Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 6,921	$ 2,748	$ 5,375
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	3,352	2,760	2,027
Depreciation and amortization	1,293	1,321	1,095
Deferred taxes and other	455	782	(1,066)
Stock-based compensation	283	282	254
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	248	475	(332)
Other assets	743	(77)	206
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(4,121)	5,506	1,180
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	(244)	(257)	(448)
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,930	13,540	8,291
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sales of available-for-sale investment securities	4	2	88
Maturities and redemptions of available-for-sale investment securities	3,499	2,494	2,429
Sales of other investments	0	0	10
Purchase of investments	(5,434)	(2,612)	(2,162)
Net increase in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale	(15,854)	(16,853)	3,220
Purchase of premises and equipment	(1,310)	(1,062)	(1,375)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired	(520)	(211)	(487)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(19,615)	(18,242)	1,723
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in customer deposits	5,542	11,385	(1,935)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(148)	(2,300)	888
Issuance of long-term debt	21,524	32,764	8,824
Principal payments on long term debt	(18,895)	(24,082)	(9,848)
Issuance of American Express common shares	87	129	177
Repurchase of American Express common shares and other	(1,685)	(4,400)	(4,498)
Dividends paid	(1,324)	(1,251)	(1,207)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,101	12,245	(7,599)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	129	226	(160)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(5,455)	7,769	2,255
Cash. cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	33,263	25,494	23,239
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year	$ 27,808	$ 33,263	$ 25,494