Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 3,135	$ 6,759	$ 6,921
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for credit losses	4,730	3,573	3,352
Depreciation and amortization	1,543	1,188	1,293
Deferred taxes and other	(256)	426	455
Stock-based compensation	249	283	283
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other assets	(1,785)	(368)	991
Accounts payable & other liabilities	(2,025)	1,771	(4,365)
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,591	13,632	8,930
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investment securities	69	22	4
Maturities and redemptions of investment securities	7,159	7,329	3,499
Purchase of investments	(20,562)	(11,166)	(5,434)
Net decrease (increase) in Card Member loans and receivables, and other loans	26,906	(11,047)	(15,854)
Purchase of premises and equipment	(1,478)	(1,645)	(1,310)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired	(597)	(352)	(520)
Other investing activities	135	152	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	11,632	(16,707)	(19,615)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	13,542	3,330	5,542
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(4,627)	3,316	(148)
Proceeds from long-term debt	69	12,706	21,524
Payments of long-term debt	(15,593)	(13,850)	(18,895)
Issuance of American Express common shares	44	86	87
Repurchase of American Express common shares and other	(1,029)	(4,685)	(1,685)
Dividends paid	(1,474)	(1,422)	(1,324)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(9,068)	(519)	5,101
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	364	232	129
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8,519	(3,362)	(5,455)
Cash. cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	24,446	27,808	33,263
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year	$ 32,965	$ 24,446	$ 27,808