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Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
Variable Interest Entity	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Note 8 – Variable Interest Entity Credco has established a VIE, American Express Canada Credit Corporation (AECCC), used primarily to lend funds to affiliates, through the issuance of notes in Canada under a medium-term note program. All notes issued under this program are fully guaranteed by Credco. Credco is considered the primary beneficiary of the entity and owns all of the outstanding voting interests and, therefore, consolidates the entity. Total assets as of both December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $1.7 billion, the majority of which were eliminated in consolidation. Total liabilities as of both December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $1.7 billion. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, $1.3 billion and $0.8 billion, respectively, of liabilities were eliminated in consolidation. The assets of the VIE are not used solely to settle the obligations of the VIE. The note holders of the VIE have recourse to Credco.