanding portfolio of receivables and loans, as of the balance sheet date. Management's evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments. For information on Credco's reserves for losses and the related accounting policies, refer to Note 4 on pages F-16 – F-17 of the Form 10-K.
	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)		2014		2013
	Balance, January 1		$	76	$	83
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)		59		41
		Other credits(b)		15		21
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs(c)		-48		-43
		Other debits(d)		―		-5
	Balance, March 31		$	102	$	97
	Provisions resulting from authorized transactions.
	Primarily reserve balances applicable to the new groups of Card Member receivables purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries and participation interests from affiliates. Credco purchases Card Member receivables at fair value but due to system constraints records the gross receivable amount and the corresponding reserve balance, which are included in its fair value estimate. Specifically, Credco's systems do not have the ability to track multiple accounting bases for Card Member receivables. New groups of Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates totaled $3.4 billion and $3.3 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Net write-offs include recoveries of $24 million and $26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Primarily reserves for losses attributable to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate totaled nil and $0.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 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)		2014		2013
	Balance, January 1		$	4	$	5
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)		2		1
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs(b)		-1		-1
	Balance, March 31		$	5	$	5
	Provisions resulting from authorized transactions.
	Net write-offs include recoveries of $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	'
	4. Derivatives and Hedging Activities
	Credco uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. Derivatives derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rate and foreign exchange rate. 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 engage in derivatives for trading purposes. For information on Credco's derivative instruments and the related accounting policies, refer to Note 7 on pages F-19 – F-23 of the Form 10-K.
	In relation to Credco's credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreements it has with its various counterparties, Credco is not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event. Based on the assessment of credit risk of Credco's derivative counterparties as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Credco does not have derivative positions that warrant credit valuation adjustments.
	Credco's derivatives are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 2 on pages F-10 – F-13 of the Form 10-K 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
				Deferred Charges and Other Assets				Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities
				Fair Value				Fair Value
	(Millions)			2014		2013		2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
		Interest rate contracts
			Fair value hedges	$	154	$	181	$	11		$	2
		Foreign exchange contracts
			Net investment hedges		―		17		97			6
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				154		198		108			8
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
		Foreign exchange contracts			83		16		13			42
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				83		16		13			42
	Total derivatives, gross				237		214		121			50
	Cash collateral netting(a)				-144		-167		-11			―
	Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(b)				-30		-9		-30			-9
	Total derivatives, net(c)			$	63	$	38	$	80		$	41
	Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative instrument(s) executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Additionally, Credco posted $50 million and $26 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are not netted against the derivative balances.
	Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
	Credco has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Deferred Charges and Other Assets and Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities on Credco's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	A majority of Credco's derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are subject to master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. In addition, Credco has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offset on Credco's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Derivative Financial Instruments that Qualify for Hedge Accounting
	Refer to Note 7 on pages F-21 – F-23 of the Form 10-K for information on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting.
	Fair Value Hedges
	Credco is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt. Credco uses interest rate swaps to economically convert certain fixed-rate long-term debt obligations to floating-rate obligations at the time of issuance. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Credco hedged $13.6 billion and $12.4 billion, respectively, of its fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt using interest rate swaps.
	The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings associated with Credco's hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt for the three months ended March 31:
	(Millions)		Gains (losses) recognized in income
			Derivative contract					Hedged item							Net hedge
				Amount						Amount					ineffectiveness
	Derivative Relationship		Income Statement Line Item	2014		2013		Income Statement Line Item		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Interest rate contracts		Other expenses	$	-36	$	-66	Other expenses		$	37		$	71	$	1	$	5
	Credco also recognized a net reduction in interest expense of $45 million and $76 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on Credco's interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges.
	Net Investment Hedges
	The effective portion of the gain or (loss) on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment was $(76) million and $(39) million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Any ineffective portion of the gain or (loss) on net investment hedges is recognized in other expenses during the period of change. No ineffectiveness or other amounts associated with net investment hedges were reclassified from AOCI into income during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
	For information on derivatives not designated as hedges, refer to Note 7 on page F-23 of the Form 10-K.
	The following table summarizes the impact on pretax earnings of derivatives not designated as hedges, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the three months ended March 31:
			Pretax gains
				Amount
	Description (Millions)		Income Statement Line Item	2014		2013
	Foreign exchange contracts		Other expenses	$	121	$	139
	Total			$	121	$	139

Fair_Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Values	'
	5. Fair Values
	Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value
	For information about Credco's valuation techniques for financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value and the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 2 on pages F-10 – F-11 of the Form 10-K. Refer to Note 7 on pages F-19 – F-23 of the Form 10-K for additional information about the fair value of Credco's derivative financial instruments.
	The following table summarizes Credco's financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP's valuation hierarchy as Level 2, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Millions)					2014			2013
	Assets:
	Derivatives(a)				$	237		$	214
	Total assets					237			214
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives(a)					121			50
	Total liabilities				$	121		$	50
	Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities on a further disaggregated basis.
	Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value
	For information about the valuation techniques used in the measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities carried at other than fair value, refer to Note 2 on pages F-11 – F-13 of the Form 10-K.
	The following table discloses the estimated fair value for Credco's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and require management judgment. These figures may not be indicative of their future fair values. The fair value of Credco cannot be reliably estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.
						Carrying			Corresponding Fair Value Amount
	2014 (Billions)					Value			Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets:
		Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate
			fair value			$	21.8		$	21.8	$	21.8	$	―
		Financial assets carried at other than fair value
				Card Member loans, net			0.5			0.5		―		0.5
				Loans to affiliates			10.3			10.4		7		3.4
	Financial Liabilities:
		Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value				6			6		6		―
		Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
				Long-term debt		$	24		$	24.3	$	24.3	$	―
						Carrying			Corresponding Fair Value Amount
	2013 (Billions)					Value			Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets:
		Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate
			fair value			$	18		$	18	$	18	$	―
		Financial assets carried at other than fair value
				Card Member loans, net			0.5			0.5		―		0.5
				Loans to affiliates			11.3			11.4		8.2		3.2
	Financial Liabilities:
		Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value				5.4			5.4		5.4		―
		Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
				Long-term debt		$	21.7		$	22	$	22	$	―
	Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
	Credco did not have any assets that were measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Variable_Interest_Entity

Variable Interest Entity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entity	'
	6. Variable Interest Entity
	Credco has established a variable interest entity (VIE), American Express Canada Credit Corporation (AECCC), used primarily to loan funds to affiliates. AECCC has a shelf registration in Canada for a medium-term note program providing for the issuance of notes by AECCC. All notes issued under this program are fully guaranteed by Credco. These medium-term note issuances are the primary source of financing loans to the Canadian affiliate. Credco is considered the primary beneficiary of the entity and owns all of the outstanding voting interests and therefore, consolidates the entity in accordance with accounting guidance governing consolidation of VIEs. Total assets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were $2.1 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, the majority of which were eliminated in consolidation. Total liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, and were primarily recorded in long-term debt. As of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no liabilities were eliminated in consolidation. The assets of the VIE are not used solely to settle the obligations of the VIE. The note holders of the VIE have recourse to Credco.

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'
	7. Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	AOCI is a balance sheet item in the Shareholder's Equity section of Credco's Consolidated Balance Sheets. It is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in each component of AOCI for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
			Foreign		Accumulated
			Currency		Other
			Translation		Comprehensive
	2014 (Millions), net of tax		Adjustments		(Loss) Income
	Balances as of December 31, 2013	$	-478	$	-478
	Net translation of investment in foreign operations		51		51
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations		-76		-76
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss		-25		-25
	Balances as of March 31, 2014	$	-503	$	-503
			Foreign		Accumulated
			Currency		Other
			Translation		Comprehensive
	2013 (Millions), net of tax		Adjustments		(Loss) Income
	Balances as of December 31, 2012	$	8	$	8
	Net translation of investment in foreign operations		57		57
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations		-39		-39
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income		18		18
	Balances as of March 31, 2013	$	26	$	26
	No amounts were reclassified out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	8. Income Taxes
	The results of operations of Credco are included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of American Express. Under an agreement with American Express, provision for income taxes is recognized on a separate company basis. If benefits for net operating losses, future tax deductions and foreign tax credits cannot be recognized on a separate company basis, such benefits are then recognized based upon a share, derived by formula, of those deductions and credits that are recognizable on an American Express consolidated reporting basis.
	American Express is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which American Express has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. The IRS has completed its field examination of American Express' federal tax returns for years through 2007; however, refund claims for those years continue to be reviewed by the IRS. In addition, American Express is currently under examination by the IRS for the years 2008 through 2011.
	Credco believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $487 million 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 deductibility of certain expenses or losses and the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $487 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $485 million relates to amounts that if recognized would be recorded to shareholder's equity and would not impact the effective tax rate. The remaining $2 million is not expected to have a material impact on the effective tax rate and net income. Resolution of the prior years' items that comprise this remaining amount could have an impact on the effective tax rate and on net income, either favorably (principally as a result of settlements that are less than the liability for unrecognized tax benefits) or unfavorably (if such settlements exceed the liability for unrecognized tax benefits).
	The effective tax rates were (4.0) percent and (12.1) percent for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The tax rate in each of the periods reflects the geographic mix of expenses in the United States attracting a 35 percent statutory benefit and foreign earnings taxed at lower rates, which are indefinitely reinvested. In addition, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 includes an additional benefit due to the renewal by the U.S. Congress of the active financing legislation in January 2013.
	The tax rates in both periods reflect the favorable impact of the tax benefit related to Credco's ongoing funding activities outside the United States. Credco's provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is not based on an estimated annual effective rate due to volatility in certain components of revenues and expenses which prevent Credco from projecting a reliable estimate of full year pretax income. A discrete calculation of the provision for income taxes is calculated for each interim period.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable And Loans and Reserves For Cardmember Losses [Abstract]	'
Card Member And Other Receivables And Loans	'
	American Express' charge and lending payment card products result in the generation of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, respectively. For information on Credco's Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, related accounting policies and Credco's participation interests in TRS' securitization program, refer to Note 3 on pages F-13 – F-16 of the Form 10-K.
Reserves For Losses Policy [Abstract]	'
Reserves for losses	'
	Reserves for losses relating to Card Member receivables and loans represent management's best estimate of the probable inherent losses in Credco's outstanding portfolio of receivables and loans, as of the balance sheet date. Management's evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments. For information on Credco's reserves for losses and the related accounting policies, refer to Note 4 on pages F-16 – F-17 of the Form 10-K.
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Policy [Abstract]	'
Derivatives	'
	Credco uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. Derivatives derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rate and foreign exchange rate. 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 engage in derivatives for trading purposes. For information on Credco's derivative instruments and the related accounting policies, refer to Note 7 on pages F-19 – F-23 of the Form 10-K.
	Derivative Financial Instruments that Qualify for Hedge Accounting
	Refer to Note 7 on pages F-21 – F-23 of the Form 10-K for information on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting.
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
	For information on derivatives not designated as hedges, refer to Note 7 on page F-23 of the Form 10-K.
Fair Values [Abstract]	'
Fair Values	'
	For information about Credco's valuation techniques for financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value and the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 2 on pages F-10 – F-11 of the Form 10-K. Refer to Note 7 on pages F-19 – F-23 of the Form 10-K for additional information about the fair value of Credco's derivative financial instruments.

Card_Member_Receivables_and_Lo1

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable And Loans Tables [Abstract]	'
Card Member receivables detail	'
	Card Member receivables as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of:
	(Millions)				2014			2013
	U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services			$	4,953		$	2,490
	International Card Services(a)				1,270			(b)
	Global Commercial Services				11,361			(b)
	International Card Services and Global Commercial Services(a)				(b)			12,044
	Card Member receivables(c)(d)				17,584			14,534
	Less: Reserve for losses				102			76
		Card Member receivables, net(e)		$	17,482		$	14,458
	International is comprised of consumer and small business services.
	Effective March 31, 2014, a split between International Card Services (ICS) and Global Commercial Services (GCS) for Card Member receivables has been provided to supplement the presentation of Card Member receivables aging for ICS.
	$229 million and $254 million of Card Member credit balances were reclassified from Card Member receivables to due to affiliates as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $26 million and $21 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of:
	(Millions)				2014			2013
	International Card Services(a)			$	499		$	523
	Less: Reserve for losses				5			4
		Card Member loans, net(b)		$	494		$	519
	$8 million and $7 million of Card Member credit balances were reclassified from Card Member loans to due to affiliates as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial.
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	'
	The following table represents the aging of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
									30-59			60-89
									Days			Days			90+ Days
	2014 (Millions)					Current			Past Due			Past Due			Past Due			Total
	Card Member Receivables:
		U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services			$	4,894		$	24		$	11		$	24		$	4,953
		International Card Services(a)				1,250			8			4			8			1,270
		Global Commercial Services				(b)			(b)			(b)			84			11,361
	Card Member Loans:
		International Card Services(c)			$	491		$	3		$	2		$	3		$	499
									30-59			60-89
									Days			Days			90+ Days
	2013 (Millions)					Current			Past Due			Past Due			Past Due			Total
	Card Member Receivables:
		U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services			$	2,464		$	12		$	5		$	9		$	2,490
		International Card Services and
			Global Commercial Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			115			12,044
	Card Member Loans:
		International Card Services(c)			$	514		$	4		$	2		$	3		$	523
	Effective March 31, 2014, as a result of system enhancements, delinquency data for International Card Services (ICS) is now available and presented on a prospective basis for the indicated aging categories. Comparable data for prior periods is not available. For risk management purposes, Credco has historically utilized 90 days past billing for the ICS segment as described below in (b).
	Data for periods prior to 90 days past billing are not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data have 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. For Card Member receivables in Global Commercial Services (GCS) as of March 31, 2014 and ICS and GCS as of December 31, 2013, 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 Credco initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is considered as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes.
	Card Member loans over 90 days past due continue to accrue interest.
Credit quality indicators for loans and receivables	'
	The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the three months ended March 31:
						2014						2013
									30 Days						30 Days
						Net			Past Due			Net			Past Due
						Write-off			as a % of			Write-off			as a % of
						Rate	(a)		Total			Rate	(a)		Total
	Card Member Receivables:
		U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services				1.12	%		1.19	%		1.4	%		1.25	%
		International Card Services				2.2	%		1.57	%		(b)			(b)
	Card Member Loans:
		International Card Services				0.78	%		1.6	%		0.85	%		1.56	%
						2014						2013
						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	(c)		Receivables			Volume	(c)		Receivables
	Card Member Receivables:
		Global Commercial Services				0.08	%		0.74	%		(b)			(b)
		International Card Services and
			Global Commercial Services			(b)			(b)			0.07	%		0.73	%
	Credco's net write-off rate 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.
	Historically, net loss ratio as a % of charge volume and 90 days past billings as a % of receivables were presented for ICS and GCS. Effective March 31, 2014, as a result of system enhancements, 30 days past due as a % of total and net write-off rate for ICS have been presented.
	Credco's net loss ratio 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, 2014
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)		2014		2013
	Balance, January 1		$	76	$	83
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)		59		41
		Other credits(b)		15		21
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs(c)		-48		-43
		Other debits(d)		―		-5
	Balance, March 31		$	102	$	97
	Provisions resulting from authorized transactions.
	Primarily reserve balances applicable to the new groups of Card Member receivables purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries and participation interests from affiliates. Credco purchases Card Member receivables at fair value but due to system constraints records the gross receivable amount and the corresponding reserve balance, which are included in its fair value estimate. Specifically, Credco's systems do not have the ability to track multiple accounting bases for Card Member receivables. New groups of Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates totaled $3.4 billion and $3.3 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Net write-offs include recoveries of $24 million and $26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Primarily reserves for losses attributable to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate totaled nil and $0.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 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)		2014		2013
	Balance, January 1		$	4	$	5
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)		2		1
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs(b)		-1		-1
	Balance, March 31		$	5	$	5
	Provisions resulting from authorized transactions.
	Net write-offs include recoveries of $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi1

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
				Deferred Charges and Other Assets				Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities
				Fair Value				Fair Value
	(Millions)			2014		2013		2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
		Interest rate contracts
			Fair value hedges	$	154	$	181	$	11		$	2
		Foreign exchange contracts
			Net investment hedges		―		17		97			6
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				154		198		108			8
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
		Foreign exchange contracts			83		16		13			42
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				83		16		13			42
	Total derivatives, gross				237		214		121			50
	Cash collateral netting(a)				-144		-167		-11			―
	Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(b)				-30		-9		-30			-9
	Total derivatives, net(c)			$	63	$	38	$	80		$	41
	Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative instrument(s) executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Additionally, Credco posted $50 million and $26 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are not netted against the derivative balances.
	Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
	Credco has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Deferred Charges and Other Assets and Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities on Credco's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	'
	The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings associated with Credco's hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt for the three months ended March 31:
	(Millions)		Gains (losses) recognized in income
			Derivative contract					Hedged item							Net hedge
				Amount						Amount					ineffectiveness
	Derivative Relationship		Income Statement Line Item	2014		2013		Income Statement Line Item		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Interest rate contracts		Other expenses	$	-36	$	-66	Other expenses		$	37		$	71	$	1	$	5
Derivative instruments gain (loss) recognized in income	'
	The following table summarizes the impact on pretax earnings of derivatives not designated as hedges, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the three months ended March 31:
			Pretax gains
				Amount
	Description (Millions)		Income Statement Line Item	2014		2013
	Foreign exchange contracts		Other expenses	$	121	$	139
	Total			$	121	$	139

Fair_Values_Tables

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 valuation hierarchy as Level 2, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(Millions)					2014			2013
	Assets:
	Derivatives(a)				$	237		$	214
	Total assets					237			214
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives(a)					121			50
	Total liabilities				$	121		$	50
	Refer to Note 4 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities on a further disaggregated basis.
Estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities	'
	The following table discloses the estimated fair value for Credco's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and require management judgment. These figures may not be indicative of their future fair values. The fair value of Credco cannot be reliably estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.
						Carrying			Corresponding Fair Value Amount
	2014 (Billions)					Value			Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets:
		Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate
			fair value			$	21.8		$	21.8	$	21.8	$	―
		Financial assets carried at other than fair value
				Card Member loans, net			0.5			0.5		―		0.5
				Loans to affiliates			10.3			10.4		7		3.4
	Financial Liabilities:
		Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value				6			6		6		―
		Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
				Long-term debt		$	24		$	24.3	$	24.3	$	―
						Carrying			Corresponding Fair Value Amount
	2013 (Billions)					Value			Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets:
		Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate
			fair value			$	18		$	18	$	18	$	―
		Financial assets carried at other than fair value
				Card Member loans, net			0.5			0.5		―		0.5
				Loans to affiliates			11.3			11.4		8.2		3.2
	Financial Liabilities:
		Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value				5.4			5.4		5.4		―
		Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
				Long-term debt		$	21.7		$	22	$	22	$	―

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C1

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'
	Changes in each component of AOCI for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:
			Foreign		Accumulated
			Currency		Other
			Translation		Comprehensive
	2014 (Millions), net of tax		Adjustments		(Loss) Income
	Balances as of December 31, 2013	$	-478	$	-478
	Net translation of investment in foreign operations		51		51
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations		-76		-76
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss		-25		-25
	Balances as of March 31, 2014	$	-503	$	-503
			Foreign		Accumulated
			Currency		Other
			Translation		Comprehensive
	2013 (Millions), net of tax		Adjustments		(Loss) Income
	Balances as of December 31, 2012	$	8	$	8
	Net translation of investment in foreign operations		57		57
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations		-39		-39
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income		18		18
	Balances as of March 31, 2013	$	26	$	26

Card_Member_Receivables_and_Lo2

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	$17,584	$14,534	'	'
Less: Reserve for losses	102	76	97	83
Card Member receivables, net	17,482	14,458	'	'
US Consumer and Small Business Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	4,953	2,490	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	11,361	'	'	'
International Card Services and Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	'	12,044	'	'
International Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	$1,270	'	'	'

Card_Member_Receivables_and_Lo3

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Card Member loans	'	'	'	'
Less: Reserve for losses	$5	$4	$5	$5
Card Member loans, net	494	519	'	'
International Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans	$499	$523	'	'

Card_Member_Receivables_and_Lo4

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
US Consumer and Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
Current	$4,894	$2,464
30 to 59 days past due	24	12
60 to 89 days past due	11	5
90+ days past due	24	9
Total aging	4,953	2,490
International Card Services and Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
90+ days past due	'	115
Total aging	'	12,044
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
Current	1,250	'
30 to 59 days past due	8	'
60 to 89 days past due	4	'
90+ days past due	8	'
Total aging	1,270	'
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
Current	491	514
30 to 59 days past due	3	4
60 to 89 days past due	2	2
90+ days past due	3	3
Total aging	499	523
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
90+ days past due	84	'
Total aging	$11,361	'

Card_Member_Receivables_and_Lo5

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details 3)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
US Consumer and Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans	'	'
Net Write-off Rate	1.12%	1.40%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.19%	1.25%
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans	'	'
Net Write-off Rate	2.20%	'
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.57%	'
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans	'	'
Net Write-off Rate	0.78%	0.85%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.60%	1.56%
International Card Services and Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans	'	'
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	'	0.07%
90 Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables	'	0.73%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Receivables and Loans	'	'
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.08%	'
90 Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables	0.74%	'

Card_Member_Receivables_and_Lo6

Card Member Receivables and Loans (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net volume of Card Member receivables purchased	$55,000,000,000	$52,000,000,000	'
Net volume of Card Member loans purchased	1,000,000,000	900,000,000	'
Deferred discount revenue on Card Member receivable	26,000,000	'	21,000,000
Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Card Member credit balance	229,000,000	'	254,000,000
Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Card Member credit balance	8,000,000	'	7,000,000
RFC VIII [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Participation Interests In Card Member Receivables Purchased	$5,000,000,000	'	$2,500,000,000

Reserves_Details

Reserves (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses	'	'
Balance, January 1	$76	$83
Additions:	'	'
Provisions	59	41
Other credits	15	21
Deductions:	'	'
Net write-offs	-48	-43
Other debits	0	-5
Balance, December 31	$102	$97

Reserves_Details_1

Reserves (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	'	'
Balance, January 1	$4	$5
Additions:	'	'
Provisions	2	1
Deductions:	'	'
Net write-offs	-1	-1
Balance, December 31	$5	$5

Reserves_Details_Textuals

Reserves (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Reserves For Losses (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Participation interest in Card Member receivables purchased from an affiliate	$3,400,000,000	$3,300,000,000
Recoveries, Card Member receivables	24,000,000	26,000,000
Participation interest in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate	0	600,000,000
Recoveries, Card Member loans	$1,000,000	$2,000,000

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative assets	$83	$16
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative assets	237	214
Cash collateral netting	-144	-167
Derivative asset and liability netting	-30	-9
Total derivatives assets,net	63	38
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative assets	154	198
Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative assets	83	16
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	154	181
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	0	17
Accrued Interest And Other Liabilities Member [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative liability	121	50
Cash collateral netting	-11	0
Derivative asset and liability netting	-30	-9
Total derivatives liabilities, net	80	41
Accrued Interest And Other Liabilities Member [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative liability	108	8
Accrued Interest And Other Liabilities Member [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative liability	13	42
Accrued Interest And Other Liabilities Member [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative liability	13	42
Accrued Interest And Other Liabilities Member [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative liability	11	2
Accrued Interest And Other Liabilities Member [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivative liability	$97	$6

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) (Other Expense [Member], Interest Rate Contract [Member], Fair Value Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Other Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative contract	($36)	($66)
Hedged item	37	71
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$1	$5

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 2) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Pretax gains	$121	$139
Other Expense [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Pretax gains	$121	$139

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net reduction in interest expense	$45,000,000	$76,000,000	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	50,000,000	'	26,000,000
Individually Significant Counterparties [Member]	'	'	'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total derivatives assets,net	0	'	0
Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notional amount of long-term debt	13,600,000,000	'	12,400,000,000
Net Investment Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effection portion of gain (loss) on hedges	-76,000,000	-39,000,000	'
Ineffectiveness reclassified from AOCI into income	$0	$0	'

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (Level 2 [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Derivatives	$237	$214
Total assets	237	214
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivatives	121	50
Total liabilities	$121	$50

Fair_Value_Details_1

Fair Value (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Card Member loans, less reserves	$494,000,000	$519,000,000
Loans to affiliates	10,339,000,000	11,340,000,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt	23,956,000,000	21,700,000,000
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	21,800,000,000	18,000,000,000
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	6,000,000,000	5,400,000,000
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	21,800,000,000	18,000,000,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Card Member loans, less reserves	0	0
Loans to affiliates	7,000,000,000	8,200,000,000
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	6,000,000,000	5,400,000,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt	24,300,000,000	22,000,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Card Member loans, less reserves	500,000,000	500,000,000
Loans to affiliates	3,400,000,000	3,200,000,000
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	21,800,000,000	18,000,000,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Card Member loans, less reserves	500,000,000	500,000,000
Loans to affiliates	10,400,000,000	11,400,000,000
Financial Liabilities:	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	6,000,000,000	5,400,000,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$24,300,000,000	$22,000,000,000

Fair_Value_Details_Textuals

Fair Value (Details Textuals) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value for impairment	$0	$0

Variable_Interest_Entity_Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$32,766	$29,926
Total liabilities	30,104	27,239
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | American Express Canada Credit Corporation Member [Member]	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	2,100	2,300
Total liabilities	2,100	2,200
Liabilities eliminated in consolidation	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet1

Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]
Changes in other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, January 1	($503)	($478)	($478)	$8	($478)	$8
Net translation of investment in foreign operations	'	'	51	57	51	57
Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	'	'	-76	-39	-76	-39
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	-25	18	-25	18
Balance, March 31	($503)	($478)	($503)	$26	($503)	$26

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Amount of gain loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income	$0	$0

Income_Tax_Details_Textuals

Income Tax (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	$487	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity	485	'
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits not expected to have impact on effective tax rate and net income	$2	'
Effective tax rate	-4.00%	-12.10%
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest Year [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2008	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest Year [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2011	'