UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20192020
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from _____ to _____
Commission file No. 1-6908
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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| Delaware | 11-1988350 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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| 200 Vesey Street, New York, New York | 10285 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (212) 640-2000.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
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| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered |
2.375 percent Medium-Term Senior Notes Series F, due May 26, 2020 | AXP/20 | New York Stock Exchange |
| 0.625 percent Senior Notes, due November 22, 2021 | AXP/21 | New York Stock Exchange |
THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION I (1) (a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-K AND HAS THEREFORE OMITTED CERTAIN ITEMS FROM THIS REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PERMITTED UNDER INSTRUCTION I.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| | | | | |
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer þ | Smaller reporting company ☐ |
| | Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No þ
American Express Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns all of the outstanding common stock of the registrant. Accordingly, there is 0 market for the registrant’s common stock. At February 27, 2020,25, 2021, 1,504,938 shares of the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, were outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
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This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. Credco discusses certain factors that affect Credco’s business and operations and that may cause its actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Credco undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.
Throughout this report the term “Credco” refersrefer to American Express Credit Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, and the term “American Express” refers to American Express Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless stated or the context implies otherwise. The use of the term “partner” in this report does not mean or imply a formal legal partnership, and is not meant in any way to alter the terms of American Express’ relationship with any third parties.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
Overview
Credco was incorporated in Delaware in 1962 and was acquired by American Express Company (American Express) in December 1965. On January 1, 1983, Credco became a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express. Both American Express and TRS are bank holding companies. As of December 31, 2019,2020, Credco employed 4 people, whom Credco refers to as colleagues.
Credco is engaged in the business of financing certain non-interest-earning Card Member receivables arising from the use of the American Express charge cards issued in the United States and in certain countries outside the United States. Credco also finances certain interest-earning revolving loans generated by Card Member spending on American Express credit cards issued in non-U.S. markets.
American Express Card Business
American Express is a globally integrated payments company that provides its customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. American Express is a leader in providing credit and charge cards to consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations around the world. American Express® cards issued by American Express as well as by third-party banks and other institutions on the American Express network permit Card Members to charge purchases of goods and services at the millions of merchants around the world that accept cards bearing its logo.
In the United States, American Express’ marketing, sale and servicing of consumer financial products and its compliance with certain federal consumer financial laws, are supervised and examined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, (CFPB), which has broad rulemaking and enforcement authority over providers of credit, savings and payment services and products, and authority to prevent “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts or practices. In addition, a number of U.S. states have significant consumer credit protection, disclosure and other laws (in certain cases more stringent than U.S. federal laws). U.S. federal law also regulates abusive debt collection practices, which, along with bankruptcy and debtor relief laws, can affect American Express’ ability to collect amounts owed to it or subject it to regulatory scrutiny.
In countries outside the United States, regulators continue to focus on a number of key areas impacting American Express’ card-issuing businesses, particularly consumer protection (such as in the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom and Canada) and responsible lending (such as in Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore), with increasing importance on and attention to customers and outcomes rather than just ensuring compliance with local rules and regulations. Regulators’ expectations of firms in relation to their compliance, risk and control frameworks continue to increase and regulators are placing significant emphasis on a firm’s systems and controls relating to the identification and resolution of issues.
General Nature of Credco’s Business
Credco engages primarily in the business of financing Card Member receivables and in providing loans to certain of its affiliates. The use of a centralized funding source for assets originated by affiliated entities provides American Express with operational efficiency. Because its business operations have the limited scope of providing fundingCredco seeks to its card-issuing affiliates, Credco’s results are insulated tomaintain a large extent from sources of volatility and risk inherent in the primary businesses of American Express and its other affiliates, making credit evaluations by investors and rating agencies less complex. Credco receives ongoing financial support from American Express through maintenance of its minimum required 1.25 fixed charge coverage ratio which is achieved(FCCR) of earnings available for fixed charges (interest expenses including interest expense to affiliates) to fixed charges at 1.25 by charging appropriate discount rates on the purchasespurchase of receivables Credco makes from, and the interest rates on the loans Credco provides to, TRS and other American Express affiliates.subsidiaries. During each monthly period, the discount and interest rates are determined pursuant to generate incomeagreements between Credco and its affiliates that provide that the parties intend the transactions to be conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Should it be required, TRS would provide Credco with financial support in the form of capital contributions that would be included in determining the FCCR. Refer to “Committed Bank Credit Facility” in MD&A for Credco that is sufficient to maintain its minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.
The agreements for the purchase and sale of card receivables and loans (receivables agreements) between Credco and its affiliates provide that the parties intend for the transactions thereunder be conducted on an arm’s-length basis and that, for example, the price at which receivables and loans are sold to Credco or its subsidiaries be at fair market value (including consideration of changes in interest rates or changes in collectability). Credco considers its expenses, such as interest costs, expected credit losses and applicable margin in the calculation of the discount rate at which Credco offers to purchase receivables and loans to maintain Credco’s minimum required fixed charge coverage ratioFCCR of 1.25. As a result, Credco’s level
Credco funds, either directly or indirectly through its consolidated subsidiaries, Card Member receivables and loans primarily in one or more of the following ways:
•purchases, without recourse, of Card Member receivables and loans directly from issuers of American Express cards (card issuers);
•purchases of participation interests from TRS’ securitization program;
•unsecured loans provided to affiliates; and
•transfers of Card Member receivables and loans with recourse, representing loans provided to affiliates that are collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans.
Where Credco purchases Card Member receivables and loans without recourse, amounts resulting from unauthorized charges (for example, those made with a lost or stolen card) are excluded from the definition of receivables and loans under the receivables agreements and are not eligible for purchase by Credco. If the unauthorized nature of the charge is discovered after purchase by Credco, the card issuer repurchases the charge from Credco.
Credco generally purchases non-interest-earning Card Member receivables at face amount less a specified discount, which is determined at the time of purchase based upon the nature of the receivables. The discount rate applicable to purchases of new receivables reflects the prevailing funding costs and the collectability of the receivables.
Certain Card Member loans are purchased by Credco, which consist of interest-earning revolving loans generated by Card Member spending on American Express credit cards issued in non-U.S. markets.
As part of its funding activities, Credco regularly reviews funding sources and strategies in international markets and funds the subsidiaries of TRS either by way of unsecured loans or by purchasing Card Member receivables and/or loans, either with or without recourse, as per the terms of the receivables agreement with the respective card-issuing entity.
TRS and its subsidiaries originate the Card Member receivables and loans and establish credit standards for Card Members. In addition, TRS and its subsidiaries perform services necessary to bill and collect all Card Member receivables and loans owned by Credco, as agents for Credco. The receivables agreements provide that, except with the prior written consent of Credco, the seller shall not materially reduce the credit standards used in determining whether a card is to be issued to an applicant or materially change the policy as to the cancellation of cards for credit reasons.
American Express, as the parent of TRS, has agreed with Credco that it will take all necessary steps to assure performance of certain TRS obligations under the receivables agreements between TRS and Credco. The receivables agreements may be terminated at any time by the parties thereto, generally upon little or no notice. The obligations of Credco are not guaranteed under the receivables agreements or otherwise by American Express or the card issuers.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
This section highlights specificcertain risks that could affect Credco and its business. Based on the information currently known to it, Credco believes the following information identifies the most significant risk factors affecting Credco. However, theThe risks and uncertainties that Credco faces are not limited to those described below. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to Credco or that Credco currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect Credco’s business.
If anyMacroeconomic Risks
The impact of the following risks develop into actual events or ifCOVID-19 pandemic and the circumstances described inmeasures implemented to contain the risks occur orspread of the virus have had, and are expected to continue to occur, these events or circumstances could have, a material adverse effectimpact on American Express’ and Credco’s business financial condition orand results of operations. These events or circumstances could also
The COVID-19 pandemic is having widespread, rapidly evolving and unpredictable impacts on global society, economies, financial markets and business practices. The COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures have contributed to, among other things:
•Widespread changes to, and significant reductions in, household and business activity and consumer and business spending, as well as economic concerns and a negative effectrise in unemployment.
•Adverse impacts on American Express’ cobrand and other partners in the trading price oftravel and airline industries, and on its debt securities.third-party service providers, merchants, customer acquisition channels, processors, aggregators, network partners and other third parties that American Express relies on for services that are integral to its operations.
•Adverse impacts on the creditworthiness of American Express’ customers and other counterparties and their ability to pay amounts owed to it and its ability to collect such amounts and required increases in its reserves for credit losses.
•Adverse impacts on industries representing a significant portion of American Express’ billed business (including, but not limited to, travel and entertainment (T&E) spending). Billed Business represents transaction volumes on cards and other payment products issued by American Express (proprietary billed business) and cards issued under network partnership agreements with banks and other institutions, including joint ventures.
•Adverse impacts on capital and credit market conditions and American Express’ deposit base, which may limit its access to funding, increase cost of capital, and affect its ability to meet liquidity needs.
•An increased strain on American Express’ and Credco’s risk management policies generally, including, but not limited to, the effectiveness and accuracy of its models, given the lack of data inputs and comparable precedent.
•An increased risk of impairment, restructuring or other charges, including as a result of impairment of the value of American Express’ investments and other assets.
•Increased spending on American Express’ business continuity efforts, such as technology, service centers and its supply chain, and readiness efforts for returning to its offices, which may in turn require that American Express further cut costs and investments in other areas.
•An increased risk of an information or cyber security incident, fraud, a failure to maintain the uninterrupted operation of American Express’ information systems or a failure in the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering (AML) and other compliance programs due to, among other things, an increase in remote work.
These and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may continue even after the outbreak has subsided and containment measures are lifted, and may exacerbate many of the other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section. The extent to which American Express’ and Credco’s business and results of operations will continue to be adversely affected will depend on numerous evolving factors and future developments that American Express and Credco are not able to predict, including the continued spread and severity of the virus and new variants; the imposition of further containment measures and their ability to control the spread of the virus; the availability, distribution and widespread use of effective treatments and vaccines; the extent and duration of the effect on the economy, unemployment, consumer confidence and consumer and business spending; the availability and effectiveness of government stimulus measures; and how quickly and to what extent normal operating conditions and customer behaviors resume, such as with respect to travel, dining and in-person events.
Difficult conditions in the business and economic environment, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,have had and are expected to continue to have a material adverse effect on American Express’ and Credco’s business and results of operations.
American Express offers a broad array of products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients and thus is very dependent upon the level of consumers and business activity and the demand for payment and financing products. Slow economic growth, economic contraction or shifts in broader consumer and business trends significantly impact customer behaviors, including spending on American Express cards, the ability and willingness of Card Members to borrow and pay amounts owed to American Express, and demand for fee-based products and services.Factors such as consumer spending and confidence, unemployment rates, business investment, geopolitical instability, public policy decisions, government spending, international trade relationships, interest rates, taxes, energy costs, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, inflation and deflation all affect the economic environment and, ultimately, Credco’s profitability. Such factors may also cause Credco’s earnings, receivables, credit metrics and margins to fluctuate and diverge from expectations of analysts and investors, who may have differing assumptions regarding their impact on Credco’s business.
Because American Express derives a portion of its revenues from travel-related spending, its business is sensitive to safety concerns related to travel and tourism, limitations on travel and mobility, and health-related risks, including travel restrictions and bans as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in customer behaviors that may continue even after the outbreak has subsided and containment measures are lifted, such as decisions to delay or forgo business or personal travel. In addition, disruptions in air travel and other forms of travel can result in the payment of claims under travel interruption insurance policies American Express offers.
Spending at T&E merchants, for example, is sensitive to business and personal discretionary spending levels and safety concerns, including those related to the recent coronavirus outbreak, and also tends to decline during general economic downturns. American Express experienced the effects of this sensitivity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with T&E spending decreasing 61 percent compared to 2019, while non-T&E spending decreased 1 percent. Likewise, spending by small businesses and corporate clients depends in part on the economic environment and a favorable climate for continued business investment and new business formation, as well as on related volumes of business travel. During the pandemic, American Express’ Card Member billed business decreased 19 percent in 2020 compared to 2019.
Increases in delinquencies and write-off rates as a result of increases in bankruptcies, unemployment rates, changes in customer behaviors or otherwise could also have a material adverse effect on Credco’s results of operations. Credco increased its reserves for credit losses significantly in 2020 due to the deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook.
The consequences of negative circumstances impacting Credco or the environment generally can be sudden and severe as Credco experienced from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter of 2020 due to the pandemic.
Political and social conditions, fiscal and monetary policies, trade wars and tariffs, prolonged or recurring government shutdowns, regional hostilities and the prospect or occurrence of more widespread conflicts could also negatively affect consumer and business spending, including travel patterns and business investment, and demand for credit.
Financial Risks
Adverse financial market conditions may significantly affect Credco’s ability to meet liquidity needs, access to capital and cost of capital.
Credco needs liquidity to purchase receivables from, and make loans to, its affiliates and to pay operating and other expenses, interest on debt and to repay maturing liabilities. The principal sources of Credco’s liquidity are payments from Card Members, intercompany borrowings, proceeds from the issuance of unsecured medium and long-term notes, cashCash and cash equivalents, assets that could be sold to TRS for securitization, and a committed bank credit facility, as well as access to additional liquidity in the form of cash and readily marketable securities held by certain affiliates.
Credco’s ability to obtain financing in the debt capital markets for unsecured term debt and asset securitizations is dependent on market conditions. Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility across the financial markets, as well as adverse developments affecting American Express’ competitors and the financial industry generally, could negatively impact market liquidity and limit Credco’s access to funding required to operate its business. Such market conditions may also limit itsCredco’s ability to replace, in a timely manner, maturing liabilities and access the funding necessary to provide financing to its affiliates. In some circumstances, Credco may incur an unattractive cost to raise capital, which could decrease profitability and significantly reduce financial flexibility.
Difficult conditions in the business and economic environment, as well as political conditions in the United States and elsewhere, may materially adversely affect Credco’s business and results of operations.
Credco’s results of operations are materially affected by economic, market, political and social conditions in the United States and abroad. American Express offers a broad array of products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients and thus is very dependent upon the level of consumer and business activity and the demand for payment and financing products. Slow economic growth, volatile or deteriorating economic conditions or shifts in broader consumer and business trends significantly impact customer behaviors, including spending on American Express cards, the ability and willingness of Card Members to borrow and pay amounts owed to American Express, and demand for fee-based products and services. Political conditions, prolonged or recurring government shutdowns, regional hostilities, and the prospect or occurrence of more widespread conflicts, social upheaval, fiscal and monetary policies, trade wars and tariffs could also negatively affect consumer and business spending, including travel patterns and business investment, and demand for credit.
Factors such as consumer spending and confidence, unemployment rates, business investment, geopolitical instability, election results, government spending, trade relationships with other countries, interest rates, taxes, energy costs, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, inflation and deflation all affect the economic environment and, ultimately, Credco’s profitability. Such factors may also cause Credco’s earnings, receivables, credit metrics and margins to fluctuate and diverge from expectations of analysts and investors, who may have differing assumptions regarding their impact on Credco’s business.
Travel and entertainment expenditures, for example, are sensitive to business and personal discretionary spending levels and safety concerns, including those related to the recent coronavirus outbreak, and also tend to decline during general economic downturns. Likewise, spending by small businesses and corporate clients depends in part on the economic environment and a favorable climate for continued business investment and new business formation. Increases in delinquencies and write-off rates as a result of increases in bankruptcies, unemployment rates, changes in customer behaviors or otherwise could also have a material adverse effect on Credco’s results of operations. The consequences of negative circumstances impacting Credco or the environment generally can be sudden and severe.
American Express’ business in the United Kingdom and elsewhere may be negatively impacted by the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU (commonly referred to as Brexit) on January 31, 2020. Brexit could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations in the United Kingdom and the EU, which could adversely impact Credco’s business and financial results. Credco has made changes to its structure of business operations in Europe in anticipation of Brexit, although the financial, trade and legal implications of Brexit remain uncertain given the lack of comparable precedent.
Any reduction in Credco’s credit ratings could increase the cost of its funding from, and restrict Credco’s access to, the capital markets and have a material adverse effect on Credco’s results of operations and financial condition.
Rating agencies regularly evaluate Credco, and their ratings of Credco’s long-term and short-term debt are based on a number of factors, including Credco’s financial strength, as well as factors not within Credco’s control, including conditions affecting the financial services industry generally and the wider state of the economy. Credco’s ratings could be downgraded at any time and without any notice by any of the rating agencies, which could, among other things, adversely limit its access to the capital markets and adversely affect the cost and other terms upon which Credco is able to obtain funding.
Uncertainty relating to LIBOR and other reference rates and their potential discontinuance may negatively impact Credco’s access to funding and the value of its financial instruments.
Due to uncertainty surrounding the suitability and sustainability of the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR), centralCentral banks and global regulators have called for financial market participants to prepare for the discontinuance of LIBOR by the end of 2021London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) and the establishment of alternative reference rates. At this time, it is not possibleCertain of Credco’s financial instruments reference LIBOR, which will need to predict the effect that any discontinuance, modificationbe amended or other reformsotherwise modified to replace LIBOR or any other reference rate, the establishment ofwith an alternative reference rate. Some of those instruments contain provisions to replace LIBOR as the benchmark following the occurrence of specified transition events. Such provisions may not be sufficient to trigger a change in the benchmark at all times when LIBOR is no longer representative of market interest rates, or that these events will align with similar events in the impactmarket generally or in other parts of anythe financial markets, such events on contractual mechanisms may have onas the markets, Credco, or its financial instruments that reference LIBOR.derivatives market.
Alternative reference rates are calculated using components different from those used in the calculation of LIBOR and may fluctuate differently than, and not be representative of, LIBOR. In order to compensate for these differences, certain of Credco’s financial instruments allow for a benchmark replacement adjustment. However, there is no assurance that any benchmark replacement adjustment will be sufficient to produce the economic equivalent of LIBOR, either at the benchmark replacement date or over the life of such instruments.
Uncertainty as to the nature and timing of the potential discontinuance or modification of LIBOR, the replacement of LIBOR with one or more alternative reference rates or other reforms may negatively impact market liquidity, Credco’s access to funding required to operate its business and the trading market for its financial instruments. Furthermore, the timing of implementation and use of alternative reference rates and corresponding adjustments or other reforms could be subject to disputes, could cause the interest payable on Credco’s outstanding financial instruments to be materially different than expected and may impact the value of its financialsuch instruments.
For a further discussion on LIBOR Transition, see “Risk Management ― LIBOR Transition” under “MD&A.”
Adverse currency fluctuations and foreign exchange controls could decrease the revenue Credco receives from its international operations.
During 2019,2020, approximately 3036 percent of Credco’s revenue was generated from activities outside the United States. Credco is exposed to foreign exchange risk from its international operations, and accordingly the revenue it generates outside the United States is subject to unpredictable fluctuations if the values of other currencies change relative to the U.S. dollar, (including as a result of Brexit), which could have a material adverse effect on Credco’s results of operations. Furthermore, Credco may become subject to foreign exchange regulations that might restrict or prohibit the conversion of other currencies into U.S. dollars or Credco’s ability to transfer themfunds and this could impact Credco’s results of operations.
Credco is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American Express. As such, it is affected by the strategic decisionsOperational and operating performance of American Express.
As an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American Express, Credco’s business and operating performance can be affected by a wide range of possible strategic decisions that American Express may make from time to time. Those strategic decisions could affect the level and types of financing Credco provides to support the business of American Express and its other subsidiaries and the level and types of transactional or other support made available to Credco by American Express. In addition, circumstances affecting American Express can significantly affect Credco. For example, Credco’s debt ratings are closely tied to those of American Express, and when rating agencies take actions regarding American Express’ ratings, they may take the same actions with respect to Credco’s ratings. Significant changes in American Express’ strategy or its relationship with Credco or material adverse changes in the performance of American Express or its other subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on Credco. The outstanding debt and other securities of Credco are not obligations of American Express, TRS or other American Express subsidiaries.
American Express’ business is subject to comprehensive government regulation and supervision, which could materially adversely affect Credco’s results of operations and financial condition.
American Express’ business is subject to comprehensive government regulation and supervision in jurisdictions around the world, which significantly affects its business, and requires continual enhancement of its compliance efforts. Regulatory oversight and supervision of American Express’ businesses are generally designed to protect consumers and enhance financial stability and are not designed to protect its security holders.
Supervision efforts and the enforcement of existing laws and regulations impact the scope and profitability of American Express’ existing business activities, limit its ability to pursue certain business opportunities and adopt new technologies, and affect its relationships with Card Members, partners, merchants, vendors and other third parties. New laws and regulations could similarly affect American Express’ business, increase its costs of doing business and require it to change certain of its business practices and invest significant management attention and resources, all of which could adversely affect Credco’s results of operations and financial condition. Legislators and regulators around the world are aware of each other’s approaches to the regulation of the payments industry. Consequently, a development in one country, state or region may influence regulatory approaches in another. To the extent different regulatory systems impose overlapping or inconsistent requirements on the conduct of American Express’ business, it faces complexity and additional costs in its compliance efforts.
If American Express fails to satisfy regulatory requirements or maintain its financial holding company status, its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected, and it may be restricted in its ability to take certain capital actions (such as declaring dividends or repurchasing outstanding shares) or engage in certain business activities or acquisitions. Additionally, its banking regulators have wide discretion in the examination and the enforcement of applicable banking statutes and regulations and may restrict its ability to engage in certain business activities or acquisitions, or may require American Express to maintain more capital.
In recent years, legislators and regulators have focused on the operation of card networks, including interchange fees paid to card issuers in payment networks such as Visa, Inc. (Visa) and Mastercard International Inc. (Mastercard) and the fees merchants are charged to accept cards. Even where American Express is not directly regulated, regulation of bankcard fees significantly negatively impacts the discount revenue derived from American Express’ business, including as a result of downward pressure on its discount rate from decreases in competitor pricing in connection with caps on interchange fees. In addition, there is uncertainty as to when or how interchange fee caps and other provisions of the EU payments legislation might apply when American Express works with cobrand partners and agents in the EU. In a ruling issued on February 7, 2018, the EU Court of Justice confirmed the validity of the application of the fee caps and other provisions in circumstances where three-party networks issue cards with a cobrand partner or through an agent, although the ruling provided only limited guidance as to when or how the provisions might apply in such circumstances and remain subject to differing interpretations by regulators and participants in cobrand arrangements. As a result there can be no assurance that American Express will be able to maintain its existing cobrand and agent relationships in the EU. Furthermore, the European Commission is in the process of conducting an impact assessment of the interchange fee caps, which could potentially result in lower and/or additional interchange fee caps and restrictions.
American Express is subject to certain provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, with regard to maintaining effective anti-money laundering (AML) programs. Similar AML requirements apply under the laws of most jurisdictions where American Express operates. Increased regulatory focus in this area is likely to result in increased costs related to oversight, supervision and fines, and may result in changes to American Express business practices, including restrictions with respect to the types of products and services it may offer to consumers, the countries in which its cards may be used, and the types of customers and merchants who can obtain or accept its cards. Emerging technologies, such as digital currencies, could limit American Express’ ability to track the movement of funds. Money laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit activities involving American Express’ business could result in enforcement action, and American Express’ reputation may suffer due to its customers’ association with certain countries, persons or entities or the existence of any such transactions.
Various regulatory agencies and legislatures are also considering regulations and legislation covering identity theft, account management guidelines, credit bureau reporting, disclosure rules, security and marketing that would impact American Express directly, in part due to increased scrutiny of its underwriting and account management standards. These new requirements may restrict its ability to issue charge and credit cards or partner with other financial institutions, which could adversely affect its revenue growth and Credco’s results of operations.Business Risks
A major information or cyber security incident or an increase in fraudulent activity affecting American Express could affect Credco’ s results of operations and financial condition.
American Express and third parties process, transmit, store and provide access to account information in connection with American Express’ charge and credit cards and other products, and in the normal course of American Express’ business, it collects, analyzes and retains significant volumes of certain types of personally identifiable and other information pertaining to its customers and colleagues.
American Express’ networks and systems are subject to constant attempts to identify and exploit potential vulnerabilities in its operating environment with intent to disrupt its business operations and capture, destroy, manipulate or expose various types of information relating to corporate trade secrets, customer information, colleague information and other sensitive business information.
Global financial institutions like American Express, as well as its customers, colleagues, regulators, vendors and other third parties, have experienced a significant increase in information and cyber security risk in recent years and will likely continue to be the target of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, including computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, ransomware, social engineering attacks (including phishing, impersonation and identity takeover attempts), corporate espionage, hacking, website defacement, denial-of-service attacks, exploitation of vulnerabilities and other attacks and similar disruptions from the misconfiguration or unauthorized use of or access to computer systems. For example, American Express and other U.S. financial services providers have been the target of distributed denial-of-service attacks from sophisticated third parties. These threats can arise from external parties as well as insiders who knowingly or unknowingly engage in or enable malicious cyber activities. An information or cyber security incident may not be detected until well after it occurs and the severity and potential impact may not be fully known for a substantial period of time after it has been discovered.
Information or cyber security incidents, fraudulent activity and other actual or perceived failures to maintain confidentiality, integrity, privacy and/or security has led to increased regulatory scrutiny and may lead to regulatory investigations and intervention (such as mandatory card reissuance), increased litigation (including class action litigation), remediation, fines and response costs, negative assessments of American Express and its subsidiaries by banking regulators and rating agencies, reputational and financial damage to the American Express brand, and reduced usage of American Express products and services.
Successful cyberattacks, data breaches, disruptions or other incidents related to the actual or perceived failures to maintain confidentiality, integrity, privacy and/or security at other large financial institutions, large retailers, travel and hospitality companies, government agencies or other market participants, whether or not American Express is impacted, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence that could negatively affect American Express, including harming the market perception of the effectiveness of its security measures or harming the reputation of the financial system in general, which could result in reduced use of its products and services.
The risk management policies and procedures of American Express, Credco and the card issuers may not be effective.
American Express’ risk management framework seeks to identify and mitigate risk and appropriately balance risk and return. American Express has established policies and procedures intended to identify, monitor and manage the types of risk to which it is subject, including credit risk, market risk, asset liability risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, compliance risk, model risk, strategic and business risk and reputational risk. Although American Express and the card issuers have devoted significant resources to develop their risk management policies and procedures and expect to continue to do so in the future, these policies and procedures, as well as their risk management techniques such as hedging strategies, may not be fully effective. There may also be risks that exist, or develop in the future, that have not been appropriately anticipated, identified or mitigated. As regulations and markets in whichcompetition continue to evolve, American Express, CredcoExpress’, Credco’s and the card issuers operate continue to evolve, theissuers’ risk management framework may not always keep sufficient pace with those changes. If the risk management framework does not effectively identify or mitigate these risks, Credco could suffer unexpected losses or reputational harm thatand could be materially adversely affect Credco.affected.
Management of these risks in some cases depends upon the use of analytical and/or forecasting models. Although American Express has a governance framework for model development and independent model validation, the modeling methodology or key assumptions could be erroneous or the models could be misused. In addition, issues with the quality or effectiveness of American Express’ data aggregation and validation procedures, as well as the quality and integrity of data inputs, could result in ineffective or inaccurate model outputs and reports. For example, models based on historical data sets might not be accurate predictors of future outcomes and their ability to appropriately predict future outcomes may degrade over time. Upon the adoption of the new accounting guidance for the recognition of credit losses on certain financial instruments, effective January 1, 2020, American Express, Credco and the card issuers began using a new credit reserveThe Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) methodology which requires measurement of expected credit losses for the estimated life of thecertain financial instrument,instruments, not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. American Express’ ability to accurately forecast future losses under that methodology may be impaired by the significant uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and the lack of comparable precedent. If American Express’ business decisions or estimates for credit losses are based on incorrect or misused models and assumptions or American Expressit fails to manage data inputs effectively and to aggregate or analyze data in an accurate and timely manner, Credco’s results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
Management of credit, market, liquidity, operational and compliance risk requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a large number of transactions and events, and these policies and procedures may not be fully effective.
Credit risk is defined as loss due to obligor or counterparty default or changes in the credit quality of a counterparty or security. Credco is exposed to both consumer credit risk and institutional credit risk principally from consumer and small business Card Member receivables and Card Member loans it purchases generally without recourse, as well as through its participation interests. Third parties may default on their obligations to Credco due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. General economic factors, such as the rate ofGross Domestic Product (GDP), unemployment, inflation unemployment levels and interest rates, may result in greater delinquencies that lead to greater credit losses. Country, regional and political risks can also contribute to credit risk. A customer’s ability and willingness to repay Credco can be negatively impacted not only by economic, market, political and social conditions but also by a customer’s other payment obligations, and increasing leverage can result in a higher risk that customers will default or become delinquent in their obligations to Credco. Credco’s caution about the potential for a significant downturn in the pace of economic recovery is reflected in the macroeconomic outlook that informs its reserves for credit losses.
American Express and Credco rely principally on the customer’s creditworthiness for repayment of the loans or receivables and therefore they have no other recourse for collection. collection. American Express’ and Credco’s ability to assess creditworthiness may be impaired if the criteria or models used to manage credit risk prove inaccurate in predicting future losses, which could cause Credco’s losses to rise and have a negative impact on Credco’s results of operations. Further, American Express’ pricing strategies may not offset the negative impact on profitability caused by increases in delinquencies and losses; thus any material increases in delinquencies and losses beyond its current estimates could have a material adverse impact on Credco’s result of operations.
Rising delinquencies and rising rates of bankruptcy are often precursors of future write-offs and may require Credco to increase its reserve for credit losses. Higher write-off rates and an increase in Credco’s reserves for credit losses adversely affect its profitability and may increase its cost of funds.
Although American Express, Credco and the card issuers make estimates to provide for credit losses in their respective outstanding portfolio of receivables and loans, these estimates may not be accurate. In addition, the information American Express, Credco and the card issuers use in managing their credit risk may be inaccurate or incomplete. As noted above, American Express, Credco and the card issuers began using a new credit reserve methodology, effective January 1, 2020, which differs significantly from their previous approach and alters the estimation process, inputs and assumptions used in estimating expected credit losses for receivables and loans. The new methodology may have a significant effect on Credco's reported results and could cause fluctuations in its reported results, even if there are no underlying changes in the economics
Although American Express, Credco and the card issuers regularly reviewsreview credit exposure to specific clients and counterparties and to specific industries, countries and regions that American Express, Credco and the card issuers believe may present credit concerns, default risk may arise from events or circumstances that are difficult to foresee or detect, such as fraud. In addition, American Express’, Credco’s and the card issuers’ ability to manage credit risk or collect amount owed to them may be adversely affected by legal or regulatory changes (such as restrictions on collections or changes in bankruptcy laws, minimum payment regulations and re-age guidance). Increased credit risk, whether resulting from underestimating the credit losses inherent in Credco’s portfolio of receivables and loans, deteriorating economic conditions, increases in the level of receivables, changes in the mix of businesses or otherwise, could require Credco to increase its provisions for losses and could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations and financial condition.
Market risk includes the loss in value of portfolios and financial instruments due to adverse changes in market variables, which could negatively impact Credco’s financial condition. Credco is primarily exposed to market risk from the impact of interest rate movements on its borrowings and interest-earning assets. If the rate of interest Credco pays on its borrowings increases, this will lead to Credco increasing the discount rate at which it offers to purchase receivables in order to achieve the minimum required 1.25 fixed charge coverage ratio.FCCR. To the extent this discount rate is not acceptable to the seller, Credco’s ability to purchase receivables may be limited, resulting in an adverse impact on its results of operations.
Liquidity risk is defined as the inability to access cashCash and cash equivalents needed to meet business requirements and satisfy Credco’s obligations. If Credco is unsuccessful in managing its liquidity risk, it may maintain too much liquidity, which can be costly and limit financial flexibility, or it may be too illiquid, which could limit its growth opportunities, curtail operations or result in financial distress during a liquidity event. For additional information regarding Credco’s management of liquidity risk, see “Adverse financial market conditions may significantly affect Credco’s ability to meet liquidity needs, access to capital and cost of capital” above.
Credco considers operational risk to be the risk of not achieving business objectivesloss due to, among other things, inadequate or failed processes, people or information systems, poor data quality, human error or impacts from the external environment (i.e., natural disasters). Operational risk includes, among others, the risk that error or misconduct could result in a material financial misstatement, a failure to monitor a third party’s compliance with regulatory or legal requirements, or a failure to adequately monitor and control access to, or use of, data in the systems Credco grants to third parties. As processes are changed, or new products and services are introduced, Credco may not fully appreciate or identify new operational risks that may arise from such changes. Through human error, fraud or malfeasance, conduct risk can result in harm to broader markets and Credco and its employees.
Compliance risk arises from the failure to adhere to applicable laws, rules, regulations and internal policies and procedures. Operational, conductCredco needs to continually update and enhance its control environment to address operational and compliance risksrisks. Operational and compliance failures or deficiencies in Credco’s control environment can expose Credcoit to reputational and legal risks as well as fines, civil money penalties or payment of damages and can lead to diminished business opportunities and diminished ability to expand key operations.
Credco is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American Express. As such, it is affected by the strategic decisions and operating performance of American Express.
As an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American Express, Credco’s business and operating performance can be affected by a wide range of possible strategic decisions that American Express may make from time to time. Those strategic decisions could affect the level and types of financing Credco provides to support the business of American Express and its other subsidiaries and the level and types of transactional or other support made available to Credco by American Express. In addition, circumstances affecting American Express can significantly affect Credco. For example, Credco’s debt ratings are closely tied to those of American Express, and when rating agencies take actions regarding American Express’ ratings, they may take the same actions with respect to Credco’s ratings. Significant changes in American Express’ strategy or its relationship with Credco or material adverse changes in the performance of American Express or its other subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on Credco. The outstanding debt and other securities of Credco are not obligations of American Express, TRS or other American Express subsidiaries.
Credco is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American Express and any arrangements or agreements between the two entities are intended to be on arm’s-length basis, however, it may have different terms than would have beenbe difficult to find external comparable transactions negotiated by independent, unrelated parties.parties with exactly the same terms.
Credco is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of American Express. As a result, the arrangements and agreements between Credco and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and American Express and its other subsidiaries, principally the card issuers, on the other hand, may have different terms and provisions than would have been negotiated by independent, unrelated parties. The principal agreements between the parties are the receivables agreements between Credco, on the one hand, and TRS, on the other hand. Credco or its subsidiaries are also parties to agreements with card issuers in various international markets for the purchase or transfer of card receivables and for unsecured loans to card issuers. The agreements between Credco and the card issuers provide that the parties intend that the transactions thereunder be conducted on an arm’s-length basis and that, for example, the price at which receivables are sold to Credco or its subsidiaries be at fair market value (including consideration of changes in interest rates or changes in collectability). While there canit may be no assurance that the terms of these arrangements aredifficult to find external comparable transactions negotiated by independent, unrelated parties with exactly the same as would be negotiated between independent, unrelated parties,terms, Credco and its subsidiaries are prohibited, under the terms of the indenture governing Credco’s senior debt securities, from engaging in transactions with any other American Express entities (such as the card issuers) on a basis that is materially less favorable to Credco or its subsidiaries than would be the case if the transaction were with an unrelated third party.
Credco and its subsidiaries are dependent on the card issuers that generate receivables.
Credco and its subsidiaries are parties to receivables agreements with the card issuers. These receivables agreements generally require that non-interest and interest-earning receivables be purchased at discount rates that are determined at the time of purchase based upon the nature of the receivables. Credco and its subsidiaries are dependent upon these contractual arrangements. Lower levels of Card Member receivables and loans generated by the card issuers from which Credco and its subsidiaries purchase receivables would result in a reduction in the level of finance operations and a reduction in the revenues and net income of Credco and its subsidiaries.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
American Express’ business is subject to comprehensive government regulation and supervision, which could materially adversely affect Credco’s results of operations and financial condition.
American Express’ business is subject to comprehensive government regulation and supervision in jurisdictions around the world, which significantly affects its business, and requires continual enhancement of its compliance efforts. Supervision efforts and the enforcement of existing laws and regulations impact the scope and profitability of American Express’ existing business activities, limit its ability to pursue certain business opportunities and adopt new technologies, compromise its competitive position and affect its relationships with Card Members, partners, merchants, vendors and other third parties. New laws and regulations could similarly affect American Express’ business, increase its costs of doing business and require it to change certain of its business practices and invest its significant attention and resources, all of which could adversely affect Credco’s results of operations and financial condition. Legislators and regulators around the world are aware of each other’s approaches to the regulation of the payments industry. Consequently, a development in one country, state or region may influence regulatory approaches in another. To the extent different regulatory systems impose overlapping or inconsistent requirements on the conduct of American Express’ business, it faces complexity and additional costs in its compliance efforts.
If American Express fails to satisfy regulatory requirements or maintain its financial holding company status, its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected, and it may be restricted in its ability to take certain capital actions (such as declaring dividends or repurchasing outstanding shares) or engage in certain business activities or acquisitions, which could compromise its competitive position. Additionally, its banking regulators have wide discretion in the examination and the enforcement of applicable banking statutes and regulations and may restrict its ability to engage in certain business activities or acquisitions, or may require American Express to maintain more capital.
In recent years, legislators and regulators have focused on the operation of card networks, including interchange fees paid to card issuers in payment networks such as Visa, Inc. and Mastercard International Inc. and the fees merchants are charged to accept cards. Even where American Express is not directly regulated, regulation of bankcard fees significantly negatively impacts the discount revenue derived from American Express’ business, including as a result of downward pressure on its discount rate from decreases in competitor pricing in connection with caps on interchange fees. In addition, there is uncertainty as to when or how interchange fee caps and other provisions of the EU payments legislation might apply when American Express works with cobrand partners and agents in the EU. In a ruling issued on February 7, 2018, the EU Court of Justice confirmed the validity of the application of the fee caps and other provisions in circumstances where three-party networks issue cards with a cobrand partner or through an agent, although the ruling provided only limited guidance as to when or how the provisions might apply in such circumstances and remain subject to differing interpretations by regulators and participants in cobrand arrangements. As a result, American Express is subject to regulatory action, penalties and the possibility it will not be able to maintain its existing cobrand and agent relationships in the EU.
American Express is subject to certain provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, with regard to maintaining effective AML programs. Similar AML requirements apply under the laws of most jurisdictions where American Express operates. As regulators increase their focus in this area, American Express is likely to face increased costs related to oversight, supervision and fines, and may result in changes to American Express business practices, including restrictions with respect to the types of products and services it may offer, the countries in which its cards may be used, and the types of customers and merchants who can obtain or accept its cards. Emerging technologies, such as digital currencies, could limit American Express’ ability to track the movement of funds. Money laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit activities involving American Express’ business could result in enforcement action, and American Express’ reputation may suffer due to its customers’ association with certain countries, persons or entities or the existence of any such transactions.
Various regulatory agencies and legislatures are also considering regulations and legislation covering identity theft, account management guidelines, credit bureau reporting, disclosure rules, security and marketing that would impact American Express directly, in part due to increased scrutiny of its underwriting and account management standards. These new requirements may restrict its ability to issue charge and credit cards or partner with other financial institutions, which could adversely affect its revenue growth and Credco’s results of operations.
Tax legislative initiatives or challenges to American Express’ tax positions could adversely affect Credco’s results of operations and financial condition.
American Express is subject to income and other taxes in the United States and in various foreign jurisdictions. The laws and regulations related to tax matters are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. Although American Express believes its positions are reasonable, American Express is subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States and by tax authorities in all the jurisdictions in which it conducts business operations. These tax authorities may determine that American Express owes additional taxes or apply existing laws and regulations more broadly, which could result in a significant increase in Credco’s liabilities for taxes and interest in excess of accrued liabilities.
New tax legislative initiatives, including increases in the corporate tax rate, may be proposed from time to time, which may impactenacted, impacting Credco’s effective tax rate and couldpotentially adversely affectaffecting Credco’s tax positions or tax liabilities. New guidance or modifications to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act) could have an adverse effect on Credco's results of operations. In addition, unilateral or multi-jurisdictional actions by various tax authorities, including an increase in tax audit activity, could have an adverse impact on Credco’s tax liabilities.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Credco neither owns nor leases any material physical properties.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which Credco or its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject. Credco knows of no such proceedings being contemplated by government authorities.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
American Express, through its wholly owned subsidiary, TRS, owns all of the outstanding common stock of Credco. Therefore, there is no market for Credco’s common stock.
For information about limitations on Credco’s ability to pay dividends, refer to Note 5 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements.”
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Operating Results | Operating Results | | | | | | | | | | Operating Results | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenues | Revenues | $ | 1,615 | | | $ | 1,461 | | | $ | 1,087 | | | $ | 718 | | | $ | 755 | | Revenues | $ | 830 | | | $ | 1,615 | | | $ | 1,461 | | | $ | 1,087 | | | $ | 718 | |
| Provisions for losses | 230 | | | 249 | | | 244 | | | 151 | | | 165 | | |
Provisions for credit losses(a) | | Provisions for credit losses(a) | 242 | | | 230 | | | 249 | | | 244 | | | 151 | |
| Interest expense (including to affiliates) | Interest expense (including to affiliates) | 954 | | | 851 | | | 553 | | | 341 | | | 360 | | Interest expense (including to affiliates) | 276 | | | 954 | | | 851 | | | 553 | | | 341 | |
| Pretax income | Pretax income | 512 | | | 416 | | | 275 | | | 212 | | | 252 | | Pretax income | 322 | | | 512 | | | 416 | | | 275 | | | 212 | |
Income tax provision(a)(b) | Income tax provision(a)(b) | 94 | | | 29 | | | 878 | | | 15 | | | 38 | | Income tax provision(a)(b) | 121 | | | 94 | | | 29 | | | 878 | | | 15 | |
| Net income (loss) | Net income (loss) | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | | | $ | (603) | | | $ | 197 | | | $ | 214 | | Net income (loss) | $ | 201 | | | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | | | $ | (603) | | | $ | 197 | |
| Balance Sheet | Balance Sheet | | Balance Sheet | |
Cash and cash equivalents | Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 33 | | | $ | 102 | | | $ | 196 | | | $ | 1,211 | | | $ | 173 | | Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 601 | | | $ | 149 | | | $ | 195 | | | $ | 296 | | | $ | 1,211 | |
| Card Member receivables held for sale | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 24 | | |
| Gross Card Member receivables | Gross Card Member receivables | 25,557 | | | 24,596 | | | 20,276 | | | 18,218 | | | 17,607 | | Gross Card Member receivables | 12,157 | | | 25,557 | | | 24,596 | | | 20,276 | | | 18,218 | |
| Reserves for losses, Card Member receivables | 162 | | | 167 | | | 145 | | | 110 | | | 114 | | |
| Reserves for credit losses, Card Member receivables | | Reserves for credit losses, Card Member receivables | 70 | | | 162 | | | 167 | | | 145 | | | 110 | |
| Gross Card Member loans | Gross Card Member loans | 697 | | | 641 | | | 561 | | | 476 | | | 435 | | Gross Card Member loans | 500 | | | 697 | | | 641 | | | 561 | | | 476 | |
| Reserves for losses, Card Member loans | 10 | | | 5 | | | 5 | | | 5 | | | 4 | | |
Loans to affiliates and other(b) | 10,345 | | | 14,136 | | | 14,527 | | | 10,659 | | | 14,262 | | |
| Reserves for credit losses, Card Member loans | | Reserves for credit losses, Card Member loans | 20 | | | 10 | | | 5 | | | 5 | | | 5 | |
Loans to affiliates and other(d) | | Loans to affiliates and other(d) | 10,890 | | | 10,345 | | | 14,136 | | | 14,527 | | | 10,659 | |
| Total assets | Total assets | 37,357 | | | 40,042 | | | 35,889 | | | 31,936 | | | 33,285 | | Total assets | 24,308 | | | 37,357 | | | 40,042 | | | 35,889 | | | 31,936 | |
| Short-term debt | Short-term debt | 3,216 | | | 826 | | | 1,308 | | | 2,993 | | | 2,120 | | Short-term debt | — | | | 3,216 | | | 826 | | | 1,308 | | | 2,993 | |
| Short-term debt to affiliates | Short-term debt to affiliates | 6,225 | | | 5,899 | | | 5,997 | | | 4,559 | | | 5,439 | | Short-term debt to affiliates | 8,569 | | | 6,225 | | | 5,899 | | | 5,997 | | | 4,559 | |
| Long-term debt | Long-term debt | 13,469 | | | 20,447 | | | 24,153 | | | 20,512 | | | 21,725 | | Long-term debt | 7,037 | | | 13,469 | | | 20,447 | | | 24,153 | | | 20,512 | |
| Long-term debt to affiliates | Long-term debt to affiliates | 9,292 | | | 7,523 | | | 270 | | | — | | | — | | Long-term debt to affiliates | 822 | | | 9,292 | | | 7,523 | | | 270 | | | — | |
| Shareholder’s equity | Shareholder’s equity | 2,587 | | | 2,196 | | | 1,871 | | | 2,209 | | | 2,119 | | Shareholder’s equity | $ | 2,895 | | | $ | 2,587 | | | $ | 2,196 | | | $ | 1,871 | | | $ | 2,209 | |
| Cash dividends | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 115 | | |
(a)Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 are presented using the CECL methodology, while comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss methodology in effect for prior periods. Refer to Note 3 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.
(b)Includes impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 (Tax Act) as of both 2018 and 2017. Refer to Note 10 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements.”Statements” for further information.
(b)(c)Effective December 31, 2020, Credco reclassified restricted cash from Other assets to Cash and cash equivalents on the “Consolidated Balance Sheets”. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.
(d)Includes loans to the joint ventures that issue American Express cards in certain countries (the American Express joint ventures) of $24 million, $71 million, $53 million, $34 million, nil and $75 millionnil as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016 and 2015,2016, respectively.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)
Business Environment
Management’s discussion of the results of Credco is in the context of the wider business environment for American Express. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to businesses and economies around the world. American Express’ 2020 financial results were significantly down year-over-year, reflecting the impact of the deterioration in the global economy due to the pandemic and the related containment measures. There remains a high degree of uncertainty relating to the ongoing spread and severity of the virus and new variants, as well as the availability, distribution and use of effective treatments and vaccines. To the extent that the global economy continues to be negatively impacted by the pandemic, American Express’ results will be affected, with credit trends and spending volumes being the key drivers of its financial performance.Throughout 2020, American Express focused and made substantial progress on its four priorities to manage through this period of uncertainty: supporting its colleagues and winning as a team; protecting its customers and its brand; structuring American Express for growth in the future; and remaining financially strong.
To support its customers and merchants, American Express offered financial and other assistance, added product benefits to reflect today’s environment, and provided the high level of customer service they expect and rely on.
Reflective of the impacts of the pandemic and the broader macroeconomic environment, American Express’ billed business for the year was down 19 percent compared to the prior year, with a low in mid-April followed by a gradual recovery over the remainder of the year. Proprietary billed business, which accounted for 86 percent of American Express’ total billings and drives most of its financial results, was also down by 19 percent. Since mid-April, American Express has seen steady improvements in its overall billed business, with different recovery trends in T&E and non-T&E spend. Non-T&E spend, which has historically accounted for a large portion of American Express’ billed business, recovered to pre-pandemic levels in the second half of the year resulting in a full year decline of 1 percent compared to the prior year. T&E spend continued to be significantly impacted throughout the course of the year, although American Express saw a modest improvement from the lows of mid-April primarily driven by proprietary consumer T&E spend, resulting in a year-over-year decline of 61 percent. T&E spend represents spend on travel and entertainment, which primarily includes airline, cruise, lodging and dining merchant categories.
As a result of the spend-centric nature of American Express’ business model, Card Member receivables and Card Member loans declined 24 percent and 16 percent year-over-year, respectively, due to lower billed business volumes. Provisions for credit losses increased for American Express, primarily due to a higher reserve build reflecting the deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, including unemployment and GDP, partially offset by improved credit performance and lower loan and receivable volumes. Credco’s provisions for credit losses also increased, refer to “Results of Operations” in MD&A for additional information.
In order to provide support to its customers impacted by the pandemic, American Express created a short-term Customer Pandemic Relief program and enhanced its longer-term financial relief programs.
American Express’ results for 2019 continuedprogress in managing through the steady, consistent performance that it has deliveredpandemic over the past two years. These results reflectlast year confirms the resilience of its strategydifferentiated business model, which includes a loyal and diverse customer base, a valued brand, its global merchant network, and its integrated payments platform. All of investing in share, scale and relevance and demonstratethis, supported by American Express' success in executing against its four strategic imperatives. American Express continued to invest in new card acquisitions, new services and Card Member benefits, refreshing and launching new products, and expanding its merchant network. During the year, American Express returned a significant amount of capital to its shareholders through its share buyback program and an increase in its dividend, while maintaining strong capital ratios.
American Express continues to see attractive growth opportunities across its businesses and plans to invest to take advantage of them in order to generate and sustain a strong level of revenue growth, which American Express believes is the foundation for steady and consistent double-digit earnings per share growth. While American Express continues to see some headwinds in the environment, including from economic and geopolitical uncertainty, regulation in countriesExpress’ resilient colleagues around the world, provides it with a solid foundation as it moves into 2021, which it sees as a transition year. American Express will still be managing through the effects of the pandemic, but with an increased focus on maximizing investments in areas that will enable it to rebuild growth momentum.
See “Risk Factors” and intense competition, it remains focused“Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for information on delivering differentiated value to its merchants, Card Membersadditional potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and business partnersthe potential impacts of economic, geopolitical and delivering appropriate returns to its shareholders.competitive conditions and certain litigation and regulatory matters on Credco’s results of operations and financial condition.
Results of Operations
Net income depends largely on the volume of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans purchased, the discount rate used to determine purchase price, interest earned, interest expense, collectability of purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, and income taxes. These discussions should be read in conjunction with the discussion under “Business Environment,” which contains further information on the COVID-19 pandemic and the related impacts on Credco’s results of operations.
As a result of the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, there is a lack of comparability in both the reserves and provisions for credit losses for the periods presented. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 are presented using the CECL methodology while comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss methodology in effect for prior periods. Refer to Note 3 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.
Credco’s consolidated net income increaseddecreased by $31$217 million to $418$201 million, as compared to a net income of $387$418 million for the same period in 2018.2019. The year-over-year increasedecrease is primarily driven by an increase inlower discount revenue earned from Card Member receivables partially offset byand lower interest income from affiliates, and higherpartially offset by a decline in interest expense to affiliates.expense.
Table 1: Total Revenues Summary
| | Years Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | | | | | Change | | Years Ended December 31, | | Change |
| (Millions, except percentages) | (Millions, except percentages) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2019 vs. 2018 | | (Millions, except percentages) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 vs. 2019 |
| Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans | Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans | $ | 1,204 | | | $ | 1,017 | | | $ | 187 | | | 18 | % | Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans | $ | 584 | | | $ | 1,204 | | | $ | (620) | | | (51) | % |
| Interest income from affiliates and other | Interest income from affiliates and other | 332 | | | 383 | | | (51) | | | (13) | | Interest income from affiliates and other | 166 | | | 332 | | | (166) | | | (50) | |
| Finance revenue | Finance revenue | 79 | | | 61 | | | 18 | | | 30 | | Finance revenue | 80 | | | 79 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
| Total revenues | Total revenues | $ | 1,615 | | | $ | 1,461 | | | $ | 154 | | | 11 | % | Total revenues | $ | 830 | | | $ | 1,615 | | | $ | (785) | | | (49) | % |
Total revenues
Discount revenue increased,decreased, due to higherlower volumes and lower discount rates and higher volumes ofon Card Member receivables and Card Member loans purchased.
Interest income decreased, primarily due to a decrease inlower average loan balances partially offset by higherand lower average interest rates.
Finance revenue increased, primarily due to higher average outstanding Card Member loan balances.
Table 2: Total Expense Summary
| | Years Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | | | | | Change | | Years Ended December 31, | | Change |
| (Millions, except percentages) | (Millions, except percentages) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2019 vs. 2018 | | (Millions, except percentages) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 vs. 2019 |
| Provisions for losses | $ | 230 | | | $ | 249 | | | $ | (19) | | | (8) | % | |
| Provisions for credit losses | | Provisions for credit losses | $ | 242 | | | $ | 230 | | | $ | 12 | | | 5 | % |
| Interest expense | Interest expense | 521 | | | 626 | | | (105) | | | (17) | | Interest expense | 201 | | | 521 | | | (320) | | | (61) | |
| Interest expense to affiliates | Interest expense to affiliates | 433 | | | 225 | | | 208 | | | 92 | | Interest expense to affiliates | 75 | | | 433 | | | (358) | | | (83) | |
| Other, net | Other, net | (81) | | | (55) | | | (26) | | | 47 | | Other, net | (10) | | | (81) | | | 71 | | | (88) | |
| Total expenses | Total expenses | $ | 1,103 | | | $ | 1,045 | | | $ | 58 | | | 6 | % | Total expenses | $ | 508 | | | $ | 1,103 | | | $ | (595) | | | (54) | % |
Total expenses
Provisions for credit losses decreased,on Card Member receivables and Card Member loans increased, primarily due todriven by a higher net losses in prior year, largely inreserve build, reflecting the corporate portfolio,deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, including unemployment and GDP, partially offset by growth in Card Member receivables.
See Note 1 to Credco's “Consolidated Financial Statements” for information about the implementation and expected impact of new accounting guidance for the recognition of credit losses on financial instruments, effective January 1, 2020, and the new credit reserving methodology known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) methodology. Following the adoption, the future effects of CECL on Credco's provisions for losses will ultimately be dependent on a number of internal and external factors. Since Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets primarily contain Card Member receivables, which have a shorter average estimated life than the Card Member loans, the estimated allowance for losses may be lower under CECL relative to the current accounting methodology assuming no changedecline in the growth in its Card Member receivables, current macroeconomic conditions and portfolio quality.outstanding balances. Refer to Table 3 for additional information.
Interest expense decreased, primarily due to scheduled debt maturities partially offset by higher LIBOR rates.and lower interest rates during the period.
Interest expense to affiliates increased,decreased, primarily due to an increasedecrease in average debt balances and higherlower interest rates.
Other, net expenses decreased,increased, primarily driven by higherlower forward point gains.
Table 3: Provisions for Credit Losses Summary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, | | | | | Change |
| (Millions, except percentages) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 vs. 2019 |
| Card Member receivables | | | | | | | |
| Net write-offs | $ | 177 | | | $ | 229 | | | $ | (52) | | | (23) | % |
Reserve build (release)(a) | 47 | | | (13) | | | 60 | | | # |
| Total | 224 | | | 216 | | | 8 | | | 4 | |
| Card Member loans | | | | | | | |
| Net write-offs | 15 | | | 9 | | | 6 | | | 67 | |
Reserve build(a) | 3 | | | 5 | | | (2) | | | (40) | |
| Total | 18 | | | 14 | | | 4 | | | 29 | |
| Total provisions for credit losses | $ | 242 | | | $ | 230 | | | $ | 12 | | | 5 | % |
# Denotes a variance greater than 100 percent
(a)Reserve build (release) represents the portion of the provisions for credit losses for the period, related to increasing or decreasing reserves for credit losses as a result of, among other things, changes in volume, macroeconomic outlook, portfolio composition and credit quality of portfolios. Reserve build represents the amount by which the provision for credit losses exceeds net write-offs, while reserve release represents the amount by which net write-offs exceeds the provision for credit losses.
Refer to Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information about CECL, including the January 1, 2020 implementation impact on reserves for credit losses.
Income taxes
The effective tax rate for 20192020 was 37.6 percent compared to 18.4 percent.percent in 2019. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2018 was 7.0 percent and includes a $23 millionin the current period primarily reflected discrete tax benefit relating to an adjustmentcharges related to the 2017 provisional Tax Act charge.attribution and taxation of income to jurisdictions outside the U.S, as well as changes in the level and geographic mix of pretax income. Refer to Note 10 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Volume of Business
The following table shows substantially all Card Member receivables and Card Member loans purchased by Credco during each of the years indicated, together with Card Member receivables and Card Member loans owned by Credco as of the end of such years:
Table 3:4: Gross Card Member Receivables and Loans Purchased and Owned by Credco
| | (Billions) | (Billions) | | | | | | | | | | | | (Billions) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Volume of Gross Card Member | | | Gross Card Member | | | Volume of Gross Card Member | | Gross Card Member |
| | Receivables and Loans Purchased | | | Receivables and Loans Owned | | | Receivables and Loans Purchased | | Receivables and Loans Owned |
| | For the Years Ended December 31,(a) | | | as of December 31, | | | For the Years Ended December 31,(a) | | as of December 31, |
| Year | Year | U.S. | | Non-U.S. | | Total | | U.S. | | Non-U.S. | | Total | Year | U.S. | | Non-U.S. | | Total | | U.S. | | Non-U.S. | | Total |
| 2020 | | 2020 | $ | 92 | | | $ | 63 | | | $ | 155 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 13 | |
| 2019 | 2019 | $ | 227 | | | | $ | 87 | | | | $ | 314 | | | | $ | 19 | | | | $ | 7 | | | | $ | 26 | | 2019 | 227 | | | 87 | | | 314 | | | 19 | | | 7 | | | 26 | |
| 2018 | 2018 | 208 | | | | 81 | | | | 289 | | | | 18 | | | | 7 | | | | 25 | | 2018 | 208 | | | 81 | | | 289 | | | 18 | | | 7 | | | 25 | |
| 2017 | 2017 | 189 | | | | 64 | | | | 253 | | | | 15 | | | | 6 | | | | 21 | | 2017 | 189 | | | 64 | | | 253 | | | 15 | | | 6 | | | 21 | |
| 2016 | 2016 | 160 | | | | 59 | | | | 219 | | | | 14 | | | | 5 | | | | 19 | | 2016 | 160 | | | 59 | | | 219 | | | 14 | | | 5 | | | 19 | |
| 2015 | 169 | | | | 52 | | | | 221 | | | | 13 | | | | 5 | | | | 18 | | |
(a)In addition to the above activity, Credco also purchased new groups of, and participation interests in, Card Member receivables from affiliates, totaling $10.3 billion, $2.7 billion, $9.8 billion, $9.4 billion and $5.4 billion and $5.8 billion in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016 and 2015,2016, respectively.
Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans
As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, Credco owned $25.6$12.2 billion and $24.6$25.6 billion, respectively, of gross Card Member receivables. Card Member receivables represent amounts due on American Express charge card products and are recorded at the time they are purchased from the seller. Included in Card Member receivables are Credco Receivables Corporation’s (CRC) purchases of participation interests from American Express Receivables Financing Corporation VIII LLC (RFC VIII) in conjunction with TRS’ securitization program. As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, CRC owned approximately $8.1$4.2 billion and $6.7$8.1 billion, respectively, of such participation interests.
Effective February 1, 2020, TRS removed U.S. Consumer and Small Business Card Member receivables from the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust) and substantially replaced them with U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables in two phases. On February 1, 2020 and April 20, 2020, TRS transferred $5.2 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, of U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables to the Charge Trust. Since Credco maintains participation interests in the Charge Trust, these transactions resulted in Credco (i) no longer having a $7.2 billion interest in U.S. Consumer and Small Business Card Member receivables and (ii) having an interest in the U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables in the Charge Trust. The settlement of $7.2 billion related to the U.S. Consumer and Small Business portfolio was used to repay borrowings from American Express Company leading to a reduction in Long-term debt to affiliates of $7.2 billion.
As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, Credco owned gross Card Member loans totaling $697$500 million and $641$697 million, respectively. These loans generally represent revolving amounts due on American Express lending card products.
The following table summarizes selected information related to the Card Member receivables portfolio as of December 31:
Table 4:5: Selected Information Related to Card Member Receivables
| | (Millions, except percentages and where indicated) | (Millions, except percentages and where indicated) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | (Millions, except percentages and where indicated) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Total gross Card Member receivables(a) | Total gross Card Member receivables(a) | $ | 25,557 | | | | $ | 24,596 | | | | $ | 20,276 | | | | $ | 18,218 | | | | $ | 17,607 | | Total gross Card Member receivables(a) | $ | 12,157 | | | $ | 25,557 | | | $ | 24,596 | | | $ | 20,276 | | | $ | 18,218 | |
Loss reserves ― Card Member receivables(a) | $ | 162 | | | | $ | 167 | | | | $ | 145 | | | | $ | 110 | | | | $ | 114 | | |
| Loss reserves as a % of receivables | 0.6 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.6 | % | | 0.6 | % | |
Credit loss reserves ― Card Member receivables(a) | | Credit loss reserves ― Card Member receivables(a) | $ | 70 | | | $ | 162 | | | $ | 167 | | | $ | 145 | | | $ | 110 | |
| Credit loss reserves as a % of receivables | | Credit loss reserves as a % of receivables | 0.6 | % | | 0.6 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.6 | % |
Average life of Card Member receivables (# in days)(b) | Average life of Card Member receivables (# in days)(b) | 29 | | | 30 | | | 30 | | | 30 | | | 29 | | Average life of Card Member receivables (# in days)(b) | 32 | | | 29 | | | 30 | | | 30 | | | 30 | |
(a)Refer to Notes 1, 2 and 3 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion.
(b)Represents the average life of Card Member receivables owned by Credco, based upon the ratio of the average amount of both billed and unbilled receivables owned by Credco at the end of each month, during the years indicated, to the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco.
Changes in Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans Reserves for Credit Losses
The following table presents the changes in the reservereserves for credit losses related to Card Member receivables and Card Member loans:
Table 5: Reserve6: Reserves for LossesCredit losses related to Card Member receivables and Card Member loans
| Years Ended December 31, (Millions, except percentages) | Years Ended December 31, (Millions, except percentages) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | Years Ended December 31, (Millions, except percentages) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Balance, January 1 | Balance, January 1 | $ | 172 | | | | $ | 150 | | | | $ | 115 | | | | $ | 118 | | | | $ | 97 | | Balance, January 1 | $ | 32 | | | $ | 172 | | | $ | 150 | | | $ | 115 | | | $ | 118 | |
Provisions | Provisions | 230 | | | | 249 | | | | 244 | | | | 151 | | | | 165 | | Provisions | 242 | | | 230 | | | 249 | | | 244 | | | 151 | |
Other credits(a) | 13 | | | | 53 | | | | 58 | | | | 20 | | | | 32 | | |
Net write-offs(b) | (238) | | | | (244) | | | | (204) | | | | (151) | | | | (161) | | |
Other debits(c) | (5) | | | | (36) | | | | (63) | | | | (23) | | | | (15) | | |
Net write-offs(c) | | Net write-offs(c) | (192) | | | (238) | | | (244) | | | (204) | | | (151) | |
Other adjustments(d) | | Other adjustments(d) | 8 | | | 8 | | | 17 | | | (5) | | | (3) | |
| Balance, December 31 | Balance, December 31 | $ | 172 | | | | $ | 172 | | | | $ | 150 | | | | $ | 115 | | | | $ | 118 | | Balance, December 31 | $ | 90 | | | $ | 172 | | | $ | 172 | | | $ | 150 | | | $ | 115 | |
| Reserve for losses as a % of gross Card Member receivables and loans owned at December 31 | 0.7 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.6 | % | | 0.7 | % | |
| Reserves for credit losses as a % of gross Card Member receivables and loans owned at December 31 | | Reserves for credit losses as a % of gross Card Member receivables and loans owned at December 31 | 0.7 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.7 | % | | 0.6 | % |
(a)PrimarilyFor the year ended December 31, 2020, beginning balance includes a decrease of $140 million as of January 1, 2020, related to the adoption of the CECL methodology.
(b)Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs.
(c)Net of recoveries of $84 million, $127 million, $121 million, $96 million, and $92 million in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(d)For the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily includes reserve adjustments related to the removal of U.S. Consumer and Small Business Card Member receivables of $7.2 billion from the Charge Trust. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, primarily includes reserve balances related to new groups of, and participation interests in, Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates totaling $2.7 billion, $9.8 billion, $9.4 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively, and $5.8 billion in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(b)Net of recoveries of $127 million, $121 million, $96 million, $92 million and $101 million in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(c)Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Sale of these participation interests in Card Member receivables totaledaffiliate totaling $1.1 billion, $6.2 billion, $9.4 billion and $5.7 billion, and $2.6 billion in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For all the years presented, also includes foreign currency translation adjustments.
Loans to Affiliates and Other
Credco’s loans to affiliates and other represent floating-rate interest-bearing borrowings by American Express Company, wholly owned subsidiaries of TRS and the joint ventures that issue American Express cards in certain countries.
The components of loans to affiliates and other as of December 31, 2020, and 2019 were as follows:
Table 6:7: Loans to Affiliates and Other
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
| American Express Services Europe Limited | American Express Services Europe Limited | $ | 4,206 | | | | $ | 3,552 | | American Express Services Europe Limited | $ | 2,881 | | | $ | 4,206 | |
| American Express Company | | American Express Company | 2,772 | | | — | |
| American Express Australia Limited | American Express Australia Limited | 2,052 | | | 1,839 | | American Express Australia Limited | 1,745 | | | 2,052 | |
| Amex Global Holdings C.V. | | Amex Global Holdings C.V. | 1,430 | | | 888 | |
| Amex Bank of Canada | Amex Bank of Canada | 1,587 | | | 1,334 | | Amex Bank of Canada | 857 | | | 1,587 | |
| Amex Global Holdings C.V. | 888 | | | 888 | | |
| American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. | American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. | 534 | | | 463 | | American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. | 540 | | | 534 | |
| American Express International, Inc., Singapore Branch | American Express International, Inc., Singapore Branch | 413 | | | 383 | | American Express International, Inc., Singapore Branch | 303 | | | 413 | |
| American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. | American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. | 404 | | | 348 | | American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. | 257 | | | 404 | |
| American Express International (NZ), Inc. | | American Express International (NZ), Inc. | 56 | | | 70 | |
| Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A. | Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A. | 120 | | | 114 | | Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A. | 25 | | | 120 | |
| American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC | American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC | 71 | | | 53 | | American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC | 24 | | | 71 | |
| American Express International (NZ), Inc. | 70 | | | 72 | | |
American Express Limited(a) | — | | | | 3,847 | | |
American Express International, Inc.(a) | — | | | 1,243 | | |
Total(b) | $ | 10,345 | | | $ | 14,136 | | |
Total(a) | | Total(a) | $ | 10,890 | | | $ | 10,345 | |
(a)As a result of funding structure changes in the ordinary course of business, Credco terminated the intercompany loan agreement with American Express Limited and American Express International, Inc. and settled the related borrowings from American Express Company during the second quarter of 2019.
(b)As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, and 2018, approximately $8.2$6.4 billion and $7.2$8.2 billion, respectively, were collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and Card Member loans transferred with recourse.
Due from/to Affiliates
As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, amounts due from affiliates were $0.7 billion$6 million and $0.2 billion,$652 million, respectively. As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, amounts due to affiliates were $2.1$4.3 billion and $2.9$2.1 billion, respectively. These amounts relate primarily to timing differences from the purchase of Card Member receivables, net of remittances from TRS and its subsidiaries, as well as from operating activities. As of both December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, due to affiliates also includes an amount pertaining to tax liability related to the Tax Act.
Cash with Affiliates
Deposits
In the month of June 2020, Credco restructured a number of its intercompany loan arrangements to further enhance funding flexibility and effectiveness. Credco borrowed $7.1 billion from TRS to repay borrowings from AE Exposure Management Limited of $4.7 billion. The excess of $2.2 billion was deposited with American Express National Bank (AENB), which was reported as part of Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2020. During the second half of the year, amounts were withdrawn from AENB to meet business funding requirements resulting in $0.5 billion in deposits remaining with AENB as of December 31, 2020.
Restricted Cash with Affiliates
As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, the amount of interest-bearing restricted cash was $116$120 million and $93$116 million, respectively, which represents cash deposited with Amex Bank of Canada relating to the purchase of Card Member receivables and the collateralized loan arrangement for transfer of Card Member loans. It is included under “Other assets”“Cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
Short-term Debt to Affiliates
Short-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of interest-bearing master notes payable on demand. Components of short-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows:
Table 7:8: Short-term Debt to Affiliates
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.(a) | $ | 7,073 | | | $ | — | |
AE Exposure Management Limited(a) | 1,193 | | | 5,731 | |
| American Express Holdings Netherlands CV | 192 | | | 192 | |
| Accertify, Inc. | 107 | | | 82 | |
| American Express Swiss Holdings GmbH | 4 | | | 1 | |
| American Express Europe LLC | — | | | 219 | |
| Total | $ | 8,569 | | | $ | 6,225 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 |
| AE Exposure Management Limited | $ | 5,731 | | | $ | 5,122 | |
| American Express Europe LLC | 219 | | | 517 | |
| American Express Holdings Netherlands CV | 192 | | | 192 | |
| Accertify, Inc. | 82 | | | 68 | |
| American Express Swiss Holdings GmbH | 1 | | | ― | |
| Total | $ | 6,225 | | | $ | 5,899 | |
Long-term Debt to Affiliates
Long-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of master note agreements with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater and are not payable on demand. Components of long-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows:
Table 8:9: Long-term Debt to Affiliates
| | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| (Millions, except percentages) | (Millions, except percentages) | Outstanding Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate on Debt | | Outstanding Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate
on Debt | (Millions, except percentages) | Outstanding Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate on Debt | | Outstanding Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate on Debt |
American Express Company (a) | American Express Company (a) | $ | 8,959 | | | 2.85 | % | | $ | 7,240 | | | 3.32 | % | American Express Company(a) | $ | 454 | | | 0.91 | % | | $ | 8,959 | | | 2.85 | % |
Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited (b) | Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited (b) | 333 | | | 0.28 | | | 283 | | | 0.28 | | Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited(b) | 368 | | | 0.28 | | | 333 | | | 0.28 | |
| Total | Total | $ | 9,292 | | | 2.76 | % | | $ | 7,523 | | | 3.20 | % | Total | $ | 822 | | | 0.63 | % | | $ | 9,292 | | | 2.76 | % |
(a)Amounts payable by November 2023. Refer to “Card Member receivables and Card Member loans” in MD&A and Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
(b)Amounts payable by September 2021.
Service Fees to Affiliates
Credco’s affiliates do not explicitly charge Credco a service fee for the servicing of receivables purchased. Instead Credco receives a lower discount rate on the receivables purchased than would be the case if servicing fees were charged. If a servicing fee had been charged by these affiliates from which Credco purchases receivables, fees to affiliates for servicing receivables would have been approximately $328$250 millionand $305$328 million for the years ended December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively. Correspondingly, discount revenue would have increased by approximately the same amounts in these periods.
Sources of Funds
Credco’s business is financed by borrowings consisting principally of intercompany borrowings, issuances of term debt, and issuances of commercial paper, as well as cash provided through operations. Credco has not issued asset-backed securities (although Credco has the ability to sell receivables to TRS, which in turn can securitize them). For a more detailed discussion of Credco’s funding strategies, refer to “Consolidated Capital Resources and Liquidity ― Funding Strategy.”
The weighted-average effective interest rates on an annual basis of all borrowings, after giving effect to commitment fees under lines of credit and the impact of interest rate swaps, during the following years were as follows:
Table 9:10: Weighted-Average Effective Interest Rate
| | | Weighted-Average | | | | | | | | |
| Year | Year | Effective Interest Rate | | Year | Weighted-Average Effective Interest Rate | |
| 2020 | | 2020 | 1.46 | % | |
| 2019 | 2019 | 2.98 | % | | 2019 | 2.98 | % | |
| 2018 | 2018 | 2.60 | % | | 2018 | 2.60 | % | |
| 2017 | 2017 | 1.78 | % | | 2017 | 1.78 | % | |
| 2016 | 2016 | 1.28 | % | | 2016 | 1.28 | % | |
| 2015 | 1.25 | % | | |
Refer to Notes 4 and 8 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information about Credco’s short-term and long-term debt, including lines of credit.
CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Credco’s balance sheet management objectives are to maintain:
•A broad, deep and diverse set of funding sources to finance its assets and meet operating requirements; and
•Liquidity programs that enable Credco to continuously meet expected future financing obligations and business requirements for at least a twelve-month period, in the event it is unable to continue to raise new funds under its regulartraditional funding programs during a substantial weakening in economic conditions.
Credco is closely monitoring the changing macroeconomic environment and is actively managing its balance sheet to reflect evolving circumstances. Credco’s objective is to remain financially strong against a backdrop of an uncertain operating environment and outlook.
Funding Strategy
American Express has in place an enterprise-wide funding policy. The principal funding objective is to maintain broad and well-diversified funding sources to allow American Express, including Credco, to meet its maturing obligations, cost-effectively finance current and future asset growth in its global businesses as well as to maintain a strong liquidity profile.
Credco has historically relied on intercompany borrowings and the debt capital markets to fulfill a substantial amount of its funding needs. It has a variety of funding sources available to access the debt capital markets, including senior unsecured debt and commercial paper. Credco continues to assess its funding needs and investor demand and could change the mix of its existing sources as well as add new sources to its funding mix. Credco’s annual funding plans can vary due to various risks and uncertainties, such as the disruption of financial markets or reductions in market capacity and demand for securities offered by Credco as well as any regulatory changes or changes in its long-term or short-term credit ratings. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond Credco’s control.
Credco’s funding strategy is designed, among other things, to maintain appropriate and stable unsecured debt ratings from the major credit rating agencies: Fitch Ratings (Fitch), Moody’s Investor Services (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s (S&P). Such ratings help support Credco’s access to cost-effective unsecured funding as part of its overall funding strategy.
Table 10:11: Unsecured Debt Ratings
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit Agency | | Short-Term Ratings | | Long-Term Ratings | | Outlook |
| Fitch | | F1 | | A | | StableNegative |
| | | | | | | |
| Moody’s | | Prime-1 | | A2 | | StableNegative |
| | | | | | | |
| S&P | | A-2 | | A- | | Stable |
These ratings are not a recommendation to buy or hold any of Credco’s securities and they may be revised or revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the rating organization.
Downgrades in the ratings of Credco’s unsecured debt could result in higher funding costs, as well as higher fees related to borrowings under its unused lines of credit.credit facilities. Declines in credit ratings could also reduce Credco’s borrowing capacity in the unsecured term debt and commercial paper markets. The overall level of the funding provided by Credco to other American Express affiliates is impacted by a variety of factors, among them Credco’s ratings. To the extent that Credco is subject to a higher cost of funds, whether due to an adverse ratings action or otherwise, the affiliates could continue to use, or could increase their use of, alternative sources of funding for their receivables that offer better pricing.
Short-term Funding Programs
Short-term borrowings, such as commercial paper, is defined as debt with original contractual maturity of twelve months or less. Credco’s issuance and sale of commercial paper is primarily utilized for working capital needs. The amount of short-term borrowings issued in the future will depend on Credco’s funding strategy, its needs and market conditions. As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, Credco had $3.0 billionnil and $0.8$3.0 billion, respectively, of commercial paper outstanding. The average commercial paper outstanding was $0.30$0.6 billion and $0.23$0.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively.
Long-term Debt Programs
During 2019, Credco did not issue any unsecured debt securities. Long-term debt is raised through the offering of debt securities both in and outside the United States. Long-term debt is generally defined as any debt with an original contractual maturity greater than twelve months.
During 2020, Credco did not issue any unsecured debt securities. Credco had the following long-term debt outstanding as of December 31:
Table 11:12: Long-Term Debt Outstanding
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Billions) | 2019 | | 2018 |
Long-term debt outstanding (a) | $ | 13.5 | | | $ | 20.4 | |
Average long-term debt (b) | $ | 16.4 | | | $ | 22.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Billions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
Long-term debt outstanding(a) | $ | 7.0 | | | $ | 13.5 | |
Average long-term debt(b) | $ | 9.1 | | | $ | 16.4 | |
(a)The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount, (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps.
(b)Average long-term debt outstanding during the twelve months ended December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively.
Refer to Note 4 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for further details on total year-end interest rates on debt and maturities.
Credco has the ability to issue debt securities under the shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The latest shelf registration statement filed with the SEC is for an unspecified amount of debt securities. As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, Credco had $13.5$7.0 billion and $20.7$13.5 billion of debt securities outstanding, respectively, issued under the SEC registration statement.respectively. Credco may redeem from time to time certain debt securities within 31 days prior to the original contractual maturity dates in accordance with the optional redemption provisions of those debt securities.
Credco has also established a program in Australia for the issuance of debt securities of up to approximately $4.2 billion (AUD 6 billion). As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the entire amount of notes were available for issuance under this program and there were no outstanding notes as of such dates.
The covenants of debt instruments issued by Credco impose the requirement that Credco maintain a minimum consolidated net worth of $50 million, which limits the amount of dividends Credco can pay to TRS, its parent.parent company. During 20192020 and 2018,2019, Credco did not pay any cash dividends to TRS. When considering the amount of dividends it pays, Credco takes into account the amount of capital required to maintain capital strength, support business growth and meet the expectations of debt investors. To the extent excess capital is available, it may be distributed to TRS, Credco’s parent company, via dividends. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of Credco to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. Additionally, there are no limitations on the amount of debt that can be issued by Credco, provided it maintains the minimum required fixed charge coverage ratioFCCR of 1.25. As of December 31, 2019,2020, Credco was in compliance with all restrictive covenants contained in its debt agreements.
Liquidity Management
The liquidity objective of American Express and its subsidiaries, including Credco, is to maintain access to a diverse set of on- and off-balance sheet liquidity sources and seek to maintain liquidity sources in amounts sufficient to meet their expected future financial obligations and business requirements for liquidity for a period of at least twelve months in the event they are unable to raise new funds under their regular funding programs during a substantial weakening in economic conditions.
The liquidity management strategy includes a number of elements, including, but not limited to:
•Maintaining diversified funding sources;
•Maintaining unencumbered liquid assets and off-balance sheet liquidity sources;
•Projecting cash inflows and outflows under a variety of economic and market scenarios; and
•Establishing clear objectives for liquidity risk management, including compliance with regulatory requirements; and
•Incorporating liquidity risk management as appropriate into American Express’ capital adequacy framework.requirements.
Credco regularly accesses liquidity through its various funding programs and maintains a variety of contingent sources of cash and financing, such as access to securitizationssecuritization of Card Member receivables through sales of receivables to TRS for securitization by RFC VIII and the American Express IssuanceCharge Trust, II (the Charge Trust), as well as a committed bank credit facility.
Subsequent to year end, American Express2020, TRS removed U.S. consumerConsumer and small businessSmall Business Card Member receivables from the Charge Trust and substantially replaced them with U.S. corporateCorporate Card Member receivables.
To effect this change, on January 7, 2020, Credco sold $5.2 billion of U.S. corporateCorporate Card Member receivables to TRS. Then on February 1, 2020, TRS transferred $5.2 billion of U.S. corporateCorporate Card Member receivables to the Charge Trust and removed $7.2 billion of U.S. consumerConsumer and small businessSmall Business Card Member receivables from the Charge Trust. Since Credco maintains participation interests in the Charge Trust, these transactions resulted in Credco (i) no longer having an interest in the $7.2 billion in U.S. consumerConsumer and small businessSmall Business Card Member receivables and (ii) having an interest in the U.S. corporateCorporate Card Member receivables in the Charge Trust. Settlement of these transactions was undertaken through borrowings from American Express Company and thus Long-term debt to affiliates has also decreased by $7.2 billion.
Credco believes that it currently maintains sufficient liquidity to meet all internal and regulatory liquidity requirements. As of December 31, 2019,2020, Credco had cashCash and cash equivalents of approximately $33 million.$601 million which primarily represents the amount deposited with AENB, and was driven by the restructuring of a number of its intercompany loan arrangements to further enhance funding flexibility and effectiveness. Refer to “Deposits” in MD&A for additional information. In addition to its actual holdings of cashCash and cash equivalents, Credco maintains access to additional liquidity, in the form of cashCash and cash equivalents held by certain affiliates, through intercompany loan agreements.agreements, access to securitization of Card Member receivables through sales of receivables to TRS for securitization by RFC VIII and the Charge Trust, and a committed bank credit facility.
Committed Bank Credit Facility
Credco maintained a U.S. dollar-denominated committed syndicated bank credit facility as of December 31, 20192020 of $3.5 billion, with a maturity date of October 15, 2022. As of December 31, 2019,2020, no amounts were drawn on this facility. The capacity of the facility mainly served to further enhance Credco’s contingent funding resources. The availability of this facility is subject to Credco’s compliance with certain financial covenants that require maintenance of a 1.25 minimum required fixed charge coverage ratio. The fixed charge coverage ratio for Credco was 1.54 and 1.49 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Credco may, from time to time, use this facility in the ordinary course of business to fund working capital needs. Any undrawn portion of this facility could serve as backstop for the amount of commercial paper outstanding. The availability of this facility is subject to compliance with certain covenants that require maintenance of a 1.25 minimum FCCR. FCCR is the ratio of earnings available for fixed charges (interest expenses including interest expense to affiliates) to fixed charges for the applicable period. During the fourth quarter of 2020, Credco and its bank lenders agreed to amend the credit agreement to revise the definition of FCCR to include certain capital contributions to additional paid-in capital from TRS. As of December 31, 2020, and onwards, earnings available for fixed charges are defined as net income before fixed charges and income tax provision plus certain capital contributions, if any, made by TRS to Credco. For the quarter ended December 31, 2020, Credco did not require any capital contributions from TRS for the maintenance of its minimum FCCR.
The committed syndicated bank credit facility does not contain a material adverse change clause, which might otherwise preclude borrowing under the credit facility, nor is it dependent on Credco’s credit rating.
Computations for fixed charge coverage ratio were as follows:
Table 13: Computation in support of fixed charge coverage ratio
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Dollar in Millions) | | Year ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Earnings: | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 201 | | | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | |
| Income tax provision | | 121 | | | 94 | | | 29 | |
| Interest expense including interest expense to affiliates | | 276 | | | 954 | | | 851 | |
Capital contributions from TRS(a) | | — | | | N/A | | N/A |
| Earnings available for fixed charges | | $ | 598 | | | $ | 1,466 | | | $ | 1,267 | |
| Fixed charges - Interest expense including interest expense to affiliates | | $ | 276 | | | $ | 954 | | | $ | 851 | |
| Fixed charge coverage ratio | | 2.17 | | | 1.54 | | | 1.49 | |
(a) Effective fourth quarter of 2020, capital contributions from TRS is part of earnings available for fixed charges.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
To mitigate counterparty credit risk related to derivatives, Credco may accept non-cash collateral from its derivativesderivative counterparties. There was no such non-cash collateral as of both December 31, 20192020, and 2018.2019.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Credco’s risk management objective is to identify, monitor and appropriately control its risk exposures. Credco’s risk management oversight is performed through internal and independent oversight functions. Risk management governance at Credco begins with the American Express Enterprise-wide Risk Management (ERM) Policy, approved by the Risk Committee of the American Express Board of Directors (the Risk Committee). The ERM policy governs risk governance, risk oversight and risk appetite for risks, including individual credit risk, institutional credit risk, marketoperational risk, liquidity risk, operationalcompliance risk, reputational risk, compliancemarket risk, modelfunding and liquidity risk, asset/liabilitymodel risk, strategic and business risk and foreign country risk. Risk appetite defines the authorized risk limits to control exposures within American Express’ risk capacity and risk tolerance, including stressed forward-looking scenarios. In addition, it establishes principles for risk-taking in the aggregate and for each risk type, and is supported by a comprehensive system for monitoring limits, escalation triggers and assessing control programs.
The Risk Committee reviews and concurs inwith the appointment, replacement, performance and compensation of American Express’ Chief Risk Officer and receives regular updates from the Chief Risk Officer on key risks, transactions and exposures.
The Risk Committee reviews American Express’ risk profile against the tolerance specified in the Risk Appetite Framework, including significant risk exposures, risk trends in American Express’ portfolios and major risk concentrations.
The Audit and Compliance Committee of the American Express Board of Directors reviews and approves compliance policies, which include American Express’ Compliance Risk Tolerance Statement. In addition, the Audit and Compliance Committee reviews the effectiveness of the American Express Corporate-wide Compliance Risk Management Program. More broadly, this committee is responsible for assisting the Board in its oversight responsibilities relating to the integrity of financial statements and financial reporting process; internal and external auditing, including the qualifications and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm and the performance of internal audit services function; and the integrity of systems of internal controls.
The Audit and Compliance Committee provides oversight of the American Express Internal Audit Group. The Audit and Compliance Committee reviews and concurs inwith the appointment, replacement, performance and compensation of American Express’ Chief Audit Executive, who reports to the Audit and Compliance Committee, and approves Internal Audit’s annual audit plan, charter, policies, budget and budget.staffing levels, and overall risk assessment methodology. The Audit and Compliance Committee also receives regular updates on the audit plan’s status and results including significant reports issued by Internal Audit and the status of American Express’ corrective actions.
There are
American Express has several internal management committees, including the Enterprise-wide Risk Management Committee (ERMC), chaired by the American Express Chief Risk Officer. The ERMC is the highest-level management committee to oversee all firm-wide risks and is responsible for risk governance, risk oversight and risk appetite. It maintains the enterprise-wide risk appetite framework and monitors compliance with limits and escalations defined in it. The ERMC oversees implementation of risk policies across American Express, including Credco, with approval by the appropriate board committee. The ERMC reviews key risk exposures, trends and concentrations, significant compliance matters, and provides guidance on the steps to monitor, control and report major risks. In addition, the Asset Liability Committee, chaired by American Express’ Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for managing Credco’s capital, funding and liquidity, investment, market risk and asset/liability activities in accordance with its policies and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
As defined in the ERM policy, American Express follows the “three lines of defense” approach to risk management. The first line of defense comprises functions and management committees directly initiating risk-taking. BusinessThe Chief Executive Officer, business unit presidents and the Chief Credit Officer, Chief Market Risk Officer and Functional RiskFinancial Officer are part of the first line of defense. The second line comprises independent functions overseeing risk-taking activities of the first line. The Chief Risk Officer, the Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer, the Chief Operational Risk Officer and certain control groups, both at the enterprise level and within regulated entities, are part of the second line of defense. The global risk oversight team oversees the policies, strategies, frameworks, models, processes and capabilities deployed by the first line teams and provides challenges and independent assessments on how the first line of defense is managing risks. In addition, the Asset-Liability Committee, chaired by American Express’ Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for managing market, liquidity and asset/liability risk, capital and resolution planning.
American Express Internal Audit Group constitutes the third line of defense and provides independent assessments and effective challenge of the first and second lines of defense.
Credit Risk Management Process
Credit risk is defined as the risk of loss due to obligor or counterparty default or changes in the credit quality of a counterparty or security. American Express manages the overall credit risk exposure associated with the Card Member receivables and loans purchased by Credco. Credco is exposed to credit risk through the Card Member receivables and Card Member loans it purchases generally without recourse, as well as through its participation interests in Card Member receivables. Since Credco’s portfolio consists of millions of borrowers and individual exposures across multiple geographies, occupations and social segments, its risk is reduced through diversification. A loss distribution is characterized by a higher frequency but manageable severity that is more closely linked to general economic and legal conditions than by borrower-specific events. Receivable and loan purchase decisions and the related discount pricing are impacted by the overall credit risk considerations inherent in Card Member receivables and Card Member loans.
Credit risk associated with Credco’s derivatives is limited to the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. To mitigate such risk, Credco’s counterparties are all required to be rated as investment grade. Additionally, Credco enters into master netting agreements with its counterparties wherever practical.
Operational Risk Management Process
Operational risk is considered to be the risk of not achieving business objectivesloss due to, among other things, inadequate or failed processes, people or information systems, or impacts from the external environment, including failures to comply with laws and regulations as well as impacts from relationships with third parties. Operational risk is inherent in all business activities and can impact an organization through direct or indirect financial loss, brand damage, customer dissatisfaction, or legal and regulatory penalties.
To appropriately measure and manage operational risk, American Express has implemented a comprehensive operational risk framework that is defined in the Operational Risk Management Policy approved by the Risk Committee. The Operational Risk Management Committee (ORMC), chaired by the Chief Operational Risk Officer, provides governance for the operational risk framework and coordinates with all control groups on effective risk assessments and controls and oversees the preventive, responsive and mitigation efforts by Operational Excellence teams in the business units and staff groups, including Credco.
American Express uses the operational risk framework to identify, measure, monitor and report inherent and emerging operational risks. This framework, supervised by the ORMC, consists of (a) operational risk event capture, (b) a project office to coordinate issue management and control enhancements, (c) key risk indicators, and (d) process and entity-level risk assessments.
The framework requires the assessment of operational risk events to determine root causes, impact to customers and/or American Express, and resolution plan accountability to correct any defect, remediate customers, and enhance controls and testing to mitigate future issues. The impact is assessed from an operational, financial, brand, regulatory compliance and legal perspective.
Compliance Risk Management Process
American Express defines compliance risk as the risk of legal or reputational harm, fines, monetary penalties and payment of damages or other forms of sanction as a result of non-compliance with applicable laws and/or regulations, rulesinternal policies and procedures and related practices, or standards of conduct.ethical standards.
American Express views its ability to effectively mitigate compliance risk as an important aspect of its business model. American Express’ Global Compliance and Ethics organization is responsible for establishing and maintaining American Express’ corporate-wide Compliance Risk Management Program. Pursuant to this program, American Express seeks to manage and mitigate compliance risk by assessing, controlling, monitoring, measuring and reporting the legal and regulatory risks to which it is exposed. The Compliance Risk Management Committee (CRMC), chaired by the Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer, is responsible for identifying, evaluating, managing, and escalating compliance risks. The CRMC has a dual reporting relationship directly to both the ERMC and the Audit and Compliance Committee.
American Express has a comprehensive Anti-Money LaunderingAML program that monitors and reports suspicious activity to the appropriate government authorities. As part of that program, the Global Risk Oversight team provides independent risk assessment of the rules used by the Anti-Money LaunderingAML team. In addition, the Internal Audit Group reviews the processes for practices consistent with regulatory guidance.
Market Risk Management Process
Market risk is the risk to earnings or asset and liability values resulting from movements in market prices. Credco’s market risk exposures include:
•Interest rate risk in its funding activities; and
•Foreign exchange risk arising from transactions, funding, investments and earnings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
American Express’ Asset Liability Management (ALM) and Market Riskrisk policies establish the framework that guides and governs market risk management for American Express and its subsidiaries, including Credco, with clear quantitative limits and escalation triggers. These policies are approved by the ERMC, Asset Liability Committee or Market Risk Management Committee.
Market risk is managed by the American Express Market Risk Management Committee. The Market Risk Oversight Officer provides an independent risk assessment and oversight over the policies and exposure management for market risk and ALMAsset Liability Management activities as well as overseeing compliance with the Volcker Rule and otherassociated regulatory requirements. Market risk management is also guided and governed by policies covering the use of derivative financial instruments, funding, liquidity and investments.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk arises through the funding of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans purchased with variable-rate borrowings. Interest rate exposure can vary over time through, among other things, the proportion of Credco’s total funding provided by variable-variable and fixed-rate debt. In addition, interest rate swaps are used from time to time to effectively convert debt issuance to (or from) variable-rate from (or to) fixed-rate. Credco does not engage in derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.fixed-rate, or vice versa. Use of derivative financial instruments is incorporated into the discussion below as well as Note 6 to “Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Given the nature of Credco’s business model, where Credco includes its costs of funding in both the calculation of the discount at which Credco offers to purchase receivables and in the calculation of the interest at which it lends to affiliates and where such discount and interest is determined to maintain Credco’s minimum required fixed charge coverage ratioFCCR of 1.25, there would be minimal detrimental effect on Credco’s pretax earnings of a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates.
LIBOR Transition
Due to uncertainty surrounding the suitability and sustainability of LIBOR, central banks and global regulators have called for financial market participants to prepare for the discontinuance of LIBOR by the end of 2021 and the establishment of alternative reference rates.
Credco has financial instruments that will be impacted by the discontinuance of LIBOR, including floating rate debt, derivatives and borrowings. American Express has established an enterprise-wide, cross-functional initiative to identify, assess and monitor risks associated with LIBOR, engage with the industry participants and regulators and to transition to new alternative reference rates. As part of this initiative, American Express is reviewing and updating its operational processes, IT systems and models for a timely transition.
See “Uncertainty relating toThe discontinuance of LIBOR and other reference rates and their potential discontinuance may negatively impact Credco’s access to funding and the value of its financial instruments” under “Risk Factors” for additional information.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign exchange exposures arise in two principal ways: 1)(1) funding foreign currency Card Member receivables and loans in U.S. dollars and 2)(2) foreign currency (equity and earnings) in subsidiaries outside the United States.
Credco’s foreign exchange risk is managed primarily by entering into foreign exchange spot transactions or hedged with foreign exchange forward contracts when the hedge costs are economically justified and in notional amounts designed to offset pretax impacts from currency movements in the period in which they occur. As of December 31, 2019,2020, foreign currency derivative instruments with total notional amounts of approximately $16.4$9.6 billion were outstanding. Derivative hedging activities related to balance sheet exposures and foreign currency earnings generally do not qualify for hedge accounting; however, derivative hedging activities related to translation exposure of foreign subsidiary equity qualify for net investment hedge accounting.
With respect to foreign currency balance sheet exposures, including related foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding, the effect on Credco’s projected earnings of a hypothetical 10 percent strengthening in the value of the U.S. dollar would be immaterial as of December 31, 2019.2020.
Funding and Liquidity Risk Management Process
LiquidityFunding and liquidity risk is defined as the inability of Credco to meet its ongoing financial and business obligations as they become due at a reasonable cost.
American Express’ Liquidity Risk Policy establishes the framework that guides and governs liquidity risk management.
Funding and Liquidity risk for American Express as a whole is managed by the Funding and Liquidity Committee. In addition, the Market Risk Oversight Officer provides independent oversight of liquidity risk management.
Funding and Liquidity risk is managed at an aggregate American Express level as well as at certain subsidiaries, including Credco, in order to ensure that sufficient and accessible liquidity resources are maintained. American Express manages liquidity risk by maintaining access to a diverse set of cash, readily-marketable securities and contingent sources of liquidity, such that it can continuously meet its business requirements and expected future financing obligations for at least a twelve-month period in the event it is unable to raise new funds under its regular funding programs during a substantial weakening in economic conditions. The Funding and Liquidity Committee reviews forecasts of American ExpressExpress’ aggregate cash positions and financing requirements, approves funding plans designed to satisfy those requirements under normal and stressed conditions, establishes guidelines to identify the amount of liquidity resources required and monitors positions and determines any actions to be taken.
Foreign Country Risk Management Process
Foreign countryCountry risk is defined as the risk that economic, social, and/or political conditions and events in a foreign country willmight adversely impact Credco, primarily as a result of greater credit losses, increased operational or market risk or the inability to repatriate capital. Credco manages foreign country risk as part of the normal course of business. Policies and procedures establish foreign country risk escalation thresholds to control and limit exposure, driven by processes that enable the monitoring of foreign country conditions in whichcountries where Credco has exposure.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Refer to Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for a summary of Credco’s significant accounting policies. Certain of Credco’s accounting policies requiring significant management assumptions and judgments are as follows:
Fair Value Measurement
Credco’s receivables agreements are negotiated with affiliates to achieve an arm’s-length price representative of fair value. Credco considers its expenses, such as interest costs, expected credit losses and applicable margin in the calculation of the discount rate at which Credco offers to purchase receivables. Any discount on the purchase price is ultimately recognized within Total revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income as either Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans or Interest income from affiliates and other.
Estimating fair value requires Credco’s management to utilize various inputs and assumptions. The assumption related to the estimation of expected credit losses requires significant management judgment, especially in periods of economic volatility. To estimate the expected credit losses, Credco leverages elements of its credit risk management process (refer to “Reserves for Card Member Credit Losses” critical accounting estimate). The estimation of expected credit losses involves an inherent level of subjectivity as the output of expected credit loss models utilized in the estimation process may not always be indicative of future credit performance, and the actual write-offs may differ from the estimate.
Reserves for Card Member Credit Losses
American Express has in place an enterprise-wide credit risk management process and manages the overall credit risk exposure associated with the Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, including those purchased by Credco.
Reserves for Card Member credit losses represent management’sCredco’s best estimate of the probableexpected credit losses inherent in Credco’sits outstanding portfolio of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans as of the balance sheet date. The CECL methodology, which became effective January 1, 2020, requires Credco’s management to estimate lifetime expected credit losses by incorporating historical loss experience and current and future economic conditions over a reasonable and supportable period (R&S Period) beyond the balance sheet date.
In estimating theseexpected credit losses, American Express uses statisticala combination of statistically based models and analyticalanalysis of the results produced by these models that analyze portfolio performanceto determine the quantitative and reflect itsqualitative components of American Express’ total balance sheet reserves for credit losses. These quantitative and qualitative components entail a significant amount of judgment. The primary areas of judgment regardingused in measuring the quantitative components of American Express’ reserves relate to the reserve. The models take into account several factors, including delinquency-based loss migration rates, loss emergence periodsdetermination of the appropriate R&S Period, the modeling of the probability of and average lossesexposure at default, and recoveries over an appropriate historical period.the methodology to incorporate current and future economic conditions. American Express also considers whetheruses these models and assumptions, combined with historical loss experience, to adjustdetermine the reserve rates that are applied to the outstanding Card Member receivable or Card Member loan balances, to produce its reserves for expected credit losses for the R&S Period. The qualitative component is intended to capture expected losses that may not have been fully captured in the quantitative reserve forcomponent. Through an established governance structure, American Express considers certain external and internal qualitative factors, thatincluding emerging portfolio characteristics and trends, which consequentially may increase or decrease the reserves for Card Member credit losses.
The R&S Period, which is approximately three years, represents the maximum time-period beyond the balance sheet date over which American Express can reasonably estimate expected credit losses, onusing all available portfolio information, current economic conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. Card Member receivable products are contractually required to be paid in full; therefore, American Express has assumed the balances will be either paid or written-off within the R&S Period. Card Member loan products do not have a contractual term and balances can revolve if minimum required payments are made, causing some balances to remain outstanding beyond the R&S Period. To determine expected credit losses beyond the R&S Period, American Express immediately revert to long-term average loss rates.
Within the R&S Period, American Express’ models use past loss experience and current and future economic conditions to estimate the probability of default, exposure at default and expected recoveries to estimate net losses at default. A significant area of judgment relates to how American Express applies future Card Member payments to the reporting period balances when determining the exposure at default. The nature of revolving loan products inherently includes a relationship between future payments and spend behavior, which creates complexity in the application of how future payments are either partially or entirely attributable to the existing balance at the end of the reporting period. Using historical customer behavior and other factors, American Express has assumed that future payments are first allocated to interest and fees associated with the reporting period balance and future spend. American Express then allocates a portion of the payment to the estimated higher minimum payment amount due because of any future spend. Any remaining portion of the future payment is then allocated to the remaining reporting period balance.
CECL requires that the R&S Period include an assumption about current and future economic conditions. American Express incorporates multiple macroeconomic scenarios obtained from an independent third party. The estimated credit losses calculated from each macroeconomic scenario are reviewed and weighted to reflect its judgment about uncertainty around the scenarios. These macroeconomic scenarios contain certain variables, including unemployment rates and real GDP, that are significant to American Express’ models.
Macroeconomic Sensitivity
To demonstrate the sensitivity of estimated credit losses to the macroeconomic scenarios, American Express compared its modeled estimates under a baseline scenario to that under a pessimistic downside scenario. For every 10 percentage points change in weighting from the baseline scenario to the pessimistic downside scenario, Credco’s estimated credit losses increased by approximately $1 million. Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets primarily contain Card Member receivables, which have a shorter average estimated life than Card Member loans and loans. consequently are less sensitive to shifts within various economic scenarios than American Express.
The modeled estimates under these scenarios were influenced by the duration, severity and timing of changes in economic variables within each scenario and these macroeconomic scenarios, under different conditions or using different assumptions, could result in significantly different estimated credit losses. It is difficult to estimate how potential changes in specific factors might affect the estimated credit losses, and current results may not be indicative of the potential future impact of macroeconomic forecast changes.
In addition, this sensitivity analysis relates only to the modeled credit loss estimates under two scenarios without considering American Express’ judgment on the relative weighting for those and other scenarios, including the weight that has been placed on downside scenarios at the balance sheet date, or any potential changes in other adjustments to the quantitative reserve component or the impact of American Express’ judgment for the qualitative reserve component, which may have a positive or negative effect on the results. Thus, the results of this sensitivity analysis are hypothetical and are not intended to estimate or reflect Credco’s expectations of any changes in the overall reserves for credit losses due to changes in the macroeconomic environment.
The following table reflects the range of key variables in the macroeconomic scenarios utilized for the computation of Reserves for Card Member credit losses as of December 31, 2020:
| | | | | |
| December 31, 2020 |
| U.S. Unemployment Rate | |
| Fourth quarter of 2020 | 7 | % |
| First quarter of 2021 | 7% - 8% |
| Fourth quarter of 2021 | 7% - 11% |
| Fourth quarter of 2022 | 6% - 12% |
U.S. GDP Growth (Contraction) (a) | |
| Fourth quarter of 2020 | 3 | % |
| First quarter of 2021 | 4% - (5%) |
| Fourth quarter of 2021 | 6% - (2%) |
| Fourth quarter of 2022 | 4% - 3% |
(a)Real GDP quarter over quarter percentage change seasonally adjusted to annualized rates.
Refer to “Business Environment” and Table 3 in MD&A and Note 1 and Note 3 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.a further description of the impact of CECL, both at implementation and for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The process of estimating these reserves requires a high degree of judgment. To the extent historicalAmerican Express’ expected credit experience, updated for any external and internal qualitative factors such as environmental trends, isloss models are not indicative of future performance, Credco’s actual losses could differ significantly from management’sits judgments and expectations, resulting in either higher or lower future provisions for Card Membercredit losses in any quarter.
As of December 31, 2019, a 10 percent increase in Credco’s estimate of losses inherent in the outstanding portfolio of Card Member receivables and loans, evaluated collectively for impairment, would increase reserves for losses with a corresponding change to provisions for losses by approximately $17 million. This sensitivity analysis is provided as a hypothetical scenario to assess the sensitivity of the provisions for losses. It does not represent Credco’s expectations for losses in the future, nor does it include how other portfolio factors such as delinquency-based loss migration rates or recoveries, or the amount of outstanding balances, may impact the level of reserves for losses and the corresponding impact on the provisions for losses.
Refer to Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for information about the implementation and impact of new accounting guidance for the recognition of credit losses on financial instruments, effective January 1, 2020, and the new credit reserving methodology known as the CECL methodology.period.
Income Taxes
As a member of the consolidated federal income tax return of American Express, Credco is subject to the income tax laws of the United States, its states and municipalities and those of the foreign jurisdictions in which Credco operates. These tax laws are complex, and the manner in which they apply to the taxpayer’s facts is sometimes open to interpretation. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, Credco must make judgments about the application of inherently complex tax laws.
In particular, the Tax Act is complex and requires interpretation of certain provisions to estimate the impact on Credco’s income tax expense. The estimates are based on Credco’s current interpretations of the Tax Act, and may change due to additional guidance or context from the IRS, the U.S. Treasury Department or others.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Credco establishes a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which are the differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized in the financial statements.
In establishing a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit, assumptions may be made in determining whether, and the extent to which, a tax position should be sustained. A tax position is recognized only when it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority, based on its technical merits. The amount of tax benefit recognized is the largest benefit that managementCredco believes is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement. As new information becomes available, Credco evaluates its tax positions and adjusts its unrecognized tax benefits, as appropriate.
Tax benefits ultimately realized can differ from amounts previously recognized due to uncertainties, with any such differences generally impacting the provision for income tax.
Deferred Tax Asset Realization
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
Since deferred taxes measure the future tax effects of items recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements, certain estimates and assumptions are required to determine whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the benefit of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making this assessment, Credco’s management analyzes and estimates the impact of future taxable income, reversing temporary differences and available tax planning strategies. These assessments are performed quarterly, taking into account any new information.
Changes in facts or circumstances can lead to changes in the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets due to uncertainties.
OTHER MATTERS
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards
Refer to the Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards section of Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Various statements have been made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may also be made in Credco’s other reports filed with or furnished to the SECSecurities and Exchange Commission and in other documents. In addition, from time to time, Credco, through its management, may make oral forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely”,“likely,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Credco cautions you that the risk factors described above and other factors described below are not exclusive. There may also be other risks that Credco is unable to predict at this time that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Credco undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Credco’s forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
•American Express’ ability to rebuild growth momentum and improve its financial performance to pre-pandemic levels, which will depend in part on a recovery in consumer travel and therefore on how soon lockdowns ease, travel restrictions lift and the general public begins to feel comfortable traveling again; discount revenue recovering broadly in-line with billed business; credit performance and reserve levels; identifying attractive investment opportunities that help rebuild growth momentum, product innovation and the pace at which American Express winds down its value injection efforts; its ability to control operating expenses and generate operating expense leverage; the effective tax rate remaining consistent with current expectations; and its ability to resume its share repurchase program; any of which could be impacted by, among other things, the factors identified in the subsequent paragraphs;
•American Express’ ability to grow billed business, revenues and EPS, which could be impacted by, among other things, uncertainty regarding the continued spread of COVID-19 (including new variants) and severity of the pandemic and the availability, distribution and use of effective treatments and vaccines; a further deterioration in global economic and business conditions; consumer and business spending not growing in line with expectations, including T&E spending not rebounding to 2019 levels by the end of 2021; an inability or unwillingness of Card Members to pay amounts owed to American Express; insufficient governmental stimulus and relief programs to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic; prolonged measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 (including travel restrictions) or premature easing of such containment measures, both of which could further exacerbate the effects on business activity and American Express’ Card Members, partners and merchants; health concerns associated with the pandemic continuing to affect consumer behavior, spending levels and preferences, and travel patterns and demand even after government restrictions are lifted and economies reopen; American Express’ and Credco’s inability to effectively manage risk in an uncertain environment; market volatility, changes in capital and credit market conditions and the availability and cost of capital; issues impacting brand perceptions and its reputation; the amount and efficacy of investments in share, scale and relevance; an inability of business partners to meet their obligations to American Express and its customers due to slowdowns or disruptions in their businesses, bankruptcy and liquidation, or otherwise; the impact of any future contingencies, including, but not limited to, restructurings, impairments, changes in reserves, legal costs, the imposition of fines or civil money penalties and increases in Card Member reimbursements; and the impact of regulation and litigation, which could affect the profitability of American Express’ business activities, limit its ability to pursue business opportunities, require changes to business practices or alter its relationships with partners, merchants and Card Members;
•future credit performance and the amount and timing of future credit reserve builds and releases, which will depend in part on changes in consumer behavior that affect loan and receivable balances (such as paydown and revolve rates) and delinquency and write-off rates; macroeconomic factors such as unemployment rates, GDP and the volume of bankruptcies; the impact of the CECL methodology; collections capabilities and recoveries of previously written-off loans and receivables; the enrollment in, and effectiveness of, hardship programs and troubled debt restructurings; the availability of government stimulus programs for borrowers; and governmental actions that provide forms of relief with respect to certain loans and fees, such as limiting debt collections efforts and encouraging or requiring extensions, modifications or forbearance;
•the growth rate of receivables and loans outstanding being higher or lower than current expectations, which will depend on the behavior of Card Members and their actual spending and borrowing patterns; American Express’ ability to effectively manage risk and enhance Card Member value propositions; credit actions, including line size and other adjustments to credit availability; and the effectiveness of its strategies to capture a greater share of existing Card Members’ spending and borrowings, reduce Card Member attrition and attract new customers;
•factors beyond Credco’s control such as resurgences of COVID-19 cases, whether and when populations achieve herd immunity, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, power loss, disruptions in telecommunications, terrorism and other catastrophic events, any of which could significantly affect demand for and spending on American Express cards, delinquency rates, Card Member receivable and Card Member loan balances and other aspects of its business and results of operations or disrupt its global network systems and ability to process transactions;
•credit trends, which will depend in part on the economic environment, including, among other things, the rate of bankruptcies and the unemployment rate, which can affect spending on card products and debt payments by individual and corporate customers;
•the effectiveness of Credco’s risk management policies and procedures, including Credco’s ability to accurately estimate the provisions for losses in Credco’s outstanding portfolio of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, and operational risk;
•the growth of provisions for losses being higher or lower than current expectations, which will depend in part on changes in the level of Card Member receivable and Card Member loan balances and delinquency and write-off rates; the impact of new accounting guidance and the CECL methodology; collections capabilities and recoveries of previously written-off Card Member receivables and Card Member loans; and macroeconomic factors like unemployment rates and the volume of bankruptcies;
•fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
•negative changes in Credco’s credit ratings, which could result in decreased liquidity and higher borrowing costs;
•changes in laws or government regulations affecting American Express’ business, including the potential impact of regulations adopted by regulators relating to certain credit and charge card practices;
•the effect of fluctuating interest rates, which could affect Credco’s borrowing costs and have an adverse effect on the market price of notes issued by Credco;
•the impact on American Express’ business resulting from continuing geopolitical uncertainty and concerns relating to the recent coronavirus outbreak, travel restrictions and bans;
•the impact on American Express’ business of changes in the substantial and increasing worldwide competition in the payments industry;
•the impact on American Express’ business resulting from a failure in or breach of operational or security systems, processes or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyberattacks, which could compromise the
confidentiality, integrity, privacy and/or security of data, disrupt operations, reduce the use and acceptance of American Express cards and lead to regulatory scrutiny, litigation, remediation and response costs, and reputational harm;
•the impact on American Express’ business that could result from litigation such as class actions or from government regulation or supervision;
•Credco’s ability to satisfy its liquidity needs and execute on its funding plans, which will depend on, among other things, Credco’s future business growth, the impact of global economic, political and other events on market capacity, Credco’s credit ratings, demand for securities offered by Credco, performance by Credco’s counterparties under its bank credit facilities and other lending facilities, and regulatory changes; and
•Credco’s tax rate not remaining in lineconsistent with current expectations, which could be impacted by, among other things, Credco’sits geographic mix of income, further changes in tax laws and regulation, unfavorable tax audits and other unanticipated tax items;
•American Express’ ability to increase Card Member acquisition activities, provide additional value to Card Members and refresh its premium products, which will be impacted in part by competition, brand perceptions and reputation, and its ability to develop and market value propositions that appeal to Card Members and new customers and offer attractive services and rewards programs, which will depend in part on ongoing investments in Card Member acquisition efforts, addressing changing customer behaviors, new product innovation and development, and enrollment processes, including through digital channels, and infrastructure to support new products, services and benefits;
•American Express’ ability to innovate and strengthen its global network, which will depend in part on its ability to update its systems and platforms, the amount American Express invests in the network and its ability to make funds available for such investments, and technological developments, including capabilities that allow greater digital integration;
•American Express’ ability to introduce new and expanded digital capabilities, which will depend on its success in evolving its products and processes for the digital environment, developing new features in the Amex app and enhancing its digital channels, building partnerships and executing programs with other companies, effectively utilizing artificial intelligence to address servicing and other customer needs, and supporting the use of its products as a means of payment through online and mobile channels, all of which will be impacted by investment levels, new product innovation and development and infrastructure to support new products, services and benefits; and
•Credco’s funding plan being implemented in a manner inconsistent with current expectations, which will depend on various factors such as future business growth, the impact of accounting changes.global economic, political and other events on market capacity, demand for securities Credco offers, regulatory changes, ability to securitize and sell receivables and the performance of receivables previously sold in securitization transactions;
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Refer to the “Risk Management” under “MD&A” for quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Credco’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.
Credco’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), and includes those policies and procedures that:
•Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Credco;
•Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of Credco are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Credco; and
•Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Credco’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Credco’s management assessed the effectiveness of Credco’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019.2020. In making this assessment, Credco’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013).
Based on management’sCredco’s management assessment and those criteria, management hasit is concluded that, as of December 31, 2019,2020, Credco’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
American Express Credit Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Express Credit Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of cash flows,shareholder’s equity and of shareholder’s equitycash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019,2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20192020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for credit losses on certain financial instruments in 2020.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”)(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Significant Transactions with Related Parties
As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has entered into significant related party transactions with affiliates.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Purchase Price of Acquired U.S. Global Corporate Payments (GCP) Card Member Receivables
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company executes material transactions with its affiliates. The agreements between the Company and its affiliates provide that the parties intend for the transactions thereunder be conducted on an arm’s-length basis and the price at which receivables, including U.S. GCP Card Member receivables, are sold to the Company be at fair value. As disclosed by management, the Company considers its expenses, such as interest costs, expected credit losses and applicable margin in the calculation of the discount rate at which the Company offers to purchase receivables. Any discount on the purchase price of U.S. GCP Card Member receivables is ultimately recognized within total revenues in the consolidated statements of income as discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans. Discount revenue earned by the Company from purchases of U.S. GCP Card Member receivables represents a portion of the total discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans of $584 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Estimating fair value of the receivables requires management to utilize various inputs and assumptions. The assumption related to the estimation of expected credit losses requires significant management judgment, especially in periods of economic volatility. To estimate the expected credit losses, the Company leverages elements of its credit risk management process.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the purchase price of acquired U.S. GCP Card Member receivables is a critical audit matter are the establishment of the purchase price involved significant judgment by management, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s methodology, significant inputs and significant assumptions related to estimation of expected credit losses.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the purchase price of acquired U.S. GCP Card Member receivables. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for the establishment of the purchase price of acquired U.S. GCP Card Member receivables by (i) evaluating the appropriateness of management’s methodology, (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of significant inputs and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions related to the estimation of expected credit losses.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 27, 202025, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.
(Item 15 (a))
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
COVERED BY REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Throughout this report the term “Credco” refersrefer to American Express Credit Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, and the term “American Express” refers to American Express Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless stated or the context implies otherwise.
All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
| Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Revenues | Revenues | | | | | | Revenues | | | | | |
| Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans | Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans | $ | 1,204 | | | $ | 1,017 | | | $ | 760 | | Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans | $ | 584 | | | $ | 1,204 | | | $ | 1,017 | |
| Interest income from affiliates and other | Interest income from affiliates and other | 332 | | | 383 | | | 279 | | Interest income from affiliates and other | 166 | | | 332 | | | 383 | |
| Finance revenue | Finance revenue | 79 | | | 61 | | | 48 | | Finance revenue | 80 | | | 79 | | | 61 | |
| Total revenues | Total revenues | 1,615 | | | 1,461 | | | 1,087 | | Total revenues | 830 | | | 1,615 | | | 1,461 | |
| Expenses | Expenses | | Expenses | |
| Provisions for losses | 230 | | | 249 | | | 244 | | |
| Provisions for credit losses | | Provisions for credit losses | 242 | | | 230 | | | 249 | |
| Interest expense | Interest expense | 521 | | | 626 | | | 495 | | Interest expense | 201 | | | 521 | | | 626 | |
| Interest expense to affiliates | Interest expense to affiliates | 433 | | | 225 | | | 58 | | Interest expense to affiliates | 75 | | | 433 | | | 225 | |
| Other, net | Other, net | (81) | | | (55) | | | 15 | | Other, net | (10) | | | (81) | | | (55) | |
| Total expenses | Total expenses | 1,103 | | | 1,045 | | | 812 | | Total expenses | 508 | | | 1,103 | | | 1,045 | |
| Pretax income | Pretax income | 512 | | | 416 | | | 275 | | Pretax income | 322 | | | 512 | | | 416 | |
| Income tax provision | Income tax provision | 94 | | | 29 | | | 878 | | Income tax provision | 121 | | | 94 | | | 29 | |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | | | $ | (603) | | |
| Net income | | Net income | $ | 201 | | | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | | | $ | (603) | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income: | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax | (27) | | | (62) | | | 265 | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | (27) | | | (62) | | | 265 | |
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 391 | | | $ | 325 | | | $ | (338) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net income | $ | 201 | | | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | |
| Other comprehensive loss: | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax | (12) | | | (27) | | | (62) | |
| Other comprehensive loss: | (12) | | | (27) | | | (62) | |
| Comprehensive income | $ | 189 | | | $ | 391 | | | $ | 325 | |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | (Millions, except share data) | (Millions, except share data) | December 31,
2019 | | December 31,
2018 | (Millions, except share data) | December 31,
2020 | | December 31,
2019 |
| Assets | Assets | | | | Assets | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 33 | | | $ | 102 | | Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 601 | | | $ | 149 | |
| Card Member receivables, less reserves: 2019, $162; 2018, $167 | 25,395 | | | 24,429 | | |
| Card Member loans, less reserves: 2019, $10; 2018, $5 | 687 | | | 636 | | |
| Card Member receivables, less reserves for credit losses: 2020, $70; 2019, $162 | | Card Member receivables, less reserves for credit losses: 2020, $70; 2019, $162 | 12,087 | | | 25,395 | |
| Card Member loans, less reserves for credit losses : 2020, $20; 2019, $10 | | Card Member loans, less reserves for credit losses : 2020, $20; 2019, $10 | 480 | | | 687 | |
| Loans to affiliates and other | Loans to affiliates and other | 10,345 | | | 14,136 | | Loans to affiliates and other | 10,890 | | | 10,345 | |
| Due from affiliates | Due from affiliates | 652 | | | 210 | | Due from affiliates | 6 | | | 652 | |
| Other assets | Other assets | 245 | | | 529 | | Other assets | 244 | | | 129 | |
| Total assets | Total assets | $ | 37,357 | | | $ | 40,042 | | Total assets | $ | 24,308 | | | $ | 37,357 | |
| Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity | Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity | | Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity | |
| Liabilities | Liabilities | | Liabilities | |
| Short-term debt | Short-term debt | $ | 3,216 | | | $ | 826 | | Short-term debt | $ | 0 | | | $ | 3,216 | |
| Short-term debt to affiliates | Short-term debt to affiliates | 6,225 | | | 5,899 | | Short-term debt to affiliates | 8,569 | | | 6,225 | |
| Long-term debt | Long-term debt | 13,469 | | | 20,447 | | Long-term debt | 7,037 | | | 13,469 | |
| Long-term debt to affiliates | Long-term debt to affiliates | 9,292 | | | 7,523 | | Long-term debt to affiliates | 822 | | | 9,292 | |
| Total debt | Total debt | 32,202 | | | 34,695 | | Total debt | 16,428 | | | 32,202 | |
| Due to affiliates | Due to affiliates | 2,133 | | | 2,869 | | Due to affiliates | 4,344 | | | 2,133 | |
| Accrued interest and other liabilities | Accrued interest and other liabilities | 435 | | | 282 | | Accrued interest and other liabilities | 641 | | | 435 | |
| Total liabilities | Total liabilities | $ | 34,770 | | | $ | 37,846 | | Total liabilities | $ | 21,413 | | | $ | 34,770 | |
| Shareholder’s Equity | Shareholder’s Equity | | Shareholder’s Equity | |
| Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 | — | | | — | | |
| Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 | | Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | Additional paid-in capital | 161 | | | 161 | | Additional paid-in capital | 161 | | | 161 | |
| Retained earnings | Retained earnings | 3,513 | | | 3,095 | | Retained earnings | 3,833 | | | 3,513 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of: 2019, $25; 2018, $34 | (1,087) | | | (1,060) | | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of: 2020, $5; 2019, $25 | | Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of: 2020, $5; 2019, $25 | (1,099) | | | (1,087) | |
| Total accumulated other comprehensive loss | Total accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,087) | | | (1,060) | | Total accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,099) | | | (1,087) | |
| Total shareholder’s equity | Total shareholder’s equity | 2,587 | | | 2,196 | | Total shareholder’s equity | 2,895 | | | 2,587 | |
| Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity | Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity | $ | 37,357 | | | $ | 40,042 | | Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity | $ | 24,308 | | | $ | 37,357 | |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | Years Ended December 31 (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | | | | Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | | | $ | (603) | | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | | |
| Provisions for losses | 230 | | | 249 | | | 244 | | |
| Net income | | Net income | $ | 201 | | | $ | 418 | | | $ | 387 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| Provisions for credit losses | | Provisions for credit losses | 242 | | | 230 | | | 249 | |
| Amortization of underwriting expense | Amortization of underwriting expense | 19 | | | 25 | | | 28 | | Amortization of underwriting expense | 13 | | | 19 | | | 25 | |
| Deferred taxes | Deferred taxes | 13 | | | (35) | | | 55 | | Deferred taxes | (143) | | | 13 | | | (35) | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| Interest, taxes and other amounts due to/from affiliates | Interest, taxes and other amounts due to/from affiliates | (247) | | | (90) | | | 1,088 | | Interest, taxes and other amounts due to/from affiliates | (54) | | | (247) | | | (90) | |
| Other operating assets and liabilities | Other operating assets and liabilities | 344 | | | 405 | | | (378) | | Other operating assets and liabilities | 340 | | | 344 | | | 405 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | Net cash provided by operating activities | 777 | | | 941 | | | 434 | | Net cash provided by operating activities | 599 | | | 777 | | | 941 | |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |
| Net increase in Card Member receivables and Card Member loans | (1,226) | | | (4,984) | | | (1,998) | | |
Net decrease (increase) in Card Member receivables and Card Member loans (a) | | Net decrease (increase) in Card Member receivables and Card Member loans (a) | 8,086 | | | (1,226) | | | (4,984) | |
Net increase in loans to affiliates and other(a)(b) | Net increase in loans to affiliates and other(a)(b) | (1,128) | | | (67) | | | (1,245) | | Net increase in loans to affiliates and other(a)(b) | (68) | | | (1,128) | | | (67) | |
| Net (decrease) increase in due to/from affiliates | (924) | | | 978 | | | (1,718) | | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (3,278) | | | (4,073) | | | (4,961) | | |
| Net increase (decrease) in due to/from affiliates | | Net increase (decrease) in due to/from affiliates | 2,729 | | | (924) | | | 978 | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 10,747 | | | (3,278) | | | (4,073) | |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |
| Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt | 2,390 | | | (482) | | | (1,685) | | |
| Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt | | Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt | (3,216) | | | 2,390 | | | (482) | |
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt to affiliates(b) | Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt to affiliates(b) | 327 | | | (97) | | | 1,414 | | Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt to affiliates(b) | 2,345 | | | 327 | | | (97) | |
| Proceeds from long-term debt | Proceeds from long-term debt | — | | | — | | | 8,438 | | Proceeds from long-term debt | 20 | | | 18 | | | 25 | |
Principal payments of long-term debt(c) | Principal payments of long-term debt(c) | (7,152) | | | (3,647) | | | (4,900) | | Principal payments of long-term debt(c) | (6,620) | | | (7,170) | | | (3,672) | |
Proceeds from long-term debt to affiliates(b) | Proceeds from long-term debt to affiliates(b) | 33,559 | | | 11,812 | | | 270 | | Proceeds from long-term debt to affiliates(b) | 8,030 | | | 33,559 | | | 11,812 | |
Principal payments of long-term debt to affiliates(a)(b) | Principal payments of long-term debt to affiliates(a)(b) | (26,674) | | | (4,546) | | | — | | Principal payments of long-term debt to affiliates(a)(b) | (11,456) | | | (26,674) | | | (4,546) | |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,450 | | | 3,040 | | | 3,537 | | |
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 5 | | | (9) | | | 75 | | |
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (46) | | | (101) | | | (915) | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 195 | | | 296 | | | 1,211 | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 149 | | | $ | 195 | | | $ | 296 | | |
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (10,897) | | | 2,450 | | | 3,040 | |
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | | Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | 3 | | | 5 | | | (9) | |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 452 | | | (46) | | | (101) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 149 | | | 195 | | | 296 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 601 | | | $ | 149 | | | $ | 195 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplementary cash flow information | | | | | |
Non-cash Investing activity | | | | | |
Replacement of due from affiliate balance with new loan arrangement with affiliates(d)
| $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,129 | |
Termination of intercompany loan agreement with American Express Limited and American Express International, Inc.(a)
| 5,109 | | | — | | | | — | |
Non-cash Financing activity | | | | | | | | |
Settlement of borrowings with American Express Company(a)
| $ | (5,109) | | | $ | — | | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Supplementary cash flow information | | | | | |
| Non-cash Investing activities | | | | | |
Sales of U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables to TRS (a) | $ | 5,493 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Lending to American Express Company (a) | (416) | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Termination of intercompany loan agreement with American Express Limited and American Express International, Inc.(b) | 0 | | | 5,109 | | | 0 | |
| Non-cash Financing activities | | | | | |
Settlement of borrowings with American Express Company (a)(b) | $ | (5,077) | | | $ | (5,109) | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reconciliation | Dec-19 | | Dec-18 | | Dec-17 |
| Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets | $ | 33 | | | $ | 102 | | | $ | 196 | |
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets(e) | 116 | | | 93 | | | 100 | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 149 | | | $ | 195 | | | $ | 296 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reconciliation | Dec-20 | | Dec-19 | | Dec-18 |
| Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets | $ | 601 | | | $ | 149 | | | $ | 195 | |
Restricted cash included in Cash and cash equivalents(c) | 120 | | | 116 | | | 93 | |
Total Cash and cash equivalents excluding restricted cash (d) | $ | 481 | | | $ | 33 | | | $ | 102 | |
(a)Primarily driven by removal of U.S. Consumer and Small Business Card Member receivables from the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust) and replacement of the same with U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS) during the three months ended March 31, 2020. To effect this change, on January 7, 2020, Credco sold $5.2 billion of U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables to TRS. Settlement of this transaction was undertaken through borrowings from American Express Company.
(b)As a result of funding structure changes in the ordinary course of business, Credco terminated the intercompany loan agreement with American Express Limited and American Express International, Inc. and settled the related borrowings from American Express Company during the second quarter of 2019.
(b)Pursuant to the revision of the master note arrangement with American Express Company during the fourth quarter of 2018, Credco has changed the classification of the net borrowings from short-term debt to affiliates to long-term debt to affiliates.
(c)Includes $2 million paid during the fourth quarter of 2019 towards the renewal of Credco's existing U.S. dollar-denominated committed bank credit facility.
(d)To more effectively manage inter-affiliate funding, Credco entered into new loan agreements in July 2017 with American Express Limited and American Express International, Inc. The new loans were funded by the assignment of its existing loan to American Express Company and its outstanding due from affiliate balance with TRS.
(e)Represents cash deposited with Amex Bank of Canada relating to the purchase of Card Member receivables and the collateralized loan arrangement for transfer of Card Member loans.
(d)Primarily represents deposits with American Express National Bank (AENB). Refer to Note 1 for additional information.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
| | Three Years Ended December 31, 2019 | Total | | Common
Stock | | Additional
Paid-in
Capital | | Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss | | Retained
Earnings | |
| Three Years Ended December 31, 2020 | | Three Years Ended December 31, 2020 | Total | | Common
Stock | | Additional
Paid-in
Capital | | Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss | | Retained
Earnings |
| (Millions) | (Millions) | Total | | Common
Stock | | Additional
Paid-in
Capital | | Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss | | Retained
Earnings | | Total | | Common
Stock | | Additional
Paid-in
Capital | | Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss | | Retained
Earnings |
| Balances as of December 31, 2016 | |
| Net loss | (603) | | | (603) | | |
| Other comprehensive income | 265 | | | 265 | | | |
| Balances as of December 31, 2017 | Balances as of December 31, 2017 | 1,871 | | | — | | | 161 | | | (998) | | | 2,708 | | Balances as of December 31, 2017 | $ | 1,871 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 161 | | | $ | (998) | | | $ | 2,708 | |
| Net income | 387 | | | 387 | | |
| Net Income | | Net Income | 387 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 387 | |
| Other comprehensive loss | Other comprehensive loss | (62) | | | (62) | | | Other comprehensive loss | (62) | | | — | | | — | | | (62) | | | — | |
| Balances as of December 31, 2018 | Balances as of December 31, 2018 | 2,196 | | | — | | | 161 | | | (1,060) | | | 3,095 | | Balances as of December 31, 2018 | 2,196 | | | 0 | | | 161 | | | (1,060) | | | 3,095 | |
| Net income | Net income | 418 | | | 418 | | Net income | 418 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 418 | |
| Other comprehensive loss | Other comprehensive loss | (27) | | | (27) | | | Other comprehensive loss | (27) | | | — | | | — | | | (27) | | | — | |
| Balances as of December 31, 2019 | Balances as of December 31, 2019 | $ | 2,587 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 161 | | | $ | (1,087) | | | $ | 3,513 | | Balances as of December 31, 2019 | 2,587 | | | 0 | | | 161 | | | (1,087) | | | 3,513 | |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserves for Credit Losses (a) | | Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - Reserves for Credit Losses (a) | 119 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 119 | |
| Net income | | Net income | 201 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 201 | |
| Other comprehensive loss | | Other comprehensive loss | (12) | | | — | | | — | | | (12) | | | — | |
| Balances as of December 31, 2020 | | Balances as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 2,895 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 161 | | | $ | (1,099) | | | $ | 3,833 | |
(a)Represents $140 million, net of tax of $21 million, related to the impact as of January 1, 2020, of adopting the new accounting guidance for the recognition of credit losses on certain financial instruments.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company
CredcoAmerican Express Credit Corporation (Credco) is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS),TRS, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express).
Credco is engaged in the business of financing certain non-interest-earning Card Member receivables arising from the use of the American Express charge cards issued in the United States and in certain countries outside the United States. Credco also finances certain interest-earning revolving loans generated by Card Member spending on American Express credit cards issued in non-U.S. markets.
Credco executes material transactions with its affiliates. The agreements between Credco and its affiliates provide that the parties intend that the transactions thereunder be conducted on an arm’s-length basis; however, there canbasis and the price at which receivables are sold to Credco be no assurance that the terms of these arrangements are the same as would be negotiated between independent, unrelated parties.at fair value.
Credco is required to maintainmaintains its fixed charge coverage ratio (FCCR) at a minimum of 1.25, which1.25. The FCCR is achieved by charging appropriate discount rates on the purchase of receivables Credco makes from, and the interest rates on the loans Credco provides to, TRS and other American Express subsidiaries. Each monthly period, the discount and interest rates are determined to generate income for Credco that is sufficient to maintain its minimum fixed charge coverage ratio,FCCR, whilst maintainingcomplying with the parties’ intention for these transactions to occur on an arm's-lengtharm’s-length basis. Should it be required, American ExpressTRS would provide Credco with financial support in the form of capital contributions with respect to maintenance of its 1.25 minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.FCCR as required in its committed bank credit facility. The revenue earned by Credco from purchasing Card Member receivables and Card Member loans at a discount is reported as Discount revenue earned from purchased Card Member receivables and Card Member loans on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.
Credco consolidates entities in which Credco holds a "controlling“controlling financial interest."” For voting interest entities, Credco is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is able to exercise control over the investees’ operating and financial decisions.
Foreign Currency
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period; non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the historic exchange rate at the date of the transaction; revenues and expenses are translated at the average month-end exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments, along with any related qualifying hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), a component of shareholder’s equity. Translation adjustments, including qualifying hedge and tax effects, are reclassified to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of investments in foreign operations. Gains and losses related to transactions in a currency other than the functional currency are reported net in Other, net expenses, in Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions
Accounting estimates are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are based, in part, on management’sCredco’s management assumptions concerning future events. Among the more significant assumptions are those that relate to reserves for Card Member credit losses on receivables and loans and income taxes. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of Credco’s management, but actual results could differ.
Discount Revenue Earned from Purchased Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans
Credco earns discount revenue from purchasing Card Member receivables and Card Member loans at a discount to par value. The discount is deferred and recognized as revenue over the period that the receivables and loans are estimated to be outstanding or funded. Estimates are based on the historical average life of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Interest Income from Affiliates
Interest income from affiliates is earned on interest-bearing loans made by Credco to affiliates. Interest income is accrued primarily using the average daily balance method on loans and is recognized based on the outstanding loan principal amount and interest rates specified in the agreements until the outstanding loan balance is paid.
Finance Revenue
Finance revenue is assessed using the average daily balance method for Card Member loans and is recognized based upon the loan principal amount outstanding in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement until the outstanding balance is paid or written off.
Interest Expense
Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances including restricted cash, and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Interest-bearing restricted cash primarily represents cash deposited with Amex Bank of Canada relating to the purchase of Card Member receivables and the collateralized loan arrangement for transfer of Card Member loans.
Other Significant Accounting Policies
The following table identifies Credco’s other significant accounting policies, along with the related Note and page number where the Note can be found.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Significant Accounting Policy | | Note
Number | | Note Title | | Page |
| Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans | | Note 2 | | Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans | | 34 | 41 |
| Reserves for Credit Losses | | Note 3 | | Reserves for Credit Losses | | 36 | 44 |
| Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities | | Note 6 | | Derivatives and Hedging Activities | | 39 | 47 |
| Fair Value Measurements | | Note 7 | | Fair Values | | 42 | 50 |
| Income Taxes | | Note 10 | | Income Taxes | | 48 | 57 |
CLASSIFICATION OF VARIOUS ITEMS
Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation, including reclassification of restricted cash from Other assets to Cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2016,March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new accounting guidance forrelated to the recognitioneffects of credit lossesreference rate reform on certain financial instruments.reporting. The guidance, effective for reporting periods through December 31, 2022, provides accounting relief for contract modifications that replace an interest rate impacted by reference rate reform (e.g., LIBOR) with a new alternative reference rate. The guidance is applicable to investment securities, receivables, loans, debt, leases, derivatives and hedge accounting elections and other contractual arrangements. Credco adopted the guidance as amendedof March 31, 2020, with no material impact on Credco’s financial position, results of operations and effectivecash flows. There were no significant changes to Credco’s accounting policies, business processes or internal controls as a result of adopting the new guidance.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Effective January 1, 2020, introduces aCredco adopted the new credit reserving methodology, applicable to certain financial instruments, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) approach, which differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used through December 31, 2019 and alters the estimation process, inputs and assumptions used in estimating credit losses.methodology under a modified retrospective transition. The CECL methodology requires measurement of expected credit losses for the estimated life of the financial instrument, not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. Credco's approach incorporates separate reasonable and supportable periods for Card Member receivables and Card Member loans and uses a weighted average of multiple future economic scenarios. Additionally, the guidance requires a modified retrospective transition, which records the difference between the reserves measured using the CECL methodology and the reserves using the incurred loss approach, tax effected, as a cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption through retained earnings. As a result, Credco's financial position and results of operations for periods prior to January 1, 2020 will not be restated.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Credco currently estimates a decrease toUpon implementation, Card Member receivable reserves of approximatelydecreased by $147 million and an increase to Card Member loan reserves of approximatelyincreased by $7 million, along with the associated current and deferred tax impact of approximately $24$21 million, and cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, net of tax, of approximately $116 million$119 million. There were no material changes to Credco’s business processes or internal controls as a result of adopting the new guidance. Refer to Note 3 for additional information on how Credco’s management estimates reserves for credit losses in accordance with the CECL methodology.
Other Information
Effective February 1, 2020, TRS removed U.S. Consumer and Small Business Card Member receivables from the Charge Trust and substantially replaced them with U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables in two phases. On February 1, 2020 and April 20, 2020, TRS transferred $5.2 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, of U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables to the Charge Trust. Since Credco maintains participation interests in the Charge Trust, these transactions resulted in Credco (i) no longer having a $7.2 billion interest in U.S. Consumer and Small Business Card Member receivables and (ii) having an interest in the U.S. Corporate Card Member receivables in the Charge Trust. The settlement of $7.2 billion related to the U.S. Consumer and Small Business portfolio was used to repay borrowings from American Express Company leading to a reduction in Long-term debt to affiliates of $7.2 billion.
In the month of June 2020, Credco restructured a number of its intercompany loan arrangements to further enhance funding flexibility and effectiveness. Credco borrowed $7.1 billion from TRS to repay borrowings from AE Exposure Management Limited of $4.7 billion. The excess of $2.2 billion was deposited with AENB, which was reported as part of Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1,June 30, 2020. Credco's cross-functional implementation team is finalizing its operational processes, controls and governance.
Note 2 – Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans
American Express’ charge and lending payment card products result in the generation of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans. Reserves for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 are presented using the CECL methodology, while comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss methodology in effect for prior periods.
Card Member Receivables
Card Member receivables represent amounts due on American Express charge card products. For American Express, the Card Member receivables are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics, a Card Member’s most recent credit information and spend patterns. Charge Card Members generally must pay the full amount billed each month.
Credco records these Card Member receivables at the time they are purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries that issue the card (card issuers). Card Member receivable balances are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of reserves for credit losses (refer to Note 3). Card Member receivables also include participation interests purchased from an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables represent undivided interests in the cash flows of the non-interest-earning Card Member receivables. In conjunction with TRS’ securitization program, Credco, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC), purchases participation interests from American Express Receivables Financing Corporation VIII LLC (RFC VIII), a wholly owned subsidiary of TRS that receives undivided, pro rata interests in Card Member receivables transferred to the American Express IssuanceCharge Trust, (the Charge Trust), by TRS. The Charge Trust is a special purpose entity that is consolidated by TRS.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Card Member receivables as of December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 consisted of:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
Global Consumer Services Group(a)(b) | Global Consumer Services Group(a)(b) | $ | 9,847 | | | $ | 8,485 | | Global Consumer Services Group(a)(b) | $ | 2,157 | | | $ | 9,847 | |
Global Commercial Services(b) | Global Commercial Services(b) | 15,710 | | | 16,111 | | Global Commercial Services(b) | 10,000 | | | 15,710 | |
Card Member receivables(c) | Card Member receivables(c) | 25,557 | | | 24,596 | | Card Member receivables(c) | 12,157 | | | 25,557 | |
| Less: Reserve for losses | 162 | | | 167 | | |
| Less: Reserve for credit losses | | Less: Reserve for credit losses | 70 | | | 162 | |
Card Member receivables, net(d) | Card Member receivables, net(d) | $ | 25,395 | | | $ | 24,429 | | Card Member receivables, net(d) | $ | 12,087 | | | $ | 25,395 | |
(a)Comprised of International Consumer Services as of December 31, 2020, and U.S. and International Consumer Services.Services as of December 31, 2019.
(b)ComprisedDuring the three months ended March 31, 2020, $7.2 billion of CorporateU.S. Consumer and Small Business Services.Card Member receivables were transferred out of the Charge Trust resulting in a reduction of the same amount in Credco’s participation interest in such receivables. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.
(c)Net of deferred discount revenue totaling $75$19 million and $68$75 million as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively.
(d)Card Member receivables modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) program were immaterial.
Card Member Loans
Card Member loans represent revolving amounts due on American Express cards. For American Express lending card products, these Card Member loans are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant, as well as amounts due from charge Card Members who utilize the Pay Over Time features on their account and elect to revolve a portion of the outstanding balance by entering into a revolving payment arrangement with American Express. These loans have a range of terms such as credit limits, interest rates, fees and payment structures, which can be revised over time based on new information about Card Members and in accordance with applicable regulations and the respective product’s terms and conditions. Card Members holding revolving loans are typically required to make monthly payments based on pre-established amounts and the amounts that Card Members choose to revolve are subject to finance charges.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Credco records these Card Member loans at the time they are purchased from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries that issue the card (card issuers). Card Member loans are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of reserves for credit losses (refer to Note 3), and include principal and any related accrued interest and fees. American Express’ policy generally is to cease accruing interest on a Card Member loan at the time the account is written off, and establish reserves for interest that will not be collected.
Card Member loans as of December 31, 20192020, and 20182019 consisted of:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
Global Consumer Services Group(a) | Global Consumer Services Group(a) | $ | 697 | | | $ | 641 | | Global Consumer Services Group(a) | $ | 500 | | | $ | 697 | |
| Less: Reserve for losses | 10 | | | 5 | | |
| Less: Reserve for credit losses | | Less: Reserve for credit losses | 20 | | | 10 | |
Card Member loans, net(b) | Card Member loans, net(b) | $ | 687 | | | $ | 636 | | Card Member loans, net(b) | $ | 480 | | | $ | 687 | |
(a)Comprised of International Consumer Services.
(b)Card Member loans modified in a TDR program were immaterial.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans Aging
Generally, a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days after the billing statement date. The following table presents the aging of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018:2019:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2020 (Millions) | Current | | 30-59
Days
Past Due | | 60-89
Days
Past Due | | 90+ Days
Past Due | | Total |
| Card Member Receivables: | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | $ | 2,139 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 2,157 | |
| Global Commercial Services | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Small Business Services | 1,047 | | | 3 | | | 2 | | | 5 | | | 1,057 | |
Global Corporate Payments(a) | (b) | | (b) | | (b) | | 32 | | | 8,943 | |
| Card Member Loans: | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | $ | 493 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2019 (Millions) | Current | | 30-59
Days
Past Due | | 60-89
Days
Past Due | | 90+ Days
Past Due | | Total |
| Card Member Receivables: | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | $ | 9,766 | | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 36 | | | $ | 9,847 | |
| Global Commercial Services | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Small Business Services | 1,996 | | | 10 | | | 5 | | | 9 | | | 2,020 | |
Global Corporate Payments(a) | (b) | | (b) | | (b) | | 105 | | | 13,690 | |
| Card Member Loans: | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | $ | 689 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 697 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2018 (Millions) | Current | | 30-59
Days
Past Due | | 60-89
Days
Past Due | | 90+ Days
Past Due | | Total |
| Card Member Receivables: | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | $ | 8,432 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 8,485 | |
| Global Commercial Services | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Small Business Services | 1,787 | | | 7 | | | 4 | | | 7 | | | 1,805 | |
Global Corporate Payments(a) | (b) | | (b) | | (b) | | 103 | | | 14,306 | |
| Card Member Loans: | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | $ | 636 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 641 | |
(a)Global Corporate Payments (GCP) reflects global, large and middle market corporate accounts. Delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if collection procedures are initiated on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes. See also (b).
(b)Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Receivables and Card Member Loans
The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the years ended December 31:
| | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | Net
Write-off
Rate | (a) | 30+ Days
Past Due
as a % of
Total | | Net
Write-off
Rate | (a) | 30+ Days
Past Due
as a % of
Total | | Net
Write-off
Rate | (a) | 30+ Days
Past Due
as a % of
Total | | Net
Write-off
Rate | (a) | 30+ Days
Past Due
as a % of
Total |
| Card Member Receivables: | Card Member Receivables: | | | | Card Member Receivables: | | | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | Global Consumer Services Group | 1.10 | % | | 0.82 | % | | 1.14 | % | | 0.62 | % | Global Consumer Services Group | 1.51 | % | | 0.83 | % | | 1.10 | % | | 0.82 | % |
| Global Small Business Services | Global Small Business Services | 1.39 | % | | 1.19 | % | | 1.34 | % | | 1.00 | % | Global Small Business Services | 1.84 | % | | 0.95 | % | | 1.39 | % | | 1.19 | % |
| Global Corporate Payments | | Global Corporate Payments | 1.25 | % | | (b) | | (c) | | (b) |
| Card Member Loans: | Card Member Loans: | | Card Member Loans: | |
| Global Consumer Services Group | Global Consumer Services Group | 1.53 | % | | 1.15 | % | | 1.03 | % | | 0.78 | % | Global Consumer Services Group | 2.81 | % | | 1.40 | % | | 1.53 | % | | 1.15 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | | | 2018 | | |
| | Net Loss
Ratio as a % of
Charge Volume | | 90+ Days
Past Billing as a
% of Receivables | | Net Loss
Ratio as a % of
Charge Volume | | 90+ Days
Past Billing as a
% of Receivables |
| | (b) | | | | (b) | |
| Card Member Receivables: | | | | | | | |
| Global Corporate Payments | 0.06 | % | | 0.77 | % | | 0.08 | % | | 0.72 | % |
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a)Represents the amount of Card Member receivables or Card Member loans owned by Credco that are written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the average Card Member receivablesreceivable or Card Member loansloan balances in each of the periods indicated.
(b)RepresentsFor GCP Card Member receivables, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. Delinquency data for periods other than 90+ days past billing is not available due to system constraints. 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of total is 0.36% and 0.77% for the year ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
(c)Net loss ratio was the credit quality indicator for GCP Card Member receivables for prior periods, and represents the amount of Card Member receivables owned by Credco that are written off, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of Card Member receivables purchased by Credco in each ofCredco. The net loss ratio for the periods indicated.year ended December 31, 2019 was 0.06%.
Refer to Note 3 for additional indicators, including external environmental qualitative factors, managementAmerican Express considers in its monthly evaluation process for reserves for credit losses.
Note 3 – Reserves for Credit Losses
Reserves for losses relating toAmerican Express has in place an enterprise-wide credit risk management process and manages the overall credit risk exposure associated with the Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, including those purchased by Credco. Reserves for credit losses represent management’sCredco’s best estimate of the probable inherentexpected credit losses in Credco’s outstanding portfolio of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, as of the balance sheet date. Management’s evaluation processThe CECL methodology, which became effective January 1, 2020, requires certain estimatesCredco’s management to estimate lifetime expected credit losses by incorporating historical loss experience, as well as current and judgments.future economic conditions over a reasonable and supportable period (R&S Period), which is approximately three years, beyond the balance sheet date. American Express makes various judgments combined with historical loss experience to determine a reserve rate that is applied to the outstanding loan or receivable balance to produce a reserve for expected credit losses.
Reserves for losses are primarily based upon statistical and analyticalAmerican Express uses a combination of statistically-based models that analyze portfolio performanceincorporate current and reflect management’s judgmentsfuture economic conditions throughout the R&S Period. The process of estimating expected credit losses is based on several key models:
Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD), and future recoveries for each month of the R&S Period. Beyond the R&S Period, American Express estimates expected credit losses by immediately reverting to long-term average loss rates.
• PD models are used to estimate the likelihood an account will be written-off.
• EAD models are used to estimate the balance of an account at the time of write-off. This includes balances less expected repayments based on historical payment and revolve behavior, which vary by customer. Due to the nature of revolving loan portfolios, the EAD models are complex and involve assumptions regarding the relationship between future spend and payment behaviors.
• Recovery models are used to estimate amounts that are expected to be received from Card Members after default occurs, typically as a result of collection efforts. Future recoveries are estimated taking into consideration the time of default, time elapsed since default and macroeconomic conditions.
American Express also estimates the likelihood and magnitude of recovery of previously written off accounts considering how long ago the account was written off and future economic conditions. American Express models are developed using historical loss experience covering the economic cycle and consider the impact of account characteristics on expected losses.
Future economic conditions that are incorporated over the R&S Period include multiple macroeconomic scenarios provided to American Express by an independent third party. American Express reviews these economic scenarios and applies judgment to weight them in order to reflect the uncertainty surrounding these scenarios. These macroeconomic scenarios contain certain variables, including unemployment rates and real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), that are significant to American Express’ models.
American Express also evaluates whether to include qualitative reserves to cover losses that are expected but, in its assessment, may not be adequately represented in the quantitative components ofmethods or the reserve. The models take into account several factors, including delinquency-based loss migration rates, loss emergence periods and average losses and recoveries over an appropriate historical period. Managementeconomic assumptions. American Express considers whether to adjust the quantitative reserves for certain external and internal qualitative(higher or lower) to address possible limitations within the models or factors which may increase or decreasenot included within the reserves for losses on Card Member receivables and loans. These external factors include employment, spend, sentiment, housing and credit, and changes in the legal and regulatory environment, while the internal factors include increased risk in certain portfolios, impact of risk management initiatives, changes in underwriting requirements and overall process stability. As part of this evaluation process, management also considers various reserve coverage metrics,models, such as reserves as a percentageexternal conditions, emerging portfolio trends, the nature and size of the portfolio, portfolio concentrations, the volume and severity of past due amounts, reserves as a percentageaccounts, or American Express’ risk actions.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Lifetime losses for most of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans are evaluated at an appropriate level of granularity, including assessment on a pooled basis where financial assets share similar risk characteristics, such as past spend and remittance behaviors, credit bureau scores where available, delinquency status, tenure of balance outstanding, amongst others. Credit losses on accrued interest are measured and presented as part of Reserves for credit losses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and within the Provisions for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, rather than reversing interest income.
Card Member receivable and Card Member loan balances are written off when managementAmerican Express considers amounts to be uncollectible, which is generally determined by the number of days past due and is typically no later than 180 days past due.due for pay in full or revolving loans. Card Member receivables and Card Member loans in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification.
Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 are presented using the CECL methodology while comparative information continues to be reported in accordance with the incurred loss methodology in effect for prior years. Reserves for credit losses under the incurred loss methodology were primarily based upon statistical and analytical models that analyzed portfolio performance and reflected American Express’ judgments regarding the quantitative components of the reserve. The models considered several factors, including delinquency-based loss migration rates, loss emergence periods and average losses and recoveries over an appropriate historical period. Similar to the CECL methodology, American Express considered whether to adjust the quantitative reserves for certain external and internal qualitative factors, which may increase or decrease the reserves for credit losses.
Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Credit Losses
Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses increased for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily driven by deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, including unemployment and GDP, partially offset by a decline in outstanding balances.
The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for credit losses for the years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Balance, January 1(a) | $ | 15 | | | $ | 167 | | | $ | 145 | |
Provisions(b) | 224 | | | 216 | | | 243 | |
Net write-offs(c) | (177) | | | (229) | | | (238) | |
Other adjustments(d) | 8 | | | 8 | | | 17 | |
| Balance, December 31 | $ | 70 | | | $ | 162 | | | $ | 167 | |
(a)For the year ended December 31, 2020, beginning balance includes a decrease of $147 million as of January 1, 2020, related to the adoption of the CECL methodology.
(b)Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs.
(c)Net of recoveries of $82 million, $125 million, and $119 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(d)For the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily includes reserve adjustments related to the removal of U.S. Consumer and Small Business Card Member receivables of $7.2 billion from the Charge Trust. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, primarily includes reserve balances related to new groups of, and participation interests in, Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates, totaling $2.7 billion and$9.8 billion, respectively, and participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate totaling $1.1 billion and $6.2 billion, respectively. For all the years presented, also includes foreign currency translation adjustments.
Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Credit Losses
Card Member loans reserve for credit losses increased for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily driven by deterioration of the global macroeconomic outlook, including unemployment and GDP, partially offset by a decline in outstanding balances.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses
The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| Balance, January 1 | $ | 167 | | | $ | 145 | | | $ | 110 | |
| Provisions | 216 | | | 243 | | | 238 | |
Other credits(a) | 13 | | | 53 | | | 58 | |
Net write-offs(b) | (229) | | | (238) | | | (198) | |
Other debits(c) | (5) | | | (36) | | | (63) | |
| Balance, December 31 | $ | 162 | | | $ | 167 | | | $ | 145 | |
(a)Primarily reserve balances related to new groups of, and participation interests in, Card Member receivables purchased from affiliates, totaling $2.7 billion, $9.8 billion and $9.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(b)Net of recoveries of $125 million, $119 million and $95 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(c)Primarily reserve balances related to participation interests in Card Member receivables sold to an affiliate. Participation interests in Card Member receivables sold totaled $1.1 billion, $6.2 billion and $9.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses
The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for credit losses for the years ended December 31:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Balance, January 1 | Balance, January 1 | $ | 5 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 5 | | Balance, January 1 | $ | 17 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 5 | |
Provisions | Provisions | 14 | | | 6 | | | 6 | | Provisions | 18 | | | 14 | | | 6 | |
Net write-offs(a)(c) | Net write-offs(a)(c) | (9) | | | (6) | | | (6) | | Net write-offs(a)(c) | (15) | | | (9) | | | (6) | |
| Balance, December 31 | Balance, December 31 | $ | 10 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 5 | | Balance, December 31 | $ | 20 | | | $ | 10 | | | $ | 5 | |
(a)For the year ended December 31, 2020, beginning balance includes an increase of $7 million as of January 1, 2020, related to the adoption of the CECL methodology.
(b)Provisions for credit losses includes reserve build (release) and replenishment for net write-offs.
(c)Net of recoveries of $2.0 million, $1.6 million, $1.8 million and $1.0$1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, respectively.
Note 4 – Debt
Short-Term Debt
Credco’s short-term debt outstanding (excluding short-term debt to affiliates), defined as borrowings with original contractual maturity dates of less than one year, as of December 31 was as follows:
| | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| (Millions, except percentages) | (Millions, except percentages) | Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate on Debt (a) | | Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate on Debt (a) | (Millions, except percentages) | Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate on Debt (a) | | Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated Interest Rate on Debt (a) |
Commercial paper(b) | Commercial paper(b) | $ | 3,001 | | | 1.94 | % | | $ | 752 | | | 2.71 | % | Commercial paper(b) | $ | 0 | | | 0 | % | | $ | 3,001 | | | 1.94 | % |
Other short-term borrowings(c) | Other short-term borrowings(c) | 215 | | | 1.58 | | | 74 | | | 2.39 | | Other short-term borrowings(c) | 0 | | | 0 | | | 215 | | | 1.58 | |
| Total | Total | $ | 3,216 | | | 1.91 | % | | $ | 826 | | | 2.68 | % | Total | $ | 0 | | | 0 | % | | $ | 3,216 | | | 1.91 | % |
(a)For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rates are weighted based on the outstanding principal balances and interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.2019.
(b)Average commercial paper outstanding was $628 million and $299 million in 2020 and $228 million in 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(c)Represents interest-bearing book overdrafts with banks.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Long-Term Debt
Credco’s long-term debt outstanding (excluding long-term debt to affiliates), defined as debt with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2020 | | 2019 |
|
Original
Contractual
Maturity
Dates | | Outstanding Balance(a) | | Year-End Interest Rate on Debt(b) | | Year-End Interest Rate with Swaps(b)(c) | | Outstanding Balance(a) | | Year-End Interest Rate on Debt(b) | | Year-End Interest Rate with Swaps(b)(c) | |
(Millions, except
percentages) | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Rate Senior Notes | 2021-2027 | | $ | 6,746 | | | 2.38 | % | | 1.67 | % | | $ | 11,839 | | | 2.40 | % | | 2.53 | % | |
| Floating Rate Senior Notes | 2021-2022 | | 300 | | | 0.93 | | | 0 | | | 1,650 | | | 2.64 | | | 0 | | |
| Unamortized Underwriting Fees | | | (9) | | | | | | | (20) | | | | | | |
| Total Long-Term Debt | | | $ | 7,037 | | | 2.32 | % | | | | $ | 13,469 | | | 2.43 | % | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2019 | | | | | | 2018 | | | | | |
|
Original
Contractual
Maturity
Dates | | Outstanding Balance(a) | | Year-End Interest Rate on Debt(b) | | Year-End Interest Rate with Swaps(b)(c) | | Outstanding Balance(a) | | Year-End Interest Rate on Debt(b) | | Year-End Interest Rate with Swaps(b)(c) | |
(Millions, except
percentages) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Rate Senior Notes | 2020-2027 | | $ | 11,839 | | | 2.40 | % | | 2.56 | % | | $ | 16,677 | | | 2.28 | % | | 3.06 | % | |
| Floating Rate Senior Notes | 2020-2022 | | 1,650 | | | 2.64 | | | — | | | 3,800 | | | 3.31 | | | — | | |
| Unamortized Underwriting Fees | | | (20) | | | | | | | (30) | | | | | | |
| Total Long-Term Debt | | | $ | 13,469 | | | 2.43 | % | | | | $ | 20,447 | | | 2.47 | % | | | |
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a)The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount, (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps. Refer to Note 6 for more details on Credco’s treatment of fair value hedges.
(b)For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rate on debt is weighted based on outstanding principal balances and interest rates in effect as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018.2019.
(c)Interest rates with swaps are only presented when swaps are in place to hedge the underlying debt. The interest rates with swaps are weighted based on the outstanding principal balances and the interest rates on the floating leg of the swaps in effect as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018.2019.
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations (based on contractual maturity or anticipated redemption dates) as of December 31, 20192020 were as follows:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | | (Millions) | |
| 2020 | $ | 6,600 | | |
| 2021 | 2021 | 2,864 | | 2021 | $ | 2,975 | |
| 2022 | 2022 | 2,050 | | 2022 | 2,050 | |
| 2023 | 2023 | — | | 2023 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 2024 | — | | 2024 | 0 | |
| 2025 | | 2025 | 0 | |
| Thereafter | Thereafter | 2,000 | | Thereafter | 2,000 | |
| Total | Total | 13,514 | | Total | 7,025 | |
| Unamortized Underwriting Fees | Unamortized Underwriting Fees | (20) | | Unamortized Underwriting Fees | (9) | |
| Unamortized Discount | Unamortized Discount | (23) | | Unamortized Discount | (19) | |
| Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting | Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting | (2) | | Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting | 40 | |
| Total Long-Term Debt | Total Long-Term Debt | $ | 13,469 | | Total Long-Term Debt | $ | 7,037 | |
Credco maintained a committed syndicated bank line of credit facility of $3.5 billion as of both December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, all of which was undrawn as of the respective dates. Credco paid $4.9$2.5 million and $2.5$4.9 million in fees to maintain these lines for the years ended December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively. The availability of the credit linethis facility is subject to Credco’s compliance with certain financial covenants including thethat require maintenance of a 1.25 minimum requiredFCCR. FCCR is the ratio of earnings available for fixed charge coverage ratio.charges (interest expenses including interest expense to affiliates) to fixed charges for the applicable period. During the fourth quarter of 2020, Credco and its bank lenders agreed to amend the credit agreement to revise the definition of FCCR to include certain capital contributions to additional paid-in capitalfrom TRS. As of December 31, 2020, and onwards, earnings available for fixed charges are defined as net income before fixed charges and income tax provision plus certain capital contributions, if any, made by TRS to Credco. The fixed charge coverage ratioFCCR for Credco was 1.542.17 for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020. As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, Credco was not in violation of any of these covenants. For the quarter ended December 31, 2020, Credco did not require any capital contributions from TRS for the maintenance of its debt covenants.minimum FCCR.
The committed facility does not contain material adverse change clauses that would preclude borrowing under the credit facility. Additionally, the facility may not be terminated should there be a change in Credco’s credit ratings.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Credco paid total interest, primarily related to short- and long-term debt, and corresponding interest rate swaps of $0.2 billion, $0.5 billion, $0.6 billion and $0.5$0.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, respectively.
Note 5 – Restrictions as to Dividends and Limitations on Indebtedness
The debt instruments issued by Credco impose the requirement that Credco maintain a minimum consolidated net worth of $50 million, which limits the amount of dividends Credco can pay to its parent. There are no limitations on the amount of debt that can be issued by Credco, provided it maintains the minimum required fixed charge coverage ratioFCCR of 1.25.
Note 6 – Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Credco uses derivative financial instruments to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of Credco’s market risk management. Credco does not transact in derivatives for trading purposes.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Market risk is the risk to earnings or asset and liability values resulting from movements in market prices. Credco’s market risk exposures include:
•Interest rate risk in its funding activities; and
•Foreign exchange risk arising from earnings, funding, transactions and investments in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
American Express centrally monitors market risks using market risk limits and escalation triggers as defined in its Asset/Liability Management Policy.
Interest rate risk primarily arises through the funding of Card Member receivables and fixed-rate loans with variable-rate borrowings, as well as through the risk to net interest margin from changes in the relationship between benchmark rates such as Prime, LIBORLondon interbank offered rate (LIBOR) and the overnight indexed swap rate. Interest rate exposure within charge card and fixed-rate lending products is managed by varying the proportion of total funding provided by short-term and variable-rate debt compared to fixed-rate debt. In addition, interest rate swaps are used from time to time to economically convert fixed-rate debt obligations to variable-rate obligations or to convert variable-rate debt obligations to fixed-rate obligations. Credco may change the mix between variable-rate and fixed-rate funding based on changes in business volumes and mix, among other factors.
Foreign exchange risk is generated by funding foreign currency Card Member receivables and loans with U.S. dollars, foreign currency balance sheet exposures, foreign subsidiary equity and foreign currency earnings in entities outside the United States. Credco’s foreign exchange risk is managed primarily by entering into agreements to buy and sell currencies on a spot basis or by hedging this market exposure to the extent it is economical, through various means, including the use of derivatives such as foreign exchange forwards and cross-currency swap contracts.forwards. Exposures from foreign subsidiary equity in Credco’s entities outside the United States are hedged through the use of foreign exchange forwards executed either by Credco or TRS.
Derivatives may give rise to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that a derivative counterparty will default on, or otherwise be unable to perform pursuant to an uncollateralized derivative exposure. This risk is managed by considering the current exposure, which is the replacement cost of contracts on the measurement date, as well as estimating the maximum potential valuefuture exposure of the contracts over the next 12 months, considering such factors as the volatility of the underlying or reference index. To mitigate derivative credit risk, counterparties are required to be pre-approved by American Express and rated as investment grade, and counterparty risk exposures are centrally monitored.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Additionally, in order to mitigate the bilateral counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives, Credco has in certain instances entered into master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties, which provide a right of offset for certain exposures between the parties. A majority of Credco’s derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 20192020, and 20182019 are subject to master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. Accordingly, where appropriate, Credco has noelected to present derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offsetassets and liabilities with the same counterparty on a net basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To further mitigate counterparty credit risk, Credco exercises its rights under executed credit support agreements with the respective derivative counterparties for most of its bilateralCredco’s interest rate swaps. These agreements require that, in the event the fair value change in the net derivatives position between the two parties exceeds certain dollar thresholds, the party in the net liability position posts collateral to its counterparty. All derivative contractsswaps are cleared through a central clearinghouse and are collateralized to the full amount of the fair value of the contracts.
In relation to Credco’s credit risk, certain of Credco’s bilateral derivative agreements include provisions that allow Credco or the counterpartyCredco’s counterparties to terminate the agreement and settle the fair value of existing positions in the event of a downgrade of one party’sCredco’s debt credit rating below investment grade. The aggregate fair valuegrade and settle the outstanding net liability position. As of Credco’s derivative instrumentsDecember 31, 2020, these derivatives were not in a material net liability position that contain credit-risk-related contingent features as of December 31, 2019, is $38 million.and Credco hashad no individually significant third-party derivative counterparties and therefore, no significantmaterial risk exposure to any single third-party counterparty. individual derivative counterparty. Based on Credco’s assessment of the credit risk of its derivative counterparties and its own credit risk as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, no credit risk adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required.
Credco’s derivatives are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the instruments’ intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any, as discussed below. Refer to Note 7 for a description of Credco’s methodology for determining the fair value of derivatives.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31:
| | | Other Assets
Fair Value | | | Other Liabilities
Fair Value | | | Other Assets
Fair Value | | Other Liabilities
Fair Value |
| (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2019 | | 2018 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | |
Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts(a)(b) | Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts(a)(b) | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts(a)(b) | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
| Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts | Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts | 12 | | | 57 | | | 44 | | | 10 | | Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts | 1 | | | 12 | | | 195 | | | 44 | |
| Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments | 12 | | | 57 | | | 44 | | | 10 | | Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments | 1 | | | 12 | | | 195 | | | 44 | |
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | |
| Foreign exchange contracts | Foreign exchange contracts | 31 | | | 220 | | | 182 | | | 6 | | Foreign exchange contracts | 48 | | | 31 | | | 89 | | | 182 | |
| Total derivatives, gross | Total derivatives, gross | 43 | | | 277 | | | 226 | | | 16 | | Total derivatives, gross | 49 | | | 43 | | | 284 | | | 226 | |
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(c) | Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(c) | (27) | | | (11) | | | (27) | | | (11) | | Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(c) | (15) | | | (27) | | | (15) | | | (27) | |
| Total derivatives, net | Total derivatives, net | $ | 16 | | | $ | 266 | | | $ | 199 | | | $ | 5 | | Total derivatives, net | $ | 34 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 269 | | | $ | 199 | |
(a)For Credco’s centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral.
(b)Credco posted $20$12 million and $55$20 million as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other assets on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances.
(c)Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparties under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
Derivative Financial Instruments that Qualify for Hedge Accounting
Derivatives executed for hedge accounting purposes are documented and designated as such when Credco enters into the contracts. In accordance with its risk management policies, Credco structures its hedges with terms similar to those of the item being hedged. Credco formally assesses, at inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the fair value or cash flows of the hedged items. These assessments usually are made through the application of a regression analysis method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, Credco will discontinue the application of hedge accounting.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fair Value Hedges
A fair value hedge involves a derivative designated to hedge Credco’s exposure to future changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability, or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk.
Interest Rate Contracts
Credco is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate debt obligations. At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate long-term debt obligations are designated in fair value hedging relationships using interest rate swaps to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate. Credco has $8.8$3.5 billion and $13.8$8.8 billion of its fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively.
Gains or losses on the fair value hedging instrument principally offset the losses or gains on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. The changes in the fair value of the derivative and the changes in the hedged item may not fully offset due to differences between a debt obligation’s interest rate and the benchmark rate, primarily due to credit spreads at inception of the hedging relationship that are not reflected in the fair value of the interest rate swap. Furthermore, the difference may be caused by changes in 1-month LIBOR, 3-month LIBOR and the overnight indexed swap rate, as spreads between these rates impact the fair value of the interest rate swap without an exact offsetting impact to the fair value of the hedged debt.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table presents the gains and losses recognized in Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the fair value hedges of Credco’s fixed-rate long-term debt for the years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Gains (losses) | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | Interest Expense(a) | | Interest Expense(a) | | Other, net expenses |
| Fixed-rate long-term debt | $ | (181) | | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 100 | |
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | 184 | | | (13) | | | (129) | |
| Total | $ | 3 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | (29) | |
(a)Credco adopted a new accounting guidance providing targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities effective January 1, 2018. In compliance with the standard, amounts previously recorded in Other expenses have been prospectively recorded in Interest expense.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Gains (losses) |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Fixed-rate long-term debt | $ | (42) | | | $ | (181) | | | $ | 29 | |
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | 45 | | | 184 | | | (13) | |
| Total | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 16 | |
The carrying values of the hedged liabilities, recorded within Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $8.7$3.5 billion and $13.5$8.7 billion as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively, including the cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments of $(2)$40 million and $(184)$(2) million for the respective periods.
Credco recognized a net decrease of $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, and net increases of $90 million and $75 million in Interest expense on Long-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and net reductions of $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals)including interest accruals on Credco’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges.
Net Investment Hedges
A net investment hedge is used to hedge future changes in currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Credco primarily designates foreign currency derivatives, typically foreign exchange forwards, and on occasion foreign currency denominated debt, as hedges of net investments in certain foreign operations. These instruments reduce exposure to changes in currency exchange rates on Credco’s investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. Credco had notional amounts of approximately $3.0$2.9 billion and $2.9$3.0 billion of foreign currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, respectively. The gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment were a losslosses of $44 million, a gain of $127$131 million and a loss of $174$44 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, 2018respectively, and 2017, respectively.a gain of $127 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Credco has derivatives that act as economic hedges, but are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes. Foreign currency transactions from time to time may be partially or fully economically hedged through foreign currency contracts, primarily foreign exchange forwards. These hedges generally mature within one year. Foreign currency contracts involve the purchase and sale of designated currencies at an agreed-upon rate for settlement on a specified date.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in a net gains of $15 million, $87 million $59 million and $21$59 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, respectively, which are recognized in Other, net expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Note 7 – Fair Values
Fair value is defined as the price that would be required to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the principal or, in the absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.
GAAP provides for a three-level hierarchy of inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, defined as follows:
•Level 1 – Inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity can access.
•Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, including:
–Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
–Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active;
–Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
–Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
•Level 3 – Inputs that are unobservable and reflect Credco’s own estimates about the estimates market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances (e.g., internally derived assumptions surrounding the timing and amount of expected cash flows). Credco did not measure any financial instruments presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, although the disclosed fair value of certain assets that are not carried at fair value, as presented later in this Note, are classified within Level 3.
Credco monitors the market conditions and evaluates the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly. For the years ended December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, there were no Level 3 transfers.
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value
The following table summarizes Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy as Level 2 (as described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Assets: | Assets: | | Assets: | |
Derivatives, gross(a) | Derivatives, gross(a) | $ | 43 | | | $ | 277 | | Derivatives, gross(a) | $ | 49 | | | $ | 43 | |
| Total assets | Total assets | 43 | | | 277 | | Total assets | 49 | | | 43 | |
| Liabilities: | Liabilities: | | Liabilities: | |
Derivatives, gross(a) | Derivatives, gross(a) | 226 | | | 16 | | Derivatives, gross(a) | 284 | | | 226 | |
| Total liabilities | Total liabilities | $ | 226 | | | $ | 16 | | Total liabilities | $ | 284 | | | $ | 226 | |
(a)Refer to Note 6 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Valuation Techniques Used in the Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value
For the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (categorized in the valuation hierarchy table), Credco applies the following valuation techniques:
Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair value of Credco’s derivative financial instruments is estimated internally by using third-party pricing models, where the inputs to those models are readily observable from active markets. The pricing models used are consistently applied and reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives as described below. Credco reaffirms its understanding of the valuation techniques at least annually and validates the valuation output on a quarterly basis. Credco’s derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of Credco’s interest rate swaps is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the following significant inputs: the contractual terms of the swap such as the notional amount, fixed coupon rate, floating coupon rate and tenor, as well as discount rates consistent with the underlying economic factors of the currency in which the cash flows are denominated.
The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the following significant inputs: the contractual terms of the forward contracts such as the notional amount, maturity dates and contract rate, as well as relevant foreign currency forward curves, and discount rates consistent with the underlying economic factors of the currency in which the cash flows are denominated.
Credit valuation adjustments are necessary when the market parameters, such as a benchmark curve, used to value derivatives are not indicative of Credco’s credit quality or that of its counterparties. Credco considers the counterparty credit risk by applying an observable forecasted default rate to the current exposure. Refer to Note 6 for additional fair value information.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of Credco’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost, and not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 20192020, and 2018.2019. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 2018 and require management'sCredco’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of Credco be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.
| | | | Carrying | | Corresponding Fair Value Amount | | | | Carrying | | Corresponding Fair Value Amount | |
2019 (Billions) | Value | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | |
2020 (Billions) | | 2020 (Billions) | Value | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | |
| Financial Assets: | Financial Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | Financial Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | | | | | | | | | | | Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | Cash and cash equivalents | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | |
Other financial assets(a)(b) | Other financial assets(a)(b) | 26.3 | | | 26.3 | | | 0.1 | | | 26.2 | | | — | | | Other financial assets(a)(b) | 12.1 | | | 12.1 | | | 0 | | | 12.1 | | | 0 | | |
| Financial assets carried at other than fair value | Financial assets carried at other than fair value | | Financial assets carried at other than fair value | |
| Card Member loans, net | 0.7 | | | 0.7 | | | — | | | — | | | 0.7 | | | |
| Card Member loans, less reserves for credit losses | | Card Member loans, less reserves for credit losses | 0.5 | | | 0.5 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0.5 | | |
| Loans to affiliates and other | Loans to affiliates and other | 10.3 | | | 10.4 | | | — | | | 2.8 | | | 7.6 | | | Loans to affiliates and other | 10.9 | | | 11.1 | | | 0 | | | 5.0 | | | 6.1 | | |
| Financial Liabilities: | Financial Liabilities: | | Financial Liabilities: | |
| Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | 11.2 | | | 11.2 | | | — | | | 11.2 | | | — | | | Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | 12.6 | | | 12.6 | | | 0 | | | 12.6 | | | 0 | | |
| Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value | Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value | | Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value | |
| Long-term debt | Long-term debt | 13.5 | | | 13.7 | | | — | | | 13.7 | | | — | | | Long-term debt | 7.0 | | | 7.4 | | | — | | | 7.4 | | | 0 | | |
| Long-term debt to affiliates | Long-term debt to affiliates | $ | 9.3 | | | $ | 9.4 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 9.4 | | | $ | — | | | Long-term debt to affiliates | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | 0 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Carrying | | Corresponding Fair Value Amount | |
2019 (Billions) | Value | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | |
| Financial Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents(a) | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | |
Other financial assets(b) | 26.2 | | | 26.2 | | | 0 | | | 26.2 | | | 0 | | |
| Financial assets carried at other than fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
| Card Member loans, less reserves for credit losses | 0.7 | | | 0.7 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0.7 | | |
| Loans to affiliates and other | 10.3 | | | 10.4 | | | 0 | | | 2.8 | | | 7.6 | | |
| Financial Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | 11.2 | | | 11.2 | | | 0 | | | 11.2 | | | 0 | | |
| Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
| Long-term debt | 13.5 | | | 13.7 | | | 0 | | | 13.7 | | | 0 | | |
| Long-term debt to affiliates | $ | 9.3 | | | $ | 9.4 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 9.4 | | | $ | 0 | | |
(a)Amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits and interest-bearing restricted cash. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.
(b)Level 2 amounts primarily reflect Card Member receivables.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Carrying | | Corresponding Fair Value Amount | | | | | | | |
2018 (Billions) | Value | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | |
| Financial Assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents(b) | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | |
Other financial assets(a) | 24.9 | | | 24.9 | | | 0.1 | | | 24.8 | | | — | | |
| Financial assets carried at other than fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
| Card Member loans, net | 0.6 | | | 0.6 | | | — | | | — | | | 0.6 | | |
| Loans to affiliates and other | 14.1 | | | 14.1 | | | — | | | 7.4 | | | 6.7 | | |
| Financial Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value | 9.0 | | | 9.0 | | | — | | | 9.0 | | | — | | |
| Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
| Long-term debt | 20.4 | | | 20.5 | | | — | | | 20.5 | | | — | | |
| Long-term debt to affiliates | $ | 7.5 | | | $ | 7.3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7.3 | | | $ | — | | |
(a)Level 1 amounts reflect interest-bearing restricted cash and Level 2 amounts primarily reflect Card Member receivables.
(b)Amounts reflect interest-bearing deposits.
Valuation Techniques Used in the Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value
For the financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis (categorized in the valuation hierarchy table), Credco applies the following valuation techniques to measure fair value:
Financial Assets For Which Carrying Values Equal Or Approximate Fair Value
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include cashCash and cash equivalents, Card Member receivables, due from affiliates, accrued interest and certain other assets. For these assets, the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short term in duration, have no defined maturity or have a market-based interest rate.
Financial Assets Carried At Other Than Fair Value
Card Member loans, less reserves for credit losses
Card Member loans are recorded at historical cost, less reserves for credit losses, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating the fair value for Credco’s Card Member loans, Credco uses a discounted cash flow model. Due to the lack of a comparable whole loan sales market for similar loans and the lack of observable pricing inputs thereof, Credco uses various inputs to estimate fair value. Such inputs include projected income, discount rates and relevant credit losses.forecasted write-offs. The valuation does not include economic value attributable to future receivables generated by the accounts associated with the loans.
Loans to affiliates and other
Loans to affiliates and other are recorded at historical cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating the fair value for Credco’s loans to affiliates and other, Credco uses discounted cash flow models. For loans to affiliates collateralized by Card Member loans, Credco derives the value of the loans based on the fair value of the underlying collateral used to finance the loans using a discounted cash flow model with inputs as detailed above (Card Member loans), and as such is classified as Level 3. For the remaining loans to affiliates and other, the models use market observable interest rates and adjust those rates for necessary risks.
Financial Liabilities For Which Carrying Values Equal Or Approximate Fair Value
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include short-term debt, short-term debt to affiliates, due to affiliates, accrued interest and certain other liabilities for which the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short term in duration, have no defined maturity or have a market-based interest rate.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Liabilities Carried At Other Than Fair Value
Long-term debt
Long-term debt, including with affiliates, is recorded at historical issuance cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets adjusted for (i) unamortized discount and unamortized fees, (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps. The fair value of Credco’s long-term debt is measured using quoted offer prices when quoted market prices are available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is determined by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at rates currently observed in publicly-traded debt markets for debt of similar terms and credit risk. For long-term debt, where there are no rates currently observable in publicly-traded debt markets of similar terms and comparable credit risk, Credco uses market interest rates and adjusts those rates for necessary risks, including Credco’s own credit risk. In determining an appropriate spread to reflect Credco’s credit standing, Credco considers credit default swap spreads, bond yields of other long-term debt offered by Credco, and interest rates currently offered to Credco for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
During the years ended December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, Credco did 0t have any assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment on a nonrecurring basis.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 8 – Transactions with Affiliates
As described below, Credco executes material transactions with its affiliates. The agreements between Credco and its affiliates provide that the parties intend that the transactions thereunder be conducted on an arm’s-length basis. However, there canbasis and the price at which receivables are sold to Credco be no assurance that the terms of these arrangements are the same as would be negotiated between independent parties.at fair value.
In 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, Credco purchased Card Member receivables and loans without recourse from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries totaling approximately $165 billion, $316 billion, $299 billion and $262$299 billion, respectively. In 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, Credco sold Card Member receivables and participating interests to affiliates totaling $12.7 billion, $1.1 billion, $6.2 billion and $9.4$6.2 billion, respectively. The discount revenue on purchased Card Member receivables and loans totaled $0.6 billion, $1.2 billion, $1.0 billion and $0.8$1.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, respectively. The receivables agreements require TRS and its subsidiaries to perform servicing, clerical and other services necessary to bill and collect all Card Member receivables and loans owned by Credco. Since settlements under the agreements occur monthly, an amount due from, or payable to, such affiliates may arise at the end of each month.
As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, CRC owned approximately $8.1$4.2 billion and $6.7$8.1 billion, respectively, of participation interests purchased from RFC VIII.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Transactions with affiliates as of or for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
| | (Millions, except percentages) | (Millions, except percentages) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Millions, except percentages) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Loans to affiliates and other | Loans to affiliates and other | $ | 10,345 | | | $ | 14,136 | | | $ | 14,527 | | Loans to affiliates and other | $ | 10,890 | | | $ | 10,345 | | | $ | 14,136 | |
| Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other | Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other | 2.89 | % | | 2.79 | % | | 2.19 | % | Average interest rate on loans to affiliates and other | 1.52 | % | | 2.89 | % | | 2.79 | % |
| Due from affiliates | Due from affiliates | $ | 652 | | | $ | 210 | | | $ | 189 | | Due from affiliates | $ | 6 | | | $ | 652 | | | $ | 210 | |
| Restricted cash with affiliates | Restricted cash with affiliates | 116 | | | 93 | | | 100 | | Restricted cash with affiliates | 120 | | | 116 | | | 93 | |
| Short-term debt to affiliates | Short-term debt to affiliates | 6,225 | | | 5,899 | | | 5,997 | | Short-term debt to affiliates | 8,569 | | | 6,225 | | | 5,899 | |
| Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates | Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates | 2.33 | % | | 2.09 | % | | 1.04 | % | Average interest rate on short-term debt to affiliates | 0.62 | % | | 2.33 | % | | 2.09 | % |
| Maximum month-end level of short-term debt during the year | Maximum month-end level of short-term debt during the year | $ | 7,087 | | | $ | 14,216 | | | $ | 8,377 | | Maximum month-end level of short-term debt during the year | $ | 8,622 | | | $ | 7,087 | | | $ | 14,216 | |
| Long-term debt to affiliates | Long-term debt to affiliates | 9,292 | | | 7,523 | | | 270 | | Long-term debt to affiliates | 822 | | | 9,292 | | | 7,523 | |
| Average interest rate on long-term debt to affiliates | Average interest rate on long-term debt to affiliates | 3.17 | % | | 2.69 | % | | 0.23 | % | Average interest rate on long-term debt to affiliates | 1.65 | % | | 3.17 | % | | 2.69 | % |
| Maximum month-end level of long-term debt during the year | Maximum month-end level of long-term debt during the year | $ | 13,391 | | | $ | 8,725 | | | 270 | | Maximum month-end level of long-term debt during the year | $ | 3,276 | | | $ | 13,391 | | | $ | 8,725 | |
| Due to affiliates | Due to affiliates | 2,133 | | | 2,869 | | | 1,988 | | Due to affiliates | 4,344 | | | 2,133 | | | 2,869 | |
| Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year | Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year | 14,264 | | | 14,136 | | | 14,527 | | Maximum month-end level of loans to affiliates during the year | 13,959 | | | 14,264 | | | 14,136 | |
| Interest income from affiliates and other | Interest income from affiliates and other | 332 | | | 383 | | | 279 | | Interest income from affiliates and other | 166 | | | 332 | | | 383 | |
| Interest expense to affiliates | Interest expense to affiliates | 433 | | | 225 | | | 58 | | Interest expense to affiliates | 75 | | | 433 | | | 225 | |
| Other, net expense | Other, net expense | 2 | | | 2 | | | 2 | | Other, net expense | 2 | | | 2 | | | 2 | |
| Interest paid on short-term and long-term debt | Interest paid on short-term and long-term debt | $ | 421 | | | $ | 198 | | | $ | 54 | | Interest paid on short-term and long-term debt | $ | 112 | | | $ | 421 | | | $ | 198 | |
Credco’s loans to affiliates and other represent floating-rate interest-bearing borrowings by wholly owned subsidiaries of TRS and the joint ventures that issue American Express cards in certain countries. Revenue earned from loans to affiliates and other is recorded as interest income from affiliates and other in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, 0 amount of loss reserves has been recorded and no loans are 30 days or more past due.
The components of loans to affiliates and other as of December 31 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 |
| American Express Services Europe Limited | $ | 4,206 | | | $ | 3,552 | |
| American Express Australia Limited | 2,052 | | | 1,839 | |
| Amex Bank of Canada | 1,587 | | | 1,334 | |
| Amex Global Holdings C.V. | 888 | | | 888 | |
| American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. | 534 | | | 463 | |
| American Express International, Inc., Singapore Branch | 413 | | | 383 | |
| American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. | 404 | | | 348 | |
| Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A. | 120 | | | 114 | |
| American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC | 71 | | | 53 | |
| American Express International (NZ), Inc. | 70 | | | 72 | |
American Express Limited(a) | — | | | 3,847 | |
American Express International, Inc.(a) | — | | | 1,243 | |
Total(b) | $ | 10,345 | | | $ | 14,136 | |
(a)As a result of funding structure changes in the ordinary course of business, Credco terminated the intercompany loan agreement with American Express Limited and American Express International, Inc. and settled the related borrowings from American Express Company during the second quarter of 2019.
(b)As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately $8.2 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively, were collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans transferred with recourse.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The components of loans to affiliates and other as of December 31 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
| American Express Services Europe Limited | $ | 2,881 | | | $ | 4,206 | |
| American Express Company | 2,772 | | | 0 | |
| American Express Australia Limited | 1,745 | | | 2,052 | |
| Amex Global Holdings C.V. | 1,430 | | | 888 | |
| Amex Bank of Canada | 857 | | | 1,587 | |
| American Express Company (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. | 540 | | | 534 | |
| American Express International, Inc., Singapore Branch | 303 | | | 413 | |
| American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. | 257 | | | 404 | |
| American Express International (NZ), Inc. | 56 | | | 70 | |
| Alpha Card S.C.R.L./C.V.B.A. | 25 | | | 120 | |
| American Express Saudi Arabia (C) JSC | 24 | | | 71 | |
Total(a) | $ | 10,890 | | | $ | 10,345 | |
(a)As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, approximately $6.4 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively, were collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans transferred with recourse.
Due from/to affiliates relate primarily to timing differences from the purchase of Card Member receivables, net of remittances from TRS and its subsidiaries, as well as from operating activities. As of December 31, 2019,2020, due to affiliates also includes an amount pertaining to tax liability on account of the Tax Act.Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 (Tax Act). Refer to Note 10 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements.”Statements” for additional information.
In the month of June 2020, Credco restructured a number of its intercompany loan arrangements to further enhance funding flexibility and effectiveness. Credco borrowed $7.1 billion from TRS to repay borrowings from AE Exposure Management Limited of $4.7 billion. The excess of $2.2 billion was deposited with AENB, which was reported as part of Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2020. During the second half of the year, amounts were withdrawn from AENB to meet business funding requirements resulting in $0.5 billion in deposits remaining with AENB as of December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, the amount of interest-bearing restricted cash was $116$120 million and $93$116 million, respectively, which represents cash deposited with Amex Bank of Canada relating to the purchase of Card Member receivables and the collateralized loan arrangement for transfer of Card Member loans. It is included under “Other assets”“Cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Short-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of interest-bearing master notes payable on demand. Credco does not expect any changes to its short-term funding strategies with affiliates. Components of short-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
| AE Exposure Management Limited | $ | 5,731 | | | $ | 5,122 | | |
| American Express Europe LLC | 219 | | | 517 | | |
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.(a) | | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.(a) | $ | 7,073 | | | $ | 0 | |
AE Exposure Management Limited (a) | | AE Exposure Management Limited (a) | 1,193 | | | 5,731 | |
| American Express Holdings Netherlands CV | American Express Holdings Netherlands CV | 192 | | | 192 | | American Express Holdings Netherlands CV | 192 | | | 192 | |
| Accertify Inc. | Accertify Inc. | 82 | | | 68 | | Accertify Inc. | 107 | | | 82 | |
| American Express Swiss Holdings GmbH | American Express Swiss Holdings GmbH | 1 | | | — | | American Express Swiss Holdings GmbH | 4 | | | 1 | |
| American Express Europe LLC | | American Express Europe LLC | 0 | | | 219 | |
| Total | Total | $ | 6,225 | | | $ | 5,899 | | Total | $ | 8,569 | | | $ | 6,225 | |
(a)Refer to Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Long-term debt to affiliates consists primarily of master note agreements with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater and are not payable on demand. Components of long-term debt to affiliates as of December 31 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | | | 2018 | | |
| |
Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated
Interest Rate on
Debt | |
Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated
Interest Rate on
Debt |
| | | | | | | | |
| (Millions, except percentages) | | | | | | | |
American Express Company(a) | $ | 8,959 | | | 2.85 | % | | $ | 7,240 | | | 3.32 | % |
Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited(b) | 333 | | | 0.28 | | | 283 | | | 0.28 | |
| Total | $ | 9,292 | | | 2.76 | % | | $ | 7,523 | | | 3.20 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 |
| |
Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated
Interest Rate on
Debt | |
Outstanding
Balance | | Year-End Stated
Interest Rate on
Debt |
| |
| (Millions, except percentages) |
American Express Company(a) | $ | 454 | | | 0.91 | % | | $ | 8,959 | | | 2.85 | % |
Amex Funding Management (Europe) Limited(b) | 368 | | | 0.28 | | | 333 | | | 0.28 | |
| Total | $ | 822 | | | 0.63 | % | | $ | 9,292 | | | 2.76 | % |
(a)Amounts payable by November 2023. Refer to Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.
(b)Amounts payable by September 2021.
Service Fees to Affiliates
Credco’s affiliates do not explicitly charge Credco a servicing fee for the servicing of receivables purchased. Instead Credco receives a lower discount rate on the receivables purchased than would be the case if servicing fees were charged. If a servicing fee had been charged by these affiliates from which Credco purchases receivables, fees to affiliates for servicing receivables would have been approximately $250 million, $328 million, $305 million and $234$305 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, respectively. Correspondingly, discount revenue would have increased by approximately the same amounts in these periods.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 9 – Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeLoss
AOCI is a balance sheet item in the Shareholder’s Equity section on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. It is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur.
Changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:
| | | | | |
(Millions), net of tax | Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
(losses) gains |
Balances as of December 31, 2016 | $ | (1,263) | |
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations(a)
| 439 | |
Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations | (174) | |
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 265 | |
BalancesBalance as of December 31, 2017 | $ | (998) | |
Net translation loss ofon investments in foreign operations | (189) | |
Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations | 127 | |
| Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (62) | |
| Balances as of December 31, 2018 | (1,060) | |
Net translation gain ofon investments in foreign operations | 17 | |
Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations | (44) | |
| Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (27) | |
| Balances as of December 31, 2019 | (1,087) | |
| Net translation on investments in foreign operations | 119 | |
| Net hedges of investments in foreign operations | (131) | |
| Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (12) | |
| Balances as of December 31, 2020 | $ | (1,087)(1,099) | |
(a)
Includes $289 million
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for the changes in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments presented above:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Tax expense (benefit) | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | |
Net translation on investments in foreign operations(a) | $ | 5 | | | $ | (23) | | | $ | (209) | | |
| Net hedges of investments in foreign operations | (14) | | | 40 | | | (103) | | |
| Total tax impact | $ | (9) | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | (312) | | |
(a)Includes $289 million of tax benefit recognized in the year ended December 31, 2017 (refer to Note 10). | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Tax expense (benefit) | |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | |
| Net translation on investments in foreign operations | $ | 21 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | (23) | | |
| Net hedges of investments in foreign operations | (41) | | | (14) | | | 40 | | |
| Total tax impact | $ | (20) | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | 17 | | |
NaN amounts were reclassified out of AOCI into the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the sale or liquidation of a business, net of taxes for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018.
Note 10 – Income Taxes
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act), enacted on December 22, 2017, made broad and complex changes to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rules. Most notably, effective January 1, 2018, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, introduced a territorial tax system in which future dividends paid from earnings outside the United States to a U.S. corporation are not subject to U.S. federal taxation and imposed new U.S. federal corporate income taxes on certain foreign operations.
The results of operations of Credco are included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of American Express. Under an agreement with American Express, provision for income taxes is recognized on a separate company basis. If benefits for net operating losses, future tax deductions and foreign tax credits cannot be recognized on a separate company basis, such benefits
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
are then recognized based upon a share, derived by formula, of those deductions and credits that are recognizable on an American Express consolidated reporting basis.
The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 included in Credco’s Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Current income tax expense (benefit): | Current income tax expense (benefit): | | Current income tax expense (benefit): | |
| U.S. federal | U.S. federal | $ | 45 | | | $ | (14) | | | $ | 785 | | U.S. federal | $ | 69 | | | $ | 45 | | | $ | (14) | |
| U.S. state and local | U.S. state and local | 13 | | | (6) | | | 15 | | U.S. state and local | 13 | | | 13 | | | (6) | |
| Non-U.S. | Non-U.S. | 23 | | | 84 | | | 24 | | Non-U.S. | 182 | | | 23 | | | 84 | |
| Total current income tax expense | Total current income tax expense | 81 | | | 64 | | | 824 | | Total current income tax expense | 264 | | | 81 | | | 64 | |
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit): | Deferred income tax expense (benefit): | | Deferred income tax expense (benefit): | |
| U.S. federal | U.S. federal | 11 | | | (28) | | | 58 | | U.S. federal | (135) | | | 11 | | | (28) | |
| U.S. state and local | U.S. state and local | — | | | 1 | | | 1 | | U.S. state and local | (4) | | | 0 | | | 1 | |
| Non-U.S. | Non-U.S. | 2 | | | (8) | | | (5) | | Non-U.S. | (4) | | | 2 | | | (8) | |
| Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) | Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 13 | | | (35) | | | 54 | | Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) | (143) | | | 13 | | | (35) | |
| Total income tax expense | Total income tax expense | $ | 94 | | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 878 | | Total income tax expense | $ | 121 | | | $ | 94 | | | $ | 29 | |
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21 percent as of both December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and 35 percent as of December 31, 2017, to Credco’s actual income tax rate on continuing operations was as follows:
| | | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| U.S. statutory federal income tax rate | U.S. statutory federal income tax rate | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % | | 35.0 | % | U.S. statutory federal income tax rate | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % |
| Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: | Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: | | Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: | |
| State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit | State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit | 0.8 | | | (0.4) | | | (0.3) | | State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit | 2.5 | | | 0.8 | | | (0.4) | |
Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings(a) | Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings(a) | (3.7) | | | (8.7) | | | (25.7) | | Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings(a) | 14.9 | | | (3.7) | | | (8.7) | |
Tax settlements(b) | Tax settlements(b) | — | | | — | | | (1.1) | | Tax settlements(b) | (0.9) | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
U.S. Tax Act(c) | U.S. Tax Act(c) | — | | | (5.6) | | | 311.6 | | U.S. Tax Act(c) | 0 | | | 0 | | | (5.6) | |
Other(d)(c) | Other(d)(c) | 0.3 | | | 0.7 | | | (0.2) | | Other(d)(c) | 0.1 | | | 0.3 | | | 0.7 | |
| Actual tax rate | Actual tax rate | 18.4 | % | | 7.0 | % | | 319.3 | % | Actual tax rate | 37.6 | % | | 18.4 | % | | 7.0 | % |
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a)2017 primarily2020 included discrete tax benefits associated withcharges related to the undistributed earningsattribution and taxation of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that were deemedincome to be reinvested indefinitely.jurisdictions outside the U.S.
(b)Related to the resolution of tax matters in various jurisdictions.
(c)2017 included the $858 million provisional charge for the impacts of the Tax Act and the adjustments thereto are included in 2018.
(d)Results for all years include the impact of prior year tax returns filed in the current year.
Credco records a deferred income tax (benefit) provision when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax return purposes. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years and are measured using the tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are reflected in the following table:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Deferred tax assets: | Deferred tax assets: | | Deferred tax assets: | |
| Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes | Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes | $ | 29 | | | $ | 36 | | Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes | $ | 26 | | | $ | 29 | |
| State income taxes | State income taxes | 9 | | | 7 | | State income taxes | 10 | | | 9 | |
| Foreign exchange loss | Foreign exchange loss | 32 | | | 42 | | Foreign exchange loss | 41 | | | 32 | |
Deferred tax attributes(a) | | Deferred tax attributes(a) | 110 | | | 15 | |
| Other | Other | 25 | | | 29 | | Other | 11 | | | 10 | |
| Gross deferred tax assets | Gross deferred tax assets | 95 | | | 114 | | Gross deferred tax assets | 198 | | | 95 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | Deferred tax liabilities: | | Deferred tax liabilities: | |
Investment in foreign subsidiaries(a) | 74 | | | 77 | | |
Investment in foreign subsidiaries(b) | | Investment in foreign subsidiaries(b) | 83 | | | 74 | |
| Gross deferred tax liabilities | Gross deferred tax liabilities | 74 | | | 77 | | Gross deferred tax liabilities | 83 | | | 74 | |
| Net deferred tax assets | Net deferred tax assets | $ | 21 | | | $ | 37 | | Net deferred tax assets | $ | 115 | | | $ | 21 | |
(a)Deferred foreign tax credits and other related adjustments.
(b)Deferred state income and foreign withholding tax consequences of future cash distributions from non-U.S. subsidiaries.
Credco is subject to the income tax laws of the United States, its states and municipalities and those of the foreign jurisdictions in which American ExpressCredco operates. These tax laws are complex, and the manner in which they apply to the taxpayer’s facts is sometimes open to interpretation. Given these inherent complexities, Credco must make judgments in assessing the likelihood that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the tax position. A tax position is recognized only when, based on management’sCredco’s management judgment regarding the application of income tax laws, it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. The amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes is based on management’sCredco’s management best judgment of the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement with the taxing authority given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. Credco adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is new information available to assess the likelihood of the outcome.
Credco is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which it has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. Tax years from 2016 onwards are open forCredco is currently under examination by the IRS.
The following table presents changes in unrecognizedIRS for the 2017 and 2018 tax benefits:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| Balance, January 1 | $ | 73 | | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 308 | |
| Increases: | | | | | |
| Current year tax positions | 5 | | | 4 | | | 8 | |
| Tax positions related to prior years | 4 | | | 46 | | | — | |
| Decreases: | | | | | |
Tax positions related to prior years(a) | — | | | — | | | (289) | |
| Lapse of statute of limitations | (2) | | | (1) | | | (3) | |
| Balance, December 31 | $ | 80 | | | $ | 73 | | | $ | 24 | |
(a)Decrease due to the resolution with the IRS of an uncertain tax position in January 2017, which resulted in the recognition of $289 million in shareholder’s equity, specifically within AOCI.
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $80 million, $73 million and $24 million for December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are approximately $57 million, $52 million and $19 million, respectively, that if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in a future period.years.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Balance, January 1 | $ | 60 | | | $ | 53 | | | $ | 24 | |
| Increases: | | | | | |
| Current year tax positions | 4 | | | 5 | | | 4 | |
| Tax positions related to prior years | 37 | | | 4 | | | 26 | |
| Effects of foreign currency translation | 1 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Decreases: | | | | | |
| Settlements with tax authorities | (3) | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Lapse of statute of limitations | (1) | | | (2) | | | (1) | |
| Balance, December 31 | $ | 98 | | | $ | 60 | | | $ | 53 | |
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $98 million, $60 million and $53 million for December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are approximately $15 million, $38 million and $32 million, respectively, that if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in a future period.
Credco believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $4$3 million principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the deductibility of certain expenses or losses and the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $4$3 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $3$2 million relates to amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate in a future period.
Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits are reported in the income tax provision. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 Credco recognized a tax charge of $130 million, $3 million, and $20 million, respectively, for interest and penalties. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Credco recognized an immaterial amount for interest and penalties. For the year ended December 31, 2017, Credco recognized tax benefits of approximately $1 million for interest and penalties.
Credco had approximately $8$170 million and $5$29 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively.
Current taxes due to American Express or affiliates as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 2018 were $431$380 million and $727$431 million, respectively. The amount due to American Express for 20192020 includes a $441 million payable related to the one time transition tax on the repatriated earnings and profits of certain foreign subsidiaries under the Tax Act.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payments due by year | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2021 - 2022 | | 2023 – 2024 | | 2025 and thereafter | | Total | |
Deemed repatriation tax(a) | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 115 | | | $ | 326 | | | $ | 441 | | |
(a)In 2019, the IRS applied the prior year U.S. federal income tax return overpayment against a portion of the remaining obligation. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payments due by year | |
| (Millions) | 2021 | | 2022 - 2023 | | 2024 – 2025 | | 2026 and thereafter | | Total | |
| Deemed repatriation tax | $ | 0 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 254 | | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 441 | | |
Net income taxes paid by Credco during 20192020 and 20182019 were approximately $359$112 million and $144$359 million, respectively.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 11 – Significant Credit Concentrations
Concentrations of credit risk exist when changes in economic, industry or geographic factors similarly affect groups of counterparties whose aggregate credit exposure is material in relation to Credco’s total credit exposure. Credco’s primary credit exposure, Card Member receivables, Card Member loans and loans to affiliates and other, is diversified among its affiliated companies with Card Members that operate in diverse industries, economic sectors and geographic regions.
The following table details Credco’s maximum credit exposure of the on-balance sheet assets by category, as of December 31:
| | (Billions) | (Billions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Billions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
| On-balance sheet: | On-balance sheet: | | On-balance sheet: | |
| Loans to affiliates and other | Loans to affiliates and other | $ | 10 | | | $ | 14 | | Loans to affiliates and other | $ | 11 | | | $ | 10 | |
Institutions(a) | Institutions(a) | 13 | | | 14 | | Institutions(a) | 9 | | | 13 | |
Individuals(b) | Individuals(b) | 12 | | | 11 | | Individuals(b) | 3 | | | 12 | |
Financial Services(c) | Financial Services(c) | 1 | | | 1 | | Financial Services(c) | 1 | | | 1 | |
| Due from affiliates | Due from affiliates | 1 | | | — | | Due from affiliates | 0 | | | 1 | |
| Total on-balance sheet | Total on-balance sheet | $ | 37 | | | $ | 40 | | Total on-balance sheet | $ | 24 | | | $ | 37 | |
(a)Primarily reflects Card Member receivables from other corporate institutions, which are governed by institutional credit risk management.
(b)Primarily reflects Card Member receivables and loans, which are governed by individual credit risk management.
(c)Represents banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and savings and loan associations.
As of December 31, 20192020, and 2018,2019, Credco’s most significant concentration of credit risk was with Loans to affiliates and Corporate institutions, including Card Member receivables. Credco purchased Card Member receivables and loans from TRS and certain of its subsidiaries. TRS and its subsidiaries generally advance these amounts on an unsecured basis. However, they review each potential customer’s credit application and evaluates the applicant’s financial history and ability and willingness to repay. TRS and its subsidiaries also consider credit performance by customer tenure, industry and geographic location in managing credit exposure.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table details Credco’s Card Member receivables and loans exposure in the United States and outside the United States as of December 31:
| | (Billions) | (Billions) | 2019 | | 2018 | (Billions) | 2020 | | 2019 |
| United States | United States | $ | 19 | | | $ | 18 | | United States | $ | 8 | | | $ | 19 | |
| Outside the United States | Outside the United States | 7 | | | 7 | | Outside the United States | 5 | | | 7 | |
| Total | Total | $ | 26 | | | $ | 25 | | Total | $ | 13 | | | $ | 26 | |
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 12 – Geographic Regions
Credco is principally engaged in the business of financing the Card Member receivables and in providing loans to certain of its affiliates. ManagementCredco’s management makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of these financing activities, which constitute Credco’sits only operating segment for financial reporting purposes.
The following table presents Credco’s revenues and pretax income in different geographic regions based, in part, upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management’sits management judgment:
| | (Millions) | (Millions) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Revenues | Revenues | | Revenues | |
| United States | United States | $ | 1,133 | | | $ | 1,033 | | | $ | 779 | | United States | $ | 533 | | | $ | 1,133 | | | $ | 1,033 | |
| Outside the United States | Outside the United States | 482 | | | 428 | | | 308 | | Outside the United States | 297 | | | 482 | | | 428 | |
| Consolidated | Consolidated | $ | 1,615 | | | $ | 1,461 | | | $ | 1,087 | | Consolidated | $ | 830 | | | $ | 1,615 | | | $ | 1,461 | |
| Pretax income | Pretax income | | Pretax income | |
| United States | United States | $ | 61 | | | $ | 28 | | | $ | 9 | | United States | $ | 142 | | | $ | 61 | | | $ | 28 | |
| Outside the United States | Outside the United States | 451 | | | 388 | | | 266 | | Outside the United States | 180 | | | 451 | | | 388 | |
| Consolidated | Consolidated | $ | 512 | | | $ | 416 | | | $ | 275 | | Consolidated | $ | 322 | | | $ | 512 | | | $ | 416 | |
Note 13 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2019 | | | | | | | | 2018 | | | | | | | |
| Quarters ended | 12/31 | | 9/30 | | 6/30 | | 3/31 | | 12/31 | | 9/30 | | 6/30 | | 3/31 | |
| Revenues | $ | 377 | | | $ | 388 | | | $ | 418 | | | $ | 432 | | | $ | 406 | | | $ | 386 | | | $ | 351 | | | $ | 318 | | |
| Pretax income | 132 | | | 131 | | | 130 | | | 119 | | | 108 | | | 107 | | | 93 | | | 108 | | |
| Net income | $ | 93 | | | $ | 110 | | | $ | 112 | | | $ | 103 | | | $ | 61 | | | $ | 109 | | | $ | 88 | | | $ | 129 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions) | 2020 | | 2019 | |
| Quarters ended | 12/31 | | 9/30 | | 6/30 | | 3/31 | | 12/31 | | 9/30 | | 6/30 | | 3/31 | |
| Revenues | $ | 139 | | | $ | 76 | | | $ | 349 | | | $ | 266 | | | $ | 377 | | | $ | 388 | | | $ | 418 | | | $ | 432 | | |
| Pretax income | 120 | | | 46 | | | 114 | | | 42 | | | 132 | | | 131 | | | 130 | | | 119 | | |
| Net income | $ | 71 | | | $ | 26 | | | $ | 82 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 93 | | | $ | 110 | | | $ | 112 | | | $ | 103 | | |
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION61
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 14 – Subsequent Events
Subsequent to year end, American Express removed U.S. consumer and small business Card Member receivables from the Charge Trust and substantially replaced them with U.S. corporate Card Member receivables.
To effect this change, on January 7, 2020, Credco sold $5.2 billion of U.S. corporate Card Member receivables to TRS. Then on February 1, 2020, TRS transferred $5.2 billion of U.S. corporate Card Member receivables to the Charge Trust and removed $7.2 billion of U.S. consumer and small business Card Member receivables from the Charge Trust. Since Credco maintains participation interests in the Charge Trust, these transactions resulted in Credco (i) no longer having an interest in the $7.2 billion in U.S. consumer and small business Card Member receivables and (ii) having an interest in the U.S. corporate Card Member receivables in the Charge Trust. Settlement of these transactions was undertaken through borrowings from American Express Company and thus Long-term debt to affiliates has also decreased by $7.2 billion.
53
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Credco’s management, with the participation of Credco’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Credco’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, Credco’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, Credco’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in Credco’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to Credco’s management, including Credco’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have not been any changes in Credco’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during Credco’sthe fourth quarter of 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Credco’s internal control over financial reporting.
“Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”, which sets forth management’sCredco’s management evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, is set forth in “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), an issuer is required to disclose in its annual or quarterly reports, as applicable, whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings relating to Iran or with individuals or entities designated pursuant to certain Executive Orders. Disclosure is generally required even where the activities, transactions or dealings were conducted outside the United States by non-U.S. affiliates in compliance with applicable law, and whether or not the activities are sanctionable under U.S. law.
In 2020, American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) and certain entities that may be considered affiliatesbecame aware of GBT have informedcredit card accounts opened with American Express that duringInternational, Inc. (Hong Kong branch) by the year ended December 31,Acting Consul General of the Iranian Consulate in Hong Kong, and his predecessor, the now-former Consul General. American Express believes these cards were used only for personal expenses. The Acting Consul General had two cards, both of which were opened in 2018 and one of which was closed by client request on or about April 3, 2019, approximately 30 visas were obtained from Iranian embassies and consulates around the worldother of which was cancelled by American Express on or about June 16, 2020. The former Consul General’s card was issued in connection with certain travel arrangementsJanuary 2019 and cancelled by American Express on behalf of clients and reservations were booked at one hotel that may be owned, directly or indirectly, or may otherwise be affiliated with, the Government of Iran. GBTabout March 13, 2019. American Express had negligible gross revenues and net profits attributable to these transactions andaccounts. As all of the accounts were cancelled, American Express does not intends to continue to engage in these activities on a limited basis so long as such activities are permitted under U.S. law.this activity.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTINGACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors of American Express Company has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Consolidated Financial Statements of Credco for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.
Each year, the Audit and Compliance Committee reviews the accounting firm’s qualifications, performance and independence in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidelines. At least every ten years, the Audit and Compliance Committee charter requires a comparison of resources available in other firms. The Committee conducted such a review in 2014.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed or to be billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for professional services rendered for the audit of Credco’s Consolidated Financial Statements and services that were provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements and other attest services were $718,206$1,010,674 and $708,532$718,206 for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
Credco was not billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for any fees for audit-related services for 20192020 or 2018.2019.
Tax Fees
Credco was not billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for any tax fees for 20192020 or 2018.2019.
All Other Fees
Credco was not billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for any other fees for 20192020 or 2018.2019.
Policy on Pre-Approval of Services Provided by Independent Registered Public Accountants
Pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the terms of the engagement of Credco’s independent registered public accounting firm are subject to the pre-approval of the Audit and Compliance Committee of American Express. All audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed by Credco’s independent registered public accounting firm require pre-approval by the Audit and Compliance Committee in accordance with pre-approval procedures established by the Committee. In accordance with SECSecurities Exchange Commission rules, the Audit and Compliance Committee’s pre-approval procedures have two different approaches to pre-approving audit and permitted non-audit services performed by Credco’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit and Compliance Committee specifically pre-approves the terms and fees of the planned annual audit and permitted non-audit services that are to be performed by Credco’s independent registered public accounting firm. Other proposed engagements may be pre-approved up to an aggregate fee threshold, pursuant to procedures established by the Audit and Compliance Committee that are detailed as to the particular and defined classes of services without consideration by the Committee of the specific case-by-case services to be performed. Credco refers to this pre-approval method as “general pre-approval” and such pre-approved engagements are reported to the Audit and Compliance Committeeat least quarterly. The procedures also require all proposed engagements of Credco’s independent registered public accounting firm for services of any kind that have not received specific or general pre-approval as described above be approved by the Audit and Compliance Committee (or, should a time-sensitive need arise, its Chair) prior to the beginning of any such services. All services provided by Credco’s independent registered public accounting firm have been pre-approved in accordance with these procedures. The Audit and Compliance Committee has reviewed that the services performed by Credco’s independent registered public accounting firm and the related fees were consistent with the maintenance of its independence.
Other Transactions with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
American Express has a number of business relationships with individual member firms of the worldwide PricewaterhouseCoopers organization. American Express subsidiaries provide card services to some of these firms, and these firms pay fees to American Express subsidiaries. These services are in the normal course of business, and American Express provides them pursuant to arrangements that American Express offers to other similar clients.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS,EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
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| (a) | | 1 | | | Financial Statements: |
| | | | | See Index to the Financial Statements on page 30.32. |
| | | 2 | | | Exhibits: |
| | | | | The following exhibits are filed as part of this report. |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K
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| Exhibit No. | | Description | | How Filed |
| | | | | |
| 3(a) | | Registrant'sRegistrant’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated February 25, 1972 (File No. 2-43170). |
| | | | | |
| 3(b) | | Registrant'sRegistrant’s By-Laws, amended and restated as of November 24, 1980 | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-6908) for the year ended December 31, 1985. |
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| 4(a) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated June 16, 2009 (File No. 333-160018). |
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| 4(b) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated June 8, 2006 (File No. 333-134864). |
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| 4(c) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(v) to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-6908) for the year ended December 31, 2006. |
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4(d) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated May 13, 2015 (File No. 333-204124). |
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| 4(d) | | | | |
4(e) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated May 13, 2015 (File No. 333-204124). |
| | | | |
| 4(e) | | | | |
4(f) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 1-6908) dated November 15, 2016. |
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4(g)4(f) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 1-6908) dated November 15, 2016. |
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| 4(g) | | | | |
4(h) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(aa) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-6908) for the year ended December 31, 2016. |
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| 4(h) | | | | |
4(i) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on March 20, 2018 (File No. 333-223796). |
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4(j)4(i) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(k) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on March 20, 2018 (File No. 333-223796). |
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| 4(j) | | | | |
4(k) | | The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish the Commission, upon request, with copies of the instruments defining the rights of holders of each issue of long-term debt of the Registrant for which the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant | | |
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4(l) | | | | Electronically filed herewith. |
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| 10(a) | | Receivables Agreement dated as of January 1, 1983 between the Registrant and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Registrant'sRegistrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-6908) for the year ended December 31, 1987. |
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| 10(b) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-6908) for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. |
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| 10(c) | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 1-6908) dated December 23, 2020. |
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| 23 | | | | | Electronically filed herewith. |
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| 31.1 | | | | | Electronically filed herewith. |
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| 31.2 | | | | | Electronically filed herewith. |
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| 32.1 | | | | | Electronically filed herewith. |
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| 32.2 | | | | | Electronically filed herewith. |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 101.INS | | XBRL Instance Document -The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. | | |
| 101.SCH | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | | Electronically filed herewith. |
| 101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | | Electronically filed herewith. |
| 101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | | Electronically filed herewith. |
| 101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | | Electronically filed herewith. |
| 101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | | Electronically filed herewith. |
| 104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | | |
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION
(Registrant)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
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Date: February 27, 202025, 2021 | By | /s/ David L. Yowan | |
| | | David L. Yowan | |
| | | Chief Executive Officer | |
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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| Date: | | February 27, 202025, 2021 | By | /s/ David L. Yowan | |
| | | | | David L. Yowan | |
| | | | | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |
| | | | | | |
| Date: | | February 27, 202025, 2021 | By | /s/ Leah A. Schweller | |
| | | | | Leah A. Schweller | |
| | | | | Chief Accounting Officer | |
| | | | | | |
| Date: | | February 27, 202025, 2021 | By | /s/ Anderson Y. Lee | |
| | | | | Anderson Y. Lee | |
| | | | | Chief Financial Officer and Director | |
| | | | | |
| Date: | | February 27, 202025, 2021 | By | /s/ Ian Woolley | |
| | | | Ian Woolley | |
| | | | Director | |