Reserves for Losses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Reserves For Losses Tables [Abstract]

Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses

The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the three months endedMarch 31:

(Millions)		2017		2016
Balance, January 1		$	110	$	114
	Provisions		60		34
	Other credits (a)		10		6
	Net write-offs (b)		(47)		(36)
	Other debits (c)		(5)		―
Balance, March 31		$	128	$	118

• Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates. Participation interests in Card Member receivables purchased totaled $2.6billion and $1.1 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
• Net of recoveries of $23 million and $25 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
• Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold totaled $1.0 billion and nil for the three months endedMarch 31,2017 and 2016, respectively.

Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses

The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the three months endedMarch 31:

(Millions)		2017		2016
Balance, January 1		$	5	$	4
	Provisions		2		2
	Net write-offs(a)		(2)		(1)
Balance, March 31		$	5	$	5

Net of recoveries of $0.2 million for both the three months endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016.