Reserves for Losses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 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 years ended December 31:

(Millions)		2018		2017			2016
Balance, January 1		$	145	$	110	$	114
	Provisions		243		238		145
	Other credits(a)		53		58		20
	Net write-offs(b)		(238)		(198)		(146)
	Other debits(c)		(36)		(63)		(23)
Balance, December 31		$	167	$	145	$	110

• Primarily reserve balances related to new groups of, and participation interests in,Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates, totaling$9.8 billion, $9.4 billion and $5.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
• Net of recoveries of $119 million, $95 million and $91 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 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 $6.2 billion, $9.4 billion and $5.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respective

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)		2018		2017		2016
Balance, January 1		$	5	$	5	$	4
	Provisions		6		6		6
	Net write-offs(a)		(6)		(6)		(5)
Balance, December 31		$	5	$	5	$	5

Net of recoveries of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and $1.0 million for both the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016