Reserves for Losses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

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)		2018		2017
Balance, January 1		$	145	$	110
	Provisions		62		60
	Other credits (a)		28		10
	Net write-offs (b)		(56)		(47)
	Other debits (c)		―		(5)
Balance, March 31		$	179	$	128

• 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 $4.3 billion and $2.6 billion for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
• Net of recoveries of $28 million and $23 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
• Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold totaled nil and $ 1.0 billion for the three months endedMarch 31,2018 and 2017, 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)		2018		2017
Balance, January 1		$	5	$	5
	Provisions		2		2
	Net write-offs(a)		(1)		(2)
Balance, March 31		$	6	$	5

Net of recoveries of $ 0.3 million and $ 0.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.