Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

The following table presents the regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Banks:

(Millions, except percentages)			CET 1 capital		Tier 1capital		Total capital	CET 1 Capital ratio		Tier 1capital ratio		Total capital ratio		Tier 1 leverage ratio
December 31, 2017:^(a)
	American Express Company	$	13,189	$	14,721	$	17,142	9.0	%	10.1	%	11.8	%	8.6	%
	American Express Centurion Bank		5,954		5,954		6,547	12.7		12.7		14.0		10.2
	American Express Bank, FSB		6,065		6,065		6,653	12.9		12.9		14.2		11.7
December 31, 2016:^(a)
	American Express Company	$	16,134	$	17,665	$	19,893	12.3	%	13.5	%	15.2	%	11.6	%
	American Express Centurion Bank		6,134		6,134		6,600	16.5		16.5		17.8		16.2
	American Express Bank, FSB		6,681		6,681		7,194	16.3		16.3		17.5		13.9

Well-capitalized ratios^(b)								6.5	%	8.0	%	10.0	%	5.0	% ^(c)
Basel III Standards 2017^(d)								5.8	%	7.3	%	9.3	%	4.0	%

As a Basel III advanced approaches institution in parallel run, capital ratios are reported using Basel III capital definitions, inclusive of transition provisions, and risk-weighted assets using the Basel III standardized approach.
As defined by the regulations issued by the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Represents requirements for banking subsidiaries to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to regulations issued under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act. There is no CET1 capital ratio or Tier 1 leverage ratio requirement for a bank holding company to be considered “well-capitalized.”
Transitional Basel III minimum capital requirement and additional capital conservation buffer as defined by the Federal Reserve for calendar year 2017 for advanced approaches institutions. The additional capital conservation buffer does not apply to Tier 1 leverage ratio.