Reserves for Losses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 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 years ended December 31:

(Millions)		2017		2016			2015
Balance, January 1		$	110	$	114	$	94
	Provisions		238		145		160
	Other credits(a)		58		20		32
	Net write-offs(b)		(198)		(146)		(157)
	Other debits(c)(d)		(63)		(23)		(15)
Balance, December 31		$	145	$	110	$	114

• Primarily reserve balances applicable to new groups of Card Member receivables purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries and participation interests from affiliates. New groups of Card Member receivables purchased totaled $9.4 billion, $5.4 billion and $5.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
• Net of recoveries of $95 million, $91 million and $100 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
• Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold totaled $9.4 billion, $5.7 billion and $2.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
• 2015 includes the impact of the transfer of reserves relating to the HFS portfolio, which was not significant.

Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses

The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the years ended December 31:

(Millions)		2017		2016		2015
Balance, January 1		$	5	$	4	$	3
	Provisions		6		6		5
	Net write-offs(a)		(6)		(5)		(4)
Balance, December 31		$	5	$	5	$	4

Net of recoveries of $1 million foreach of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.