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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                    to 
Commission File Number 001-33378
DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
36-2517428
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2500 Lake Cook Road, Riverwoods, Illinois 60015
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(224) 405-0900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
Title of each class
Trading symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
DFS
New York Stock Exchange
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      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      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
 
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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes      No  
As of July 22, 2020, there were 306,421,150 shares of the registrant's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
 



DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, "Discover Financial Services," "Discover," "DFS," "we," "us," "our," and "the Company" refer to Discover Financial Services and its subsidiaries. See Glossary of Acronyms, located after Part I Item 4, for terms and abbreviations used throughout the quarterly report.
We own or have rights to use the trademarks, trade names and service marks that we use in conjunction with the operation of our business, including, but not limited to: Discover®, PULSE®, Cashback Bonus®, Discover Cashback Checking®, Discover it®, Freeze it®, College Covered®, and Diners Club International®. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are the property of their respective owners.


Table of Contents

Part I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
 
(unaudited)
(dollars in millions,
except share amounts)
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,138

 
$
6,924

Restricted cash
29

 
40

Other short-term investments
2,549

 

Investment securities (includes available-for-sale securities of $10,201 and $10,323 reported at fair value with associated amortized cost of $9,734 and $10,173 at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)
10,485

 
10,595

Loan receivables
 
 
 
Loan receivables
88,927

 
95,894

Allowance for credit losses(1)
(8,184
)
 
(3,383
)
Net loan receivables
80,743

 
92,511

Premises and equipment, net
1,115

 
1,057

Goodwill
255

 
255

Intangible assets, net
96

 
155

Other assets
3,382

 
2,459

Total assets
$
113,792

 
$
113,996

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Deposits
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposit accounts
$
76,365

 
$
71,955

Non-interest bearing deposit accounts
999

 
791

Total deposits
77,364

 
72,746

Long-term borrowings
23,194

 
25,701

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
3,591

 
3,690

Total liabilities
104,149

 
102,137

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Notes 10, 13 and 14)

 

Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 2,000,000,000 shares authorized; 567,653,357 and 566,653,650 shares issued at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively
6

 
6

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 10,700 and 5,700 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively
1,056

 
563

Additional paid-in capital
4,216

 
4,206

Retained earnings
18,673

 
21,290

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
122

 
(119
)
Treasury stock, at cost; 261,233,267 and 256,496,492 shares at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively
(14,430
)
 
(14,087
)
Total stockholders' equity
9,643

 
11,859

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
113,792

 
$
113,996

 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
The table below presents the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities of Discover Financial Services' consolidated variable interest entities ("VIEs"), which are included in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition above. The assets in the table below include those assets that can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated VIEs. The liabilities in the table below include third-party liabilities of consolidated VIEs only and exclude intercompany balances that eliminate in consolidation. The liabilities also exclude amounts for which creditors have recourse to the general credit of Discover Financial Services.
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
 
(unaudited)
(dollars in millions)
Assets
 
 
 
Restricted cash
$
29

 
$
40

Loan receivables
$
27,926

 
$
31,840

Allowance for credit losses allocated to securitized loan receivables(1)
$
(1,972
)
 
$
(1,179
)
Other assets
$
7

 
$
5

Liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings
$
12,766

 
$
14,284

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
$
10

 
$
15

 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
1


Table of Contents

DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
 (unaudited)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
2,173

 
$
2,396

 
$
4,589

 
$
4,758

Other loans
439

 
460

 
923

 
917

Investment securities
55

 
39

 
113

 
67

Other interest income
5

 
82

 
29

 
172

Total interest income
2,672

 
2,977

 
5,654

 
5,914

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
340

 
401

 
713

 
787

Long-term borrowings
142

 
244

 
353

 
490

Total interest expense
482

 
645

 
1,066

 
1,277

Net interest income
2,190

 
2,332

 
4,588

 
4,637

Provision for credit losses(1)
2,046

 
787

 
3,853

 
1,596

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
144

 
1,545

 
735

 
3,041

Other income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net
237

 
299

 
453

 
530

Protection products revenue
44

 
49

 
91

 
98

Loan fee income
85

 
102

 
204

 
206

Transaction processing revenue
49

 
48

 
93

 
94

Gains on equity investments
43

 

 
79

 

Other income
14

 
22

 
42

 
50

Total other income
472

 
520

 
962

 
978

Other expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
452

 
427

 
919

 
852

Marketing and business development
129

 
224

 
360

 
419

Information processing and communications
117

 
101

 
231

 
200

Professional fees
181

 
183

 
374

 
350

Premises and equipment
27

 
26

 
57

 
54

Other expense
171

 
117

 
295

 
227

Total other expense
1,077

 
1,078

 
2,236

 
2,102

(Loss) income before income taxes
(461
)
 
987

 
(539
)
 
1,917

Income tax (benefit) expense
(93
)
 
234

 
(110
)
 
438

Net (loss) income
$
(368
)
 
$
753

 
$
(429
)
 
$
1,479

Net (loss) income allocated to common stockholders
$
(369
)
 
$
747

 
$
(446
)
 
$
1,452

Basic (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2


Table of Contents

DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
 (unaudited)
(dollars in millions)
Net (loss) income
$
(368
)
 
$
753

 
$
(429
)
 
$
1,479

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax
(16
)
 
71

 
240

 
102

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax
4

 
(18
)
 
1

 
(30
)
Unrealized pension and post-retirement plan gains, net of tax

 

 

 
1

Other comprehensive (loss) income
(12
)
 
53

 
241

 
73

Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(380
)
 
$
806

 
$
(188
)
 
$
1,552

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3


Table of Contents

DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
(unaudited)
(dollars in millions, shares in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Balance at March 31, 2019
6

 
$
563

 
565,973

 
$
6

 
$
4,148

 
$
19,484

 
$
(136
)
 
$
(12,806
)
 
$
11,259

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
753

 

 

 
753

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 
53

 

 
53

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(461
)
 
(461
)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

 

 
24

 

 
1

 

 

 

 
1

Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense

 

 
22

 

 
18

 

 

 

 
18

Dividends — common stock
($0.40 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(130
)
 

 

 
(130
)
Balance at June 30, 2019
6

 
$
563

 
566,019

 
$
6

 
$
4,167

 
$
20,107

 
$
(83
)
 
$
(13,267
)
 
$
11,493

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Balance at March 31, 2020
6

 
$
563

 
567,530

 
$
6

 
$
4,217

 
$
19,175

 
$
134

 
$
(14,430
)
 
$
9,665

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 
(368
)
 

 

 
(368
)
Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

 

 
49

 

 
2

 

 

 

 
2

Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense

 

 
74

 

 
(3
)
 

 

 

 
(3
)
Preferred stock issued
5

 
493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
493

Dividends — common stock
($0.44 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(134
)
 

 

 
(134
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
11

 
$
1,056

 
567,653

 
$
6

 
$
4,216

 
$
18,673

 
$
122

 
$
(14,430
)
 
$
9,643

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Balance at December 31, 2018
6

 
$
563

 
564,852

 
$
6

 
$
4,130

 
$
18,906

 
$
(156
)
 
$
(12,319
)
 
$
11,130

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
1,479

 

 

 
1,479

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 
73

 

 
73

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(948
)
 
(948
)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

 

 
51

 

 
3

 

 

 

 
3

Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense

 

 
1,116

 

 
34

 

 

 

 
34

Dividends — common stock
($0.80 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(262
)
 

 

 
(262
)
Dividends — Series C preferred stock ($2,750 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(16
)
 

 

 
(16
)
Balance at June 30, 2019
6

 
$
563

 
566,019

 
$
6

 
$
4,167

 
$
20,107

 
$
(83
)
 
$
(13,267
)
 
$
11,493

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Balance at December 31, 2019
6

 
$
563

 
566,654

 
$
6

 
$
4,206

 
$
21,290

 
$
(119
)
 
$
(14,087
)
 
$
11,859

Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption

 

 

 

 

 
(1,902
)
 

 

 
(1,902
)
Net loss

 

 

 

 

 
(429
)
 

 

 
(429
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 
241

 

 
241

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(343
)
 
(343
)
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans

 

 
113

 

 
4

 

 

 

 
4

Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense

 

 
886

 

 
6

 

 

 

 
6

Preferred stock issued
5

 
493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
493

Dividends — common stock
($0.88 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(270
)
 

 

 
(270
)
Dividends — Series C preferred stock ($2,750 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(16
)
 

 

 
(16
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
11

 
$
1,056

 
567,653

 
$
6

 
$
4,216

 
$
18,673

 
$
122

 
$
(14,430
)
 
$
9,643

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4


Table of Contents

DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
(unaudited)
(dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(429
)
 
$
1,479

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
3,853

 
1,596

Deferred income taxes
(531
)
 
(50
)
Depreciation and amortization
246

 
202

Amortization of deferred revenues and accretion of accretable yield on acquired loans
(165
)
 
(201
)
Net (gain) loss on investments and other assets
(51
)
 
21

Other, net
68

 
39

Changes in assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Decrease (increase) in other assets
388

 
(23
)
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(112
)
 
850

Net cash provided by operating activities
3,267

 
3,913

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of other short-term investments
(2,548
)
 
(1,000
)
Maturities of available-for-sale investment securities
438

 
70

Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities

 
(4,115
)
Maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities
18

 
12

Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities
(30
)
 
(34
)
Net principal repaid (disbursed) on loans originated for investment
5,614

 
(950
)
Proceeds from sale of other investments
94

 

Purchases of other investments
(40
)
 
(21
)
Purchases of premises and equipment
(153
)
 
(151
)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
3,393

 
(6,189
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt

 
1,234

Maturities and repayment of securitized debt
(1,666
)
 
(4,070
)
Proceeds from issuance of other long-term borrowings
495

 
595

Maturities and repayment of other long-term borrowings
(1,753
)
 
(7
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
5

 
4

Purchases of treasury stock
(343
)
 
(948
)
Net increase in deposits
4,601

 
1,955

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
493

 

Dividends paid on common and preferred stock
(289
)
 
(279
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
1,543

 
(1,516
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
8,203

 
(3,792
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at beginning of period
6,964

 
15,145

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period
$
15,167

 
$
11,353

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,138

 
$
10,313

Restricted cash
29

 
1,040

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period
$
15,167

 
$
11,353

 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5


Table of Contents

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
1.
Background and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Discover Financial Services ("DFS" or the "Company") is a direct banking and payment services company. The Company is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 as well as a financial holding company under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and therefore is subject to oversight, regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve"). The Company provides direct banking products and services and payment services through its subsidiaries. The Company offers its customers credit card loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans and deposit products. The Company also operates the Discover Network, the PULSE network ("PULSE") and Diners Club International ("Diners Club"). The Discover Network processes transactions for Discover-branded credit and debit cards and provides payment transaction processing and settlement services. PULSE operates an electronic funds transfer network, providing financial institutions issuing debit cards on the PULSE network with access to ATMs domestically and internationally, as well as merchant acceptance throughout the U.S. for debit card transactions. Diners Club is a global payments network of licensees, which are generally financial institutions, that issue Diners Club branded charge cards and/or provide card acceptance services.
The Company's business activities are managed in two segments, Direct Banking and Payment Services, based on the products and services provided. For a detailed description of the operations of each segment, as well as the allocation conventions used in business segment reporting, see Note 17: Segment Disclosures.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of results for the interim period. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that the estimates used in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2019 audited consolidated financial statements filed with the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Not Yet Adopted)
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU addresses operational challenges resulting from the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other reference rates at the end of 2021. By providing optional practical expedients and exceptions to applying certain GAAP requirements, ASU No. 2020-04 provides temporary relief designed to ease the operational cost and burden of accounting for contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. In general, the optional expedients and exceptions allow eligible contracts that are modified due to reference rate reform to be accounted for prospectively as a continuation of those contracts, permit companies to preserve hedge accounting for hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform and enable companies to make a one-time election to transfer or sell certain held-to-maturity debt securities indexed to LIBOR or another reference rate that is expected to be discontinued. The temporary expedients and exceptions are elective and do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, with the exception of hedging relationships existing as of that date for which certain optional expedients have been elected and are expected to be retained through the end of the hedging relationships. The ASU is effective upon issuance and management is evaluating the impact the ASU will have on the Company’s financial statements as part of its overall evaluation of reference rate reform.

6

Table of Contents

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The FASB subsequently issued several additional ASUs that clarify the scope and application of the new credit loss guidance. Topic 326 replaced the incurred loss model with the current expected credit loss ("CECL") approach. For loans carried at amortized cost, the allowance for credit losses is now based on management's current estimate of all anticipated credit losses over the remaining expected life of the loans. Upon the origination of a loan, the Company records its estimate of all expected credit losses on that loan through an immediate charge to earnings. Updates to that estimate each period are recorded through provision expense. The CECL estimate is based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
As compared to prior GAAP, the CECL approach increases the Company's allowance for credit losses on loan receivables as a result of: (1) recording reserves for expected losses, not simply those deemed to be already incurred, (2) extending the loss estimate period over the entire life of the loan and (3) presenting the credit loss component of the purchased credit-impaired ("PCI") loan portfolio in the allowance for credit losses rather than embedding it within the loan carrying value. The allowance for credit losses on all loans carried at amortized cost, including loans previously referred to as PCI loans and loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") are measured under the CECL approach. Previous specialized measurement guidance for PCI loans, which are now referred to as purchased credit-deteriorated ("PCD"), and TDRs was eliminated, although certain separate disclosure guidance was retained.
Measurement of credit impairment of available-for-sale debt securities generally remains unchanged under the new rules, but any credit impairment is recorded through an allowance, rather than a direct write-down of the security. The Company invests in U.S. Treasury and residential mortgage-backed securities issued by government agencies, which have long histories with no credit losses and are explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government. Therefore, management has concluded that there is no expectation of non-payment on its investment securities and does not record an allowance for credit losses on these investments.
The ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 and required modified-retrospective application, meaning a cumulative-effect adjustment was recorded as of the effective date without adjusting comparative prior periods. This cumulative-effect adjustment did not reflect the economic disruption resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") since the global disruption occurred subsequent to January 1, 2020. As a result of adoption, the Company recorded:
A $2.5 billion increase to the allowance for credit losses on loan receivables primarily representing the adjustment for recording reserves for expected losses, not simply those deemed to be already incurred, and extending the loss estimate period over the entire life of the loan;
A $0.6 billion increase to other assets related to deferred tax assets on the larger allowance for credit losses;
An offsetting $1.9 billion decrease, net of tax, to the opening balance of retained earnings; and
Immaterial adjustments to the following:
The carrying value of PCD loans and related accrued interest reflected in other assets; and
Accrued expenses and other liabilities to record reserves for unfunded commitments.
As required by the ASU, financial statement results and balances prior to January 1, 2020 have not been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the amendments in ASU No. 2016-13. Therefore, current period results and balances are not comparable to prior period amounts, particularly with regard to the provision and allowance for credit losses (and their related subtotals).

7

Table of Contents

2.
Investments
The Company's other short-term investments and investment securities consist of the following (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
U.S. Treasury bills(1)
$
2,549

 
$

Total other short-term investments
$
2,549

 
$

 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities(2)
$
9,838

 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3)
647

 
689

Total investment securities
$
10,485

 
$
10,595

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes U.S. Treasury bills with maturity dates greater than 90 days but less than one year at the time of acquisition.
(2)
Includes $159 million and $121 million of U.S. Treasury securities pledged as swap collateral as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)
Consists of residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities are as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
At June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,385

 
$
453

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
349

 
14

 

 
363

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,734

 
$
467

 
$

 
$
10,201

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3)
$
284

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
293

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$
284

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,759

 
$
155

 
$
(8
)
 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
414

 
3

 

 
417

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
10,173

 
$
158

 
$
(8
)
 
$
10,323

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3) 
$
272

 
$
3

 
$
(1
)
 
$
274

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$
272

 
$
3

 
$
(1
)
 
$
274

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value.
(2)
Held-to-maturity investment securities are reported at amortized cost.
(3)
Amounts represent residential mortgage-backed securities that were classified as held-to-maturity as they were entered into as a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives.
The Company invests in U.S. Treasury and residential mortgage-backed securities issued by government agencies, which have long histories with no credit losses and are explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government. Therefore, management has concluded that there is no expectation of non-payment on its investment securities and does not record an allowance for credit losses on these investments.

8

Table of Contents

The following table provides information about available-for-sale investment securities with aggregate gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in millions):
 
Number of Securities in a Loss Position
 
Less than 12 months
 
More than 12 months
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
11

 
$
1,402

 
$
(8
)
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There were no proceeds from sales or recognized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities during the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. See Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income for unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities and held-to-maturity debt securities are provided in the following table (dollars in millions):
At June 30, 2020
One Year
or
Less
 
After One
Year
Through
Five Years
 
After Five
Years
Through
Ten Years
 
After Ten
Years
 
Total
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities—Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,374

 
$
8,011

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,385

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)

 
64

 
285

 

 
349

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
1,374

 
$
8,075

 
$
285

 
$

 
$
9,734

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities—Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
284

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
284

Available-for-Sale Investment Securities—Fair Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,391

 
$
8,447

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)

 
66

 
297

 

 
363

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
1,391

 
$
8,513

 
$
297

 
$

 
$
10,201

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities—Fair Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
293

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities are reflective of the contractual maturities of the investment.
Other Investments
As a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives, the Company has made equity investments in certain limited partnerships and limited liability companies that finance the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing, as well as stimulate economic development in low to moderate income communities. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are recorded within other assets. The related commitment for future investments is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities within the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The portion of each investment's operating results allocable to the Company reduces the carrying value of the investments and is recorded in other expense within the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company further reduces the carrying value of the investments by recognizing any amounts that are in excess of future net tax benefits in other expense. The Company earns a return primarily through the receipt of tax credits allocated to the affordable housing projects and the community revitalization projects. These investments are not consolidated as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in the entities. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding investments in these entities of $335 million and $336 million, respectively, and related contingent liabilities of $63 million and $74 million, respectively. Of the above outstanding equity investments, the Company had $301 million and $298 million of investments related to affordable housing projects as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which had $47 million and $59 million related contingent liabilities, respectively.

9

Table of Contents

The Company holds non-controlling equity positions in several payment services entities. Most of these investments are not subject to equity method accounting because the Company does not have significant influence over the investee. The common or preferred equity securities that the Company holds typically do not have readily determinable fair values. As a result, the majority of these investments are carried at cost minus impairment, if any. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the carrying value of these investments, which is recorded within other assets, was $25 million and $42 million, respectively.
3.
Loan Receivables
The Company has two loan portfolio segments: credit card loans and other loans.
The Company's classes of receivables within the two portfolio segments are depicted in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Credit card loans(1)(2)
$
70,201

 
$
77,181

Other loans(3)
 
 
 
Private student loans(4)
9,730

 
9,653

Personal loans
7,316

 
7,687

Other
1,680

 
1,373

Total other loans
18,726

 
18,713

Total loan receivables
88,927

 
95,894

Allowance for credit losses(5)
(8,184
)
 
(3,383
)
Net loan receivables
$
80,743

 
$
92,511

 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts include carrying values of $16.6 billion and $18.9 billion underlying investors' interest in trust debt at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and $11.0 billion and $12.7 billion in seller's interest at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
(2)
Unbilled accrued interest receivable on credit card loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $379 million and $471 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)
Accrued interest receivable on private student, personal and other loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $494 million, $48 million and $6 million, respectively, at June 30, 2020 and $461 million, $53 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
(4)
Amounts include carrying values of $274 million and $292 million in loans pledged as collateral against the note issued from a student loan securitization trust at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
(5)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.

10

Table of Contents

Credit Quality Indicators
As part of credit risk management activities, on an ongoing basis, the Company reviews information related to the performance of a customer's account with the Company as well as information from credit bureaus, such as FICO or other credit scores, relating to the customer's broader credit performance. Key credit quality indicators that are actively monitored for credit card, private student and personal loans include FICO scores and delinquency status. These indicators are important to understand the overall credit performance of the Company's customers and their ability to repay.
FICO scores are generally obtained at origination of the account and are refreshed monthly or quarterly thereafter to assist in predicting customer behavior. Historically, the Company has noted that accounts with FICO scores below 660 have larger delinquencies and credit losses than those with higher credit scores.
The following table provides the distribution of the most recent FICO scores available for the Company's customers by the amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) for credit card, private student and personal loan receivables (dollars in millions):
 
Credit Risk Profile by FICO Score
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
660 and Above
 
Less than 660
or No Score
 
660 and Above
 
Less than 660
or No Score
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Credit card loans(1)
$
56,772

 
81
%
 
$
13,429

 
19
%
 
$
61,997

 
80
%
 
$
15,184

 
20
%
Private student loans by origination year(2)(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
321

 
98
%
 
$
8

 
2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
1,714

 
96
%
 
72

 
4
%
 
$
1,176

 
93
%
 
$
92

 
7
%
2018
1,437

 
95
%
 
72

 
5
%
 
1,518

 
95
%
 
79

 
5
%
2017
1,114

 
94
%
 
67

 
6
%
 
1,198

 
95
%
 
69

 
5
%
2016
850

 
94
%
 
57

 
6
%
 
934

 
94
%
 
58

 
6
%
Prior
3,749

 
93
%
 
269

 
7
%
 
4,229

 
93
%
 
300

 
7
%
Total private student loans
$
9,185

 
94
%
 
$
545

 
6
%
 
$
9,055

 
94
%
 
$
598

 
6
%
Personal loans by origination year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
1,454

 
99
%
 
$
9

 
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
2,840

 
97
%
 
91

 
3
%
 
$
3,529

 
98
%
 
$
62

 
2
%
2018
1,440

 
92
%
 
120

 
8
%
 
1,941

 
93
%
 
140

 
7
%
2017
821

 
89
%
 
98

 
11
%
 
1,167

 
90
%
 
136

 
10
%
2016
307

 
88
%
 
43

 
12
%
 
475

 
88
%
 
65

 
12
%
Prior
77

 
83
%
 
16

 
17
%
 
145

 
84
%
 
27

 
16
%
Total personal loans
$
6,939

 
95
%
 
$
377

 
5
%
 
$
7,257

 
94
%
 
$
430

 
6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts include $1.0 billion and $956 million of revolving line-of-credit arrangements that were converted to term loans as a result of a TDR program as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(2)
A majority of student loans originations occur in the third quarter and disbursements can span across multiple calendar years.
(3)
FICO score represents the higher credit score of the cosigner or borrower.

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Table of Contents

Delinquencies are an indicator of credit quality at a point in time. A loan balance is considered delinquent when contractual payments on the loan become 30 days past due.
The amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) of delinquent loans in the Company's loan portfolio is shown below for credit card, private student and personal loan receivables (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
  
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
 
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
Credit card loans
$
677

 
$
846

 
$
1,523

 
$
999

 
$
1,020

 
$
2,019

Private student loans by origination year(1)(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
1

 

 
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

2018
9

 
4

 
13

 
4

 
1

 
5

2017
12

 
5

 
17

 
11

 
2

 
13

2016
13

 
5

 
18

 
14

 
5

 
19

Prior
78

 
26

 
104

 
106

 
37

 
143

Total private student loans
$
113

 
$
40

 
$
153

 
$
136

 
$
45

 
$
181

Personal loans by origination year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
14

 
7

 
21

 
$
11

 
$
3

 
$
14

2018
17

 
9

 
26

 
27

 
11

 
38

2017
12

 
7

 
19

 
22

 
10

 
32

2016
5

 
3

 
8

 
10

 
5

 
15

Prior
2

 
1

 
3

 
4

 
2

 
6

Total personal loans
$
52

 
$
27

 
$
79

 
$
74

 
$
31

 
$
105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Student loans may include a deferment period, during which customers are not required to make payments while enrolled in school at least half time as determined by the school. During a deferment period, these loans do not advance into delinquency.
(2)
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
In response to the economic impact of COVID-19, the Company employed skip-a-pay programs as short-term offerings, which allow customers on a monthly or other periodic basis to request approval to skip their payment(s) for that month or period. Current accounts enrolled in these programs do not advance to delinquency, and delinquent accounts enrolled in these programs do not advance to the next delinquency cycle, or to charge-off.
In addition to the skip-a-pay programs, the Company has other modification programs that customers have utilized during the period. Due to provisions in the CARES Act or interagency guidance, some accounts in these programs do not constitute TDRs.




12

Table of Contents

Allowance for Credit Losses
A detailed description of the Company's allowance for credit losses policy can be found under the sub-heading "— Significant Loan Receivables Accounting Policies — Allowance for Credit Losses" below.
The following tables provide changes in the Company's allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
5,306

 
$
765

 
$
807

 
$
35

 
$
6,913

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
1,873

 
49

 
114

 
2

 
2,038

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(852
)
 
(20
)
 
(78
)
 

 
(950
)
Recoveries
164

 
5

 
14

 

 
183

Net charge-offs
(688
)
 
(15
)
 
(64
)
 

 
(767
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2019(2)
$
2,622

 
$
168

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,134

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
692

 
15

 
80

 

 
787

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(789
)
 
(18
)
 
(91
)
 

 
(898
)
Recoveries
166

 
3

 
11

 

 
180

Net charge-offs(3)
(623
)
 
(15
)
 
(80
)
 

 
(718
)
Other(4)

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


13

Table of Contents

The following tables provide changes in the Company's allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019(2)
$
2,883

 
$
148

 
$
348

 
$
4

 
$
3,383

Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption(5)
1,667

 
505

 
265

 
24

 
2,461

Balance at January 1, 2020
4,550

 
653

 
613

 
28

 
5,844

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
3,312

 
178

 
377

 
9

 
3,876

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,721
)
 
(42
)
 
(162
)
 

 
(1,925
)
Recoveries
350

 
10

 
29

 

 
389

Net charge-offs
(1,371
)
 
(32
)
 
(133
)
 

 
(1,536
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018(2)
$
2,528

 
$
169

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,041

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
1,402

 
30

 
164

 

 
1,596

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,563
)
 
(37
)
 
(185
)
 

 
(1,785
)
Recoveries
324

 
7

 
21

 

 
352

Net charge-offs(3)
(1,239
)
 
(30
)
 
(164
)
 

 
(1,433
)
Other(4)

 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Excludes an $8 million build and $23 million release of the liability for expected credit losses on unfunded commitments for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as the liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(2)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
(3)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, net charge-offs on PCD loans generally did not result in a charge to earnings.
(4)
Net change in reserves on PCD pools having no remaining non-accretable difference (prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020).
(5)
Represents the adjustment to allowance for credit losses as a result of adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.

The allowance for credit losses was $8.2 billion at June 30, 2020, which reflects a $1.3 billion build over the amount of the allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2020. The allowance build across all loan products primarily reflects an economic outlook with updated assumptions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In estimating the allowance at June 30, 2020, the Company used a macroeconomic forecast that assumes a peak unemployment rate of 16%, recovering to just under 11% at the end of 2020 with slow recovery over the next few years, and an annualized real Gross Domestic Product decline of approximately 30% quarter-over-quarter or down approximately 10% on a year-over-year basis. The estimate also contemplated the impact of government stimulus programs and company-initiated loan modification programs on borrower payment behavior. The impact of COVID-19 on the economy has led to uncertainty in assumptions surrounding factors such as the length and depth of economic stresses and borrower behavior, which required significant management judgment in estimating the allowance for credit losses.
Company-initiated loan modification programs include those offered specifically in response to COVID-19 as well as existing programs offered to customers experiencing difficulty making their payments. In addition to skip-a-pay programs, the Company has other modification programs that customers have utilized during the period related to the pandemic. The accounts using these modifications are generally excluded from TDR status either because the concessions are insignificant or they qualify for exemption pursuant to the CARES Act or interagency guidance. All modifications are considered as part of the process for determining the allowance for credit losses.
The allowance for credit losses was $8.2 billion at June 30, 2020, which reflects a $4.8 billion build over the amount of the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019. The allowance build across all loan products was due to (I) a

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$2.5 billion cumulative-effect adjustment for the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, and (II) a $2.3 billion build that primarily reflects an economic outlook that included the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic stress.
At adoption of CECL and at June 30, 2020, the forecast period management deemed to be reasonable and supportable was 18 months. This period decreased to 12 months at March 31, 2020 due to the uncertainty caused by the rapidly changing economic environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second quarter, the reasonable and supportable period was 18 months based on the view that the present macroeconomic conditions will last for a longer period than previously expected. For both quarters, the reversion period was 12 months. Since adoption of CECL, a straight-line method was used to revert to appropriate historical information. During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the high degree of economic stress led the Company to apply a weighted reversion method for credit card loans that puts more emphasis on the loss forecast model rather than lower historical losses. At June 30, 2020, the reversion method remained straight-line for all other products.
The increase in net charge-offs on credit card loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 when compared to the same periods in 2019 was due to seasoning of recent years' loan growth.
Net charge-offs of principal are recorded against the allowance for credit losses, as shown in the preceding table. Information regarding net charge-offs of interest and fee revenues on credit card and other loans is as follows (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Interest and fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction of interest income)
$
136

 
$
128

 
$
279

 
$
255

Fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction to other income)
$
33

 
$
30

 
$
68

 
$
61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Delinquent and Non-Accruing Loans
The amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) of delinquent and non-accruing loans in the Company's loan portfolio is shown below by each class of loan receivables (dollars in millions):
  
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
and
Accruing
 
Total
Non-accruing(1)
At June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
677

 
$
846

 
$
1,523

 
$
782

 
$
221

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private student loans(2)
113

 
40

 
153

 
39

 
13

Personal loans
52

 
27

 
79

 
25

 
9

Other
5

 
3

 
8

 

 
10

Total other loans
170

 
70

 
240

 
64

 
32

Total loan receivables
$
847

 
$
916

 
$
1,763

 
$
846

 
$
253

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
999

 
$
1,020

 
$
2,019

 
$
940

 
$
237

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private student loans(2)
136

 
45

 
181

 
45

 
11

Personal loans
74

 
31

 
105

 
29

 
12

Other
5

 
2

 
7

 

 
6

Total other loans
215

 
78

 
293

 
74

 
29

Total loan receivables
$
1,214

 
$
1,098

 
$
2,312

 
$
1,014

 
$
266

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Company estimates that the gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of non-accruing credit card loans was $8 million and $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $18 million and $23 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company does not separately track the amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of loans. This amount was estimated based on customers' current balances and most recent interest rates.
(2)
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.

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Troubled Debt Restructurings
The Company has internal loan modification programs that provide relief to credit card, student and personal loan borrowers who may be experiencing financial hardship. The Company considers a modified loan in which a concession has been granted to the borrower to be a TDR based on the cumulative length of the concession period and credit quality of the borrower. New programs are continually evaluated to determine which of them meet the definition of a TDR, including programs provided to customers for temporary relief due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak that may be subject to regulatory exclusion from TDR status. The internal loan modification programs include both temporary and permanent programs, which vary by product. External loan modification programs are also available for credit card and personal loans. For all temporary modification programs, including those created specifically in response to COVID-19, the accounts are reviewed for exclusion from being reported as a TDR in accordance with the CARES Act or interagency guidance. To the extent the accounts do not meet the requirements for exclusion, temporary and permanent modifications on credit card and personal loans, as well as temporary modifications on student loans and certain grants of student loan forbearance, result in the loans being classified as TDRs. In addition, loans that defaulted (see table on loans that defaulted from a TDR program that follows) or graduated from modification programs or forbearance continue to be classified as TDRs, except as noted below.
For credit card customers, the Company offers both temporary and permanent hardship programs. The temporary hardship programs consist of an interest rate reduction and in some cases a reduced minimum payment, both lasting for a period no longer than 12 months. Charging privileges on these loans are generally suspended while in the program and if certain criteria are met, may be reinstated following completion of the program. Beginning in 2020, credit card accounts of borrowers that have previously participated in a temporary interest rate reduction program and that have both demonstrated financial stability and had their charging privileges reinstated at a market-based interest rate, are excluded from the balance of TDRs.
The permanent modification program involves closing the account, changing the structure of the loan to a fixed payment loan with a maturity no longer than 60 months and reducing the interest rate on the loan. The permanent modification program does not normally provide for the forgiveness of unpaid principal, but may allow for the reversal of certain unpaid interest or fee assessments. The Company also makes permanent loan modifications for customers who request financial assistance through external sources, such as a consumer credit counseling agency program. These loans typically receive a reduced interest rate but continue to be subject to the original minimum payment terms and do not normally include waiver of unpaid principal, interest or fees. These loans remain in the population of TDRs until they are paid off or charged off.
At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were $5.6 billion of private student loans in repayment and $21 million and $46 million, respectively, in forbearance. To assist student loan borrowers who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties but are willing to resume making payments, the Company may offer hardship forbearance or programs that include payment deferral, temporary payment reduction, temporary interest rate reduction or extended terms. A modified loan typically meets the definition of a TDR based on the cumulative length of the concession period and a determination of financial distress based on an evaluation of the credit quality of the borrower using FICO scores.
For personal loan customers, in certain situations the Company offers various payment programs, including temporary and permanent programs. The temporary programs normally consist of a reduction of the minimum payment for a period of no longer than 12 months with the option of a final balloon payment required at the end of the loan term or an extension of the maturity date with the total term not exceeding nine years. Further, in certain circumstances the interest rate on the loan is reduced. The permanent programs involve changing the terms of the loan in order to pay off the outstanding balance over a longer term and in certain circumstances reducing the interest rate on the loan. Similar to the temporary programs, the total term may not exceed nine years. The Company also allows permanent loan modifications for customers who request financial assistance through external sources, similar to the credit card customers discussed above. Payments are modified based on the new terms agreed upon with the credit counseling agency. Personal loans included in temporary and permanent programs are classified as TDRs.
Borrower performance after using payment programs or forbearance is monitored and the Company believes the programs are useful in assisting customers experiencing financial difficulties and allowing them to make timely payments. In addition to helping customers with their credit needs, these programs are designed to maximize collections and ultimately the Company’s profitability. The Company plans to continue to use payment programs and forbearance as a means to provide relief to customers experiencing temporary financial difficulties and, as a result, expects to have additional loans classified as TDRs in the future.

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In order to evaluate the primary financial effects that resulted from credit card loans entering into a TDR program during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company quantified the amount by which interest and fees were reduced during the periods. During the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company forgave approximately $18 million and $17 million, respectively, of interest and fees as a result of accounts entering into a credit card loan TDR program. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company forgave approximately $39 million and $34 million, respectively, of interest and fees as a result of accounts entering into a credit card loan TDR program. For all loan products, interest income on modified loans is recognized based on the modified contractual terms.

TDR program balances and number of accounts have been favorably impacted by customer usage of modifications that were subject to TDR exclusion in accordance with the CARES Act or interagency guidance and are lower than comparative periods as a result.
The following table provides information on loans that entered a TDR program during the period (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)
27,966

 
$
191

 
84,568

 
$
551

Private student loans
62

 
$
1

 
1,710

 
$
30

Personal loans
1,332

 
$
17

 
2,670

 
$
36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)
120,702

 
$
800

 
176,924

 
$
1,143

Private student loans
1,780

 
$
33

 
3,286

 
$
61

Personal loans
3,880

 
$
51

 
5,270

 
$
71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Accounts that entered a credit card TDR program include $176 million and $173 million that were converted from revolving line-of-credit arrangements to term loans during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $386 million and $336 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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The following table presents the carrying value of loans that experienced a payment default during the period that had been modified in a TDR during the 15 months preceding the end of each period (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
TDRs that subsequently defaulted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)(2)
11,841

 
$
66

 
16,220

 
$
95

Private student loans(3)
246

 
$
5

 
290

 
$
6

Personal loans(2)
622

 
$
9

 
946

 
$
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
TDRs that subsequently defaulted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)(2)
32,326

 
$
183

 
31,872

 
$
185

Private student loans(3)
604

 
$
12

 
570

 
$
11

Personal loans(2)
1,822

 
$
27

 
1,794

 
$
27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Terms revert back to the pre-modification terms for customers who default from a temporary program and charging privileges remain suspended in most cases.
(2)
For credit card loans and personal loans, a customer defaults from a TDR program after two consecutive missed payments. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
(3)
For student loans, defaults have been defined as loans that are 60 or more days delinquent. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
Of the account balances that defaulted as shown above for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, approximately 61% and 39%, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, approximately 48% and 39%, respectively, of the total balances were charged off at the end of the month in which they defaulted from a TDR program.
Significant Loan Receivables Accounting Policies
With the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, certain significant accounting policies have changed since disclosed in Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 1: Background and Basis of Presentation for details on adoption of the standard. Impacts on all significant loan receivables accounting policies are summarized as follows:
The loan receivables policy was updated to reflect the removal of PCI loans as a separate loan portfolio segment.
The relevance of the PCI loan policy was eliminated by CECL and therefore it was removed as a significant accounting policy.
The delinquent loans and charge-offs policy did not change.
The allowance for credit losses policy was updated to reflect the CECL approach for estimating credit losses.
The loan interest and fee income policy, which includes certain accounting policy elections related to accrued interest, did not materially change.

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The policies below represent those with significant updates resulting from adoption of ASU 2016-13 and are reflective of those updates. Policies that did not materially change can be found at Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Loan Receivables
Loan receivables consist of credit card receivables and other loans. Loan receivables also include unamortized net deferred loan origination fees and costs. Credit card loan receivables are reported at their principal amounts outstanding and include uncollected billed interest and fees and are reduced for unearned revenue related to balance transfer fees. Other loans consist of student loans, personal loans and other loans and are reported at their principal amounts outstanding. For student loans, principal amounts outstanding also include accrued interest that has been capitalized. The Company's loan receivables are deemed to be held for investment at origination or acquisition because management has the intent and ability to hold them for the foreseeable future. Cash flows associated with loans originated or acquired for investment are classified as cash flows from investing activities, regardless of a subsequent change in intent.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level that is appropriate to absorb credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables as of the balance sheet date. The estimate of expected credit losses considers uncollectible principal, interest and fees associated with the Company's loan receivables existing as of the balance sheet date. Additionally, the estimate includes expected recoveries of amounts that were either previously charged off or are expected to be charged off. The allowance is evaluated quarterly for appropriateness and is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for credit losses. Charge-offs of principal amounts of loans outstanding are deducted from the allowance and subsequent recoveries of such amounts increase the allowance. Charge-offs of loan balances representing unpaid interest and fees result in a reversal of interest and fee income, respectively, which is effectively a reclassification of the provision for credit losses.
The Company calculates its allowance for credit losses by estimating expected credit losses separately for classes of the loan portfolio with similar risk characteristics, which results in segmenting the portfolio by loan product type. The allowance for credit losses for each loan product type is based on: 1) a reasonable and supportable forecast period, 2) a reversion period and 3) a post-reversion period based on historical information covering the remaining life of the loan, all of which is netted with expected recoveries. The lengths of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods can vary and are subject to a quarterly assessment that considers the economic outlook and level of variability among macroeconomic forecasts. Generally, a straight-line method is used to revert from the reasonable and supportable forecast period to the post-reversion period, but in certain stressed scenarios, a weighted approach may be deemed more appropriate.
Several analyses are used to help estimate credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables as of the balance sheet date. The Company's estimation process includes models that predict customer losses based on risk characteristics and portfolio attributes, macroeconomic variables, and historical data and analysis. There is a significant amount of judgment applied in selecting inputs and analyzing the results produced by the models to determine the allowance.
For credit card loans, the Company uses a modeling framework that includes the following components for estimating expected credit losses:
Probability of default: this model estimates the probability of charge-off at different points in time over the life of each loan.
Exposure at default: this model estimates the portion of the balance sheet date balance remaining at any given time of charge-off for each loan. Given that there is no stated life of a receivable balance on a revolving credit card account, the Company applies a percentage of expected payments to estimate the portion of the balance that would remain at the time of charge-off.
Loss given default: this model estimates the percentage of exposure (i.e. net loss) at time of charge-off that cannot be recovered, with the offsetting forecast recoveries being the driver of this estimate.
Recoveries from previously charged-off accounts are estimated separately and are netted as part of the aggregation of all of the components of the card loss modeling framework.

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For student loans and personal loans, the Company uses vintage-based models that estimate expected credit losses over the life of the loan, net of recovery estimates, impacted mainly by time elapsed since origination, credit quality of origination vintages and macroeconomic forecasts.
The models described above for credit card, student and personal loans are developed utilizing historical data and applicable macroeconomic variable inputs based on statistical analysis and behavioral relationships with credit performance. Expected recoveries from loans charged off as of the balance sheet date are modeled separately and included in the allowance estimate. The Company leverages these models and recent macroeconomic forecasts for the portion of the estimate associated with the reasonable and supportable forecast period. To estimate expected credit losses for the remainder of the life of the credit card loans, the Company reverts to historical experience of credit card loans with characteristics similar to those as of the balance sheet date and observed over various phases of a credit cycle. To estimate expected credit losses for the remainder of the life of student and personal loans, the Company reverts to use of average macroeconomic variables over an appropriate historical period.
The considerations in these models include past and current loan performance, loan growth and seasoning, risk management practices, account collection strategies, economic conditions, bankruptcy filings, policy changes and forecasting uncertainties. Consideration of past and current loan performance includes the post-modification performance of loans modified in a TDR. For the credit card loan portfolio, the Company estimates its credit losses on a loan-level basis, which includes loans that are delinquent and/or no longer accruing interest and/or loans that have been modified under a TDR. For the remainder of its portfolio, including student, personal and other loans, the Company estimates its credit losses on a pooled basis. For all loan types, recoveries are estimated at a pooled level based on estimates of future cash flows derived using historical experience.
Interest on credit card loans is included in the estimate of expected credit losses once billed to the customer (i.e., once the interest becomes part of the loan balance). An allowance for credit losses is measured for accrued interest on all other loans and is presented as part of allowance for credit losses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company records a liability for expected credit losses for unfunded commitments on all other loans, which is presented as part of accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. This liability is evaluated quarterly for appropriateness and is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for credit losses. No liability for expected credit losses is required for unused lines of credit on the Company’s credit card loans because they are unconditionally cancellable.
4.
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities
The Company's securitizations are accounted for as secured borrowings and the related trusts are treated as consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. For a description of the Company's principles of consolidation with respect to VIEs, see Note 1: Background and Basis of Presentation to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Credit Card Securitization Activities
The Company accesses the term asset securitization market through the Discover Card Master Trust I ("DCMT") and the Discover Card Execution Note Trust ("DCENT"). Credit card loan receivables are transferred into DCMT and beneficial interests in DCMT are transferred into DCENT. DCENT issues debt securities to investors that are reported in long-term borrowings.
The DCENT debt structure consists of four classes of securities (DiscoverSeries Class A, B, C and D notes), with the most senior class generally receiving a triple-A rating. In order to issue senior, higher rated classes of notes, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate amount of credit enhancement, generally through the issuance of junior, lower rated or more highly subordinated classes of notes. The subordinated classes are held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Discover Bank. The Company is exposed to credit-related risk of loss associated with trust assets as of the balance sheet date through the retention of these subordinated interests. The estimated loss is included in the allowance for credit losses estimate.
The Company's retained interests in the assets of the trusts, consisting of investments in DCENT notes held by subsidiaries of Discover Bank, constitute intercompany positions, which are eliminated in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

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Upon transfer of credit card loan receivables to the trust, the receivables and certain cash flows derived from them become restricted for use in meeting obligations to the trusts' creditors. Further, the transferred credit card loan receivables are owned by the trust and are not available to third-party creditors of the Company. The trusts have ownership of cash balances, the amounts of which are reported in restricted cash. With the exception of the seller's interest in trust receivables, the Company's interests in trust assets are generally subordinate to the interests of third-party investors and, as such, may not be realized by the Company if needed to absorb deficiencies in cash flows that are allocated to the investors in the trusts' debt. Apart from the restricted assets related to securitization activities, the investors and the securitization trusts have no recourse to the Company's other assets or the Company's general credit for a shortage in cash flows.
The carrying values of these restricted assets, which are presented on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as relating to securitization activities, are shown in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Restricted cash
$
19

 
$
28

 
 
 
 
Investors' interests held by third-party investors
12,450

 
14,100

Investors' interests held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Discover Bank
4,184

 
4,796

Seller's interest
11,018

 
12,652

Loan receivables(1)
27,652

 
31,548

Allowance for credit losses allocated to securitized loan receivables(1)(2)
(1,972
)
 
(1,179
)
Net loan receivables
25,680

 
30,369

Other
5

 
5

Carrying value of assets of consolidated variable interest entities
$
25,704

 
$
30,402

 
 
 
 

(1)
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at an amount sufficient to absorb expected losses inherent in all loan receivables, which includes all loan receivables in the trusts. Therefore, credit risk associated with the transferred receivables is fully reflected on the Company's balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.
(2)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
The debt securities issued by the consolidated trusts are subject to credit, payment and interest rate risks on the transferred credit card loan receivables. To protect investors in the securities, there are certain features or triggering events that could cause an early amortization of the debt securities, including triggers related to the impact of the performance of the trust receivables on the availability and adequacy of cash flows to meet contractual requirements. As of June 30, 2020, no economic or other early amortization events have occurred.
The Company continues to own and service the accounts that generate the loan receivables held by the trusts. Discover Bank receives servicing fees from the trusts based on a percentage of the monthly investor principal balance outstanding. Although the fee income to Discover Bank offsets the fee expense to the trusts and thus is eliminated in consolidation, failure to service the transferred loan receivables in accordance with contractual requirements could lead to a termination of the servicing rights and the loss of future servicing income, net of related expenses.
Student Loan Securitization Activities
Student loan trust receivables are recorded in private student loans and the related debt issued by the trusts is reported in long-term borrowings. The assets of the trusts are restricted from being sold or pledged as collateral for other borrowings and the cash flows from these restricted assets may be used only to pay obligations of the trusts. With the exception of the trusts' restricted assets, the trusts and investors have no recourse to the Company's other assets or the Company's general credit for a shortage in cash flows.
Securities issued to investors are outstanding from only one of the two remaining student loan securitization trusts. Principal payments on the long-term secured borrowings are made as cash is collected on the underlying loans that are used as collateral on the secured borrowings. The Company does not have access to cash collected by the securitization trust until cash is released in accordance with the trust indenture agreement. Similar to the credit card securitizations, the Company continues to own and service the accounts that generate the student loan receivables held by the trust and receives servicing fees from the trust based on a percentage of the principal balance outstanding. Although the servicing fee income offsets the fee expense related to the trust and thus is eliminated in consolidation, failure to service the transferred loan receivables in accordance with contractual requirements could lead to a termination of the servicing rights and the loss of future servicing income, net of related expenses.

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Under terms of the trust arrangement, the Company has the option, but not the obligation, to provide financial support to the trust, but has never provided such support. A substantial portion of the credit risk associated with the securitized loans has been transferred to a third party under an indemnification arrangement.
The carrying values of these restricted assets, which are presented on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as relating to securitization activities, are shown in the following table (dollars in millions): 
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Restricted cash
$
10

 
$
12

Student loan receivables
274

 
292

Carrying value of assets of consolidated variable interest entities
$
284

 
$
304

 
 
 
 

5.
Intangible Assets
In connection with the preparation of the financial statements for this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the Company identified a triggering event due to changes in the international travel and entertainment businesses that continue to persist and a declining revenue outlook for the foreseeable future resulting from COVID-19. As a result, the Company conducted an interim impairment test on its Diners Club trade names and international transaction processing rights non-amortizable intangible assets.
The valuation methodology used to value the trade names and international transaction processing rights was based on a discounted cash flow method, consistent with the methodology used for annual impairment testing. As a result of this analysis, the Company made the determination that the trade names and international transaction processing rights were impaired and recognized a charge in its Payment Services segment of $36 million and $23 million, respectively. The impairment was recorded in other expense.
The trade names have a remaining net book value of $92 million and the international transaction processing rights have no remaining net book value.


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Table of Contents

6.
Deposits
The Company offers its deposit products to customers through two channels: (i) through direct marketing, internet origination and affinity relationships ("direct-to-consumer deposits"); and (ii) indirectly through contractual arrangements with securities brokerage firms ("brokered deposits"). Direct-to-consumer deposits include online savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRA certificates of deposit and checking accounts, while brokered deposits include certificates of deposit and sweep accounts.
The following table provides a summary of interest-bearing deposit accounts (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Certificates of deposit in amounts less than $100,000
$
22,974

 
$
25,113

Certificates of deposit in amounts $100,000 or greater(1)
10,392

 
9,268

Savings deposits, including money market deposit accounts
42,999

 
37,574

Total interest-bearing deposits
$
76,365

 
$
71,955

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes $3.0 billion and $2.6 billion in certificates of deposit equal to or greater than $250,000, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
The following table summarizes certificates of deposit in amounts of $100,000 or greater by contractual maturity (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
Three months or less
$
1,954

Over three months through six months
1,639

Over six months through twelve months
3,941

Over twelve months
2,858

Total
$
10,392

 
 

The following table summarizes certificates of deposit maturing over the remainder of this year, over each of the next four years, and thereafter (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
2020
$
9,868

2021
13,767

2022
4,092

2023
2,148

2024
1,346

Thereafter
2,145

Total
$
33,366

 
 


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7.
Long-Term Borrowings
Long-term borrowings consist of borrowings having original maturities of one year or more. The following table provides a summary of the Company's long-term borrowings and weighted-average interest rates on outstanding balances (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Maturity
 
Interest
Rate
 
Weighted-Average Interest Rate
 
Outstanding Amount
 
Outstanding Amount
Securitized Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate asset-backed securities(1)
2020-2024
 
1.85%-3.32%
 
2.56%
 
$
7,955

 
$
8,609

Floating-rate asset-backed securities(2)
2021-2024
 
0.41%-0.78%
 
0.58%
 
4,667

 
5,515

Total Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,622

 
14,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floating-rate asset-backed security(3)(4)
2031
 
4.25%
 
4.25%
 
144

 
160

Total student loan securitization trust
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

 
160

Total long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,766

 
14,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services (Parent Company)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate senior notes
2022-2027
 
3.75%-5.20%
 
4.16%
 
3,316

 
3,296

Fixed-rate retail notes
2021-2031
 
2.85%-4.60%
 
3.73%
 
337

 
340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate senior bank notes(1)
2021-2030
 
2.45%-4.65%
 
3.89%
 
6,255

 
6,785

Fixed-rate subordinated bank notes
2028-2028
 
4.68%-4.68%
 
4.68%
 
520

 
996

Total long-term borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
23,194

 
$
25,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge portions of these long-term borrowings against changes in fair value attributable to changes in LIBOR or Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") Rate. Use of these interest rate swaps impacts carrying value of the debt. See Note 16: Derivatives and Hedging Activities.
(2)
Discover Card Execution Note Trust floating-rate asset-backed securities include issuances with the following interest rate terms: 1-month LIBOR + 23 to 60 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
(3)
The student loan securitization trust floating-rate asset-backed security includes an issuance with the following interest rate term: Prime rate + 100 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
(4)
Repayment of this debt is dependent upon the timing of principal and interest payments on the underlying student loans. The date shown represents final maturity date.
The following table summarizes long-term borrowings maturing over the remainder of this year, over each of the next four years, and thereafter (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
2020
$
1,854

2021
4,246

2022
5,208

2023
3,421

2024
2,635

Thereafter
5,830

Total
$
23,194

 
 

The Company has access to committed borrowing capacity through private securitizations to support the funding of its credit card loan receivables. As of June 30, 2020, the total commitment of secured credit facilities through private providers was $6.0 billion, none of which was drawn as of June 30, 2020. Access to the unused portions of the secured credit facilities is subject to the terms of the agreements with each of the providers, which have various expirations in calendar years 2021 through 2022. Borrowings outstanding under each facility bear interest at a margin above LIBOR or the asset-backed commercial paper costs of each individual conduit provider. The terms of each agreement provide for a commitment fee to be paid on the unused capacity and include various affirmative and negative covenants, including performance metrics and legal requirements similar to those required to issue any term securitization transaction.

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Table of Contents

8.
Preferred Stock
On June 22, 2020, the Company issued and sold 5,000 shares of 6.125% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D (the “preferred stock”), with a par value of $0.01 per share. Each share of preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 and is represented by 100 depositary shares. Proceeds, net of underwriting discount and estimated expenses, received from the preferred stock issuance totaled approximately $493 million. The preferred stock is redeemable at the Company’s option, subject to regulatory approval, either (1) in whole or in part during the three-month period prior to, and including, each reset date (as defined in the certificate of designations for the preferred stock) or (2) in whole but not in part, at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital event (as defined in the certificate of designations for the preferred stock), in each case at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share of preferred stock plus declared and unpaid dividends. Any dividends declared on the preferred stock will be payable semi-annually in arrears at a rate of 6.125% per annum until September 23, 2025, after which the dividend rate will reset every five years to a fixed annual rate equal to the 5-year Treasury rate plus 5.783%. For more information on the Company's preferred stock, see Note 12: Common and Preferred Stock to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
9.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Investment Securities, Net of Tax
 
(Losses) Gains on Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax
 
Losses on Pension Plan, Net of Tax
 
AOCI
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
368

 
$
(20
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
134

Net change
(16
)
 
4

 

 
(12
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
352


$
(16
)

$
(214
)

$
122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2019
$
41

 
$
10

 
$
(187
)
 
$
(136
)
Net change
71

 
(18
)
 

 
53

Balance at June 30, 2019
$
112

 
$
(8
)
 
$
(187
)
 
$
(83
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
112

 
$
(17
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
(119
)
Net change
240

 
1

 

 
241

Balance at June 30, 2020
$
352

 
$
(16
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
10

 
$
22

 
$
(188
)
 
$
(156
)
Net change
102

 
(30
)
 
1

 
73

Balance at June 30, 2019
$
112

 
$
(8
)
 
$
(187
)
 
$
(83
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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The following table presents each component of other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") before reclassifications and amounts reclassified from AOCI for each component of OCI before- and after-tax (dollars in millions):
 
Before Tax
 
Tax Benefit (Expense)
 
Net of Tax
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding losses arising during the period
$
(20
)
 
$
4

 
$
(16
)
Net change
$
(20
)
 
$
4

 
$
(16
)
Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains arising during the period
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
5

 
(2
)
 
3

Net change
$
5

 
$
(1
)
 
$
4

Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
94

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

Net change
$
94

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(22
)
 
$
6

 
$
(16
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Net change
$
(24
)
 
$
6

 
$
(18
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
317

 
$
(77
)
 
$
240

Net change
$
317

 
$
(77
)
 
$
240

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(7
)
 
$
3

 
$
(4
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
7

 
(2
)
 
5

Net change
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
134

 
$
(32
)
 
$
102

Net change
$
134

 
$
(32
)
 
$
102

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(35
)
 
$
9

 
$
(26
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(5
)
 
1

 
(4
)
Net change
$
(40
)
 
$
10

 
$
(30
)
Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains arising during the period
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

Net change
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

10.
Income Taxes
The following table presents the calculation of the Company's effective income tax rate (dollars in millions, except effective income tax rate):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(461
)
 
$
987

 
$
(539
)
 
$
1,917

Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(93
)
 
$
234

 
$
(110
)
 
$
438

Effective income tax rate
20.2
%
 
23.8
%
 
20.4
%
 
22.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The income tax expense decreased $327 million and $548 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2019 due to pretax losses for the current periods. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 is lower due to a lower projected pretax income for the full year. The Company calculates its provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year to pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequent occurring discrete items. The Company is projecting a lower pretax income for the full year, therefore the effective tax rate for the full year is lower from the historical annual effective tax rate.
The Company is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and tax authorities in various state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments or settlements in each of the taxing jurisdictions resulting from these and subsequent years' examinations. The years 2011-2015 are currently under review by the IRS Office of Appeals. At this time, the potential change in unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to be significant over the next 12 months. The Company believes that its reserves are sufficient to cover any tax, penalties and interest that would result from such examinations.
11.
Earnings Per Share
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(368
)
 
$
753

 
$
(429
)
 
$
1,479

Preferred stock dividends

 

 
(16
)
 
(16
)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders
(368
)
 
753

 
(445
)
 
1,463

Income allocated to participating securities
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
Net (loss) income allocated to common stockholders
$
(369
)
 
$
747

 
$
(446
)
 
$
1,452

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
306

 
322

 
307

 
325

Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents

 
1

 

 
1

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents
306

 
323

 
307

 
326

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Anti-dilutive securities were not material and had no impact on the computation of diluted EPS for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.

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Table of Contents

12.
Capital Adequacy
The Company is subject to the capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve, and Discover Bank, the Company's main banking subsidiary, is subject to various regulatory capital requirements as administered by the FDIC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in the initiation of certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial position and results of the Company and Discover Bank. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Discover Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items, as calculated under regulatory guidelines. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
The Company and Discover Bank are subject to regulatory and capital rules issued by the Federal Reserve and FDIC, respectively, under the Basel Committee's December 2010 framework ("Basel III rules"). The Basel III rules, which became effective for the Company January 2015, were subject to phase-in periods through the end of 2018, based on the Company being classified as a "Standardized Approach" entity. As of January 1, 2019, the Basel III rules subject to transition have all been fully phased in with the exception of certain transition provisions that were frozen pursuant to regulation issued in November 2017. Pursuant to a final rule issued in July 2019, the transition provisions that were previously frozen have been replaced with new permanent rules effective in April 2020. Additionally, on March 27, 2020, federal bank regulatory agencies announced an interim final rule that allows banks that have implemented CECL the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period. For purposes of calculating regulatory capital, the Company has elected to defer recognition of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years in accordance with the interim final rule adopted by federal bank regulatory agencies on March 27, 2020. Pursuant to the interim final rule, the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital will be phased in over a three-year period beginning in 2022.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company and Discover Bank met all Basel III minimum capital ratio requirements to which they were subject. The Company and Discover Bank also met the requirements to be considered "well-capitalized" under Regulation Y and prompt corrective action regulations, respectively, and there have been no conditions or events that management believes have changed the Company's or Discover Bank's category. To be categorized as "well-capitalized," the Company and Discover Bank must maintain minimum capital ratios as set forth in the table below.

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Table of Contents

The following table shows the actual capital amounts and ratios of the Company and Discover Bank and comparisons of each to the regulatory minimum and "well-capitalized" requirements (dollars in millions): 
 
Actual
 
Minimum Capital
Requirements
 
Capital Requirements
To Be Classified as
Well-Capitalized
 
Amount
 
Ratio(1)
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount(2)
 
Ratio(2)
June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
13,367

 
14.7
%
 
$
7,252

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,065

 
≥10.0%
Discover Bank
$
13,029

 
14.5
%
 
$
7,167

 
≥8.0%
 
$
8,958

 
≥10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,665

 
12.9
%
 
$
5,439

 
≥6.0%
 
$
5,439

 
≥6.0%
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
12.2
%
 
$
5,375

 
≥6.0%
 
$
7,167

 
≥8.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,665

 
10.0
%
 
$
4,645

 
≥4.0%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
9.5
%
 
$
4,597

 
≥4.0%
 
$
5,746

 
≥5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
10,609

 
11.7
%
 
$
4,079

 
≥4.5%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
12.2
%
 
$
4,031

 
≥4.5%
 
$
5,823

 
≥6.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
13,250

 
13.5
%
 
$
7,860

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,825

 
≥10.0%
Discover Bank
$
13,441

 
13.8
%
 
$
7,776

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,720

 
≥10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,595

 
11.8
%
 
$
5,895

 
≥6.0%
 
$
5,895

 
≥6.0%
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
11.5
%
 
$
5,832

 
≥6.0%
 
$
7,776

 
≥8.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,595

 
10.3
%
 
$
4,482

 
≥4.0%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
10.1
%
 
$
4,435

 
≥4.0%
 
$
5,544

 
≥5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,032

 
11.2
%
 
$
4,421

 
≥4.5%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
11.5
%
 
$
4,374

 
≥4.5%
 
$
6,318

 
≥6.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, including CECL transition provisions.
(2)
The Basel III rules do not establish well-capitalized thresholds for these measures for bank holding companies. Existing well-capitalized thresholds established in the Federal Reserve's Regulation Y have been included where available.
13.
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into a number of off-balance sheet commitments, transactions and obligations under guarantee arrangements that expose the Company to varying degrees of risk. The Company's commitments, contingencies and guarantee relationships are described below.
Commitments
Unused Credit Arrangements
At June 30, 2020, the Company had unused credit arrangements for loans of approximately $214.0 billion. Such arrangements arise primarily from agreements with customers for unused lines of credit on certain credit cards and certain other loan products, provided there is no violation of conditions in the related agreements. These arrangements, substantially all of which the Company can terminate at any time and which do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, are periodically reviewed based on account usage, customer creditworthiness and loan qualification.

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Table of Contents

Contingencies
See Note 14: Litigation and Regulatory Matters for a description of potential liability arising from pending litigation or regulatory proceedings involving the Company.
Guarantees
The Company has obligations under certain guarantee arrangements, including contracts, indemnification agreements, and representations and warranties, which contingently require the Company to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying asset, liability or equity security of a guaranteed party, rate or index. Also included as guarantees are contracts that contingently require the Company to make payments to a guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to perform under an agreement. The Company's use of guarantees is disclosed below by type of guarantee.
Securitizations Representations and Warranties
As part of the Company's financing activities, the Company provides representations and warranties that certain assets pledged as collateral in secured borrowing arrangements conform to specified guidelines. Due diligence is performed by the Company, which is intended to ensure that asset guideline qualifications are met. If the assets pledged as collateral do not meet certain conforming guidelines, the Company may be required to replace, repurchase or sell such assets. In its credit card securitization activities, the Company would replace nonconforming receivables through the allocation of excess seller's interest or from additional transfers from the unrestricted pool of receivables. If the Company could not add enough receivables to satisfy the requirement, an early amortization (or repayment) of investors' interests would be triggered. In its student loan securitizations, the Company would generally repurchase the loans from the trust at the outstanding principal amount plus interest.
The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make would be equal to the current outstanding balances of third-party investor interests in credit card asset-backed securities, and the principal amount of any student loan secured borrowings, plus any unpaid interest for the corresponding secured borrowings. The Company has recorded substantially all of the maximum potential amount of future payments in long-term borrowings on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company has not recorded any incremental contingent liability associated with its secured borrowing representations and warranties. Management believes that the probability of having to replace, repurchase or sell assets pledged as collateral under secured borrowing arrangements, including an early amortization event, is low.
Counterparty Settlement Guarantees
Diners Club and DFS Services LLC (on behalf of PULSE) have various counterparty exposures, which are listed below.
Merchant Guarantee. Diners Club has entered into contractual relationships with certain international merchants, which generally include travel-related businesses, for the benefit of all Diners Club licensees. The licensees hold the primary liability to settle the transactions of their customers with these merchants. However, Diners Club retains a counterparty exposure if a licensee fails to meet its financial payment obligation to one of these merchants.
ATM Guarantee. PULSE entered into contractual relationships with certain international ATM acquirers in which DFS Services LLC retains counterparty exposure if an issuer fails to fulfill its settlement obligation.
Network Alliance Guarantee. Discover Network, Diners Club and PULSE have entered into contractual relationships with certain international payment networks in which DFS Services LLC retains the counterparty exposure if a network fails to fulfill its settlement obligation.
The maximum potential amount of future payments related to such contingent obligations is dependent upon the transaction volume processed between the time a potential counterparty defaults on its settlement and the time at which the Company disables the settlement of any further transactions for the defaulting party. The Company has some contractual remedies to offset these counterparty settlement exposures (such as letters of credit or pledged deposits), however, there is no limitation on the maximum amount the Company may be liable to pay.
The actual amount of the potential exposure cannot be quantified as the Company cannot determine whether particular counterparties will fail to meet their settlement obligations. In the event that all licensees and/or issuers were to become

30

Table of Contents

unable to settle their transactions, the Company estimates its maximum potential counterparty exposures to these settlement guarantees would be approximately $50 million as of June 30, 2020.
The Company believes that the estimated amounts of maximum potential future payments are not representative of the Company's actual potential loss exposure given Diners Club's and PULSE's insignificant historical losses from these counterparty exposures. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had not recorded any material contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements for these counterparty exposures and management believes that the probability of any payments under these arrangements is low.
Discover Network Merchant Chargeback Guarantees
The Company operates the Discover Network, issues payment cards and permits third parties to issue payment cards. The Company is contingently liable for certain transactions processed on the Discover Network in the event of a dispute between the payment card customer and a merchant. The contingent liability arises if the disputed transaction involves a merchant or merchant acquirer with whom the Discover Network has a direct relationship. If a dispute is resolved in the customer's favor, the Discover Network will credit or refund the disputed amount to the Discover Network card issuer, who in turn credits its customer's account. The Discover Network will then charge back the disputed amount of the payment card transaction to the merchant or merchant acquirer, where permitted by the applicable agreement, to seek recovery of amounts already paid to the merchant for payment card transactions. If the Discover Network is unable to collect the amount subject to dispute from the merchant or merchant acquirer (e.g., in the event of merchant default or dissolution or after expiration of the time period for chargebacks in the applicable agreement), the Discover Network will bear the loss for the amount credited or refunded to the customer. In most instances, a loss by the Discover Network is unlikely to arise in connection with payments on card transactions because most products or services are delivered when purchased and credits are issued by merchants on returned items in a timely fashion, thus minimizing the likelihood of cardholder disputes with respect to amounts paid by the Discover Network. However, where the product or service is not scheduled to be provided to the customer until a later date following the purchase, the likelihood of a contingent payment obligation by the Discover Network increases. Losses related to merchant chargebacks were not material for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
The maximum potential amount of obligations of the Discover Network arising as a result of such contingent obligations is estimated to be the portion of the total Discover Network transaction volume processed to date for which timely and valid disputes may be raised under applicable law and relevant issuer and customer agreements. There is no limitation on the maximum amount the Company may be liable to pay to issuers. However, the Company believes that such amount is not representative of the Company's actual potential loss exposure based on the Company's historical experience. The actual amount of the potential exposure cannot be quantified as the Company cannot determine whether the current or cumulative transaction volumes may include or result in disputed transactions.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding merchant chargeback guarantees (in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Aggregate sales transaction volume(1)
$
38,123

 
$
42,831

 
$
79,086

 
$
81,590

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Represents transactions processed on the Discover Network for which a potential liability exists that, in aggregate, can differ from credit card sales volume.
The Company did not record any material contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements for merchant chargeback guarantees as of June 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019. The Company mitigates the risk of potential loss exposure by withholding settlement from merchants, obtaining third-party guarantees, or obtaining escrow deposits or letters of credit from certain merchant acquirers or merchants that are considered higher risk due to various factors such as time delays in the delivery of products or services. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had escrow deposits and settlement withholdings of $34 million and $8 million, respectively, which are recorded in interest-bearing deposit accounts and accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
14.
Litigation and Regulatory Matters
In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company has been named as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with its activities. Certain of the actual or threatened legal actions include claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages or claims for indeterminate

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amounts of damages. The litigation process is not predictable and can lead to unexpected results. The Company contests liability and/or the amount of damages as appropriate in each pending matter.
The Company has historically offered its customers an arbitration clause in its customer agreements. The arbitration clause allows the Company and its customers to quickly and economically resolve disputes. Additionally, the arbitration clause has in some instances limited the costs of, and the Company's exposure to, litigation. Future legal and regulatory challenges and prohibitions may cause the Company to discontinue its offering and use of such clauses. From time to time, the Company is involved in legal actions challenging its arbitration clause. Bills may be periodically introduced in Congress to directly or indirectly prohibit the use of pre-dispute arbitration clauses.
The Company is also involved, from time to time, in other reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental agencies regarding the Company's business including, among other matters, consumer regulatory, accounting, tax and other operational matters, some of which may result in significant adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions, decreases in regulatory ratings, customer restitution or other relief, which could materially impact the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements, increase its cost of operations, or limit its ability to execute its business strategies and engage in certain business activities. Certain subsidiaries of the Company are subject to a consent order with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") regarding certain student loan servicing practices, as described below. Pursuant to powers granted under federal banking laws, regulatory agencies have broad and sweeping discretion, and may assess civil money penalties, require changes to certain business practices or require customer restitution at any time.
In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrued liability for legal and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. Litigation and regulatory settlement related expense was not material for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
There may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company believes the estimate of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses (meaning those losses the likelihood of which is more than remote but less than likely) in excess of the amounts that the Company has accrued for legal and regulatory proceedings is up to $165 million. This estimated range of reasonably possible losses is based upon currently available information for those proceedings in which the Company is involved, takes into account the Company's best estimate of such losses for those matters for which an estimate can be made, and does not represent the Company's maximum potential loss exposure. Various aspects of the legal proceedings underlying the estimated range will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from the estimate.
The Company's estimated range above involves significant judgment, given the varying stages of the proceedings, the existence of numerous yet to be resolved issues, the breadth of the claims (often spanning multiple years and, in some cases, a wide range of business activities), unspecified damages and/or the novelty of the legal issues presented. The outcome of pending matters could be material to the Company's condensed consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows for a particular future period, depending on, among other things, the level of the Company's income for such period, and could adversely affect the Company's reputation.
On July 22, 2015, the Company announced that its subsidiaries, Discover Bank, The Student Loan Corporation and Discover Products Inc. (the "Discover Subsidiaries"), agreed to a consent order with the CFPB resolving the agency's investigation with respect to certain student loan servicing practices. The order required the Discover Subsidiaries to provide redress of approximately $16 million to consumers who may have been affected by the activities described in the order related to certain collection calls, overstatements of minimum payment due amounts in billing statements and provision of interest paid information to consumers, and provide regulatory disclosures with respect to loans acquired in default. In addition, the Discover Subsidiaries were required to pay a $2.5 million civil money penalty to the CFPB. As required by the consent order, on October 19, 2015, the Discover Subsidiaries submitted to the CFPB a redress plan and a compliance plan designed to ensure that the Discover Subsidiaries provide redress and otherwise comply with the terms of the order. The CFPB is currently investigating Discover Bank's compliance with the order and certain student loan servicing practices. Discover Bank is cooperating with the CFPB in connection with the investigation. Discover Bank is enhancing the compliance plan submitted to the CFPB in 2015. The investigation could lead to a supervisory action, which may result in legal fees, penalties, fines and remediation expenses, and could require Discover Bank to change certain business practices.
On March 8, 2016, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company, other credit card networks, other issuing banks, and EMVCo in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (B&R Supermarket, Inc., d/b/a Milam's Market, et al. v. Visa, Inc. et al.) alleging a conspiracy by defendants to shift fraud liability to merchants with the migration to

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the EMV security standard and chip technology. Plaintiffs assert joint and several liability among the defendants and seek unspecified damages, including treble damages, attorneys' fees, costs and injunctive relief. In May 2017, the Court entered an order transferring the entire action to a federal court in New York that is presiding over certain related claims that are pending in the actions consolidated as MDL 1720. On March 11, 2018, the Court entered an order denying the plaintiffs' motion for class certification without prejudice to filing a renewed motion. Plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification on July 16, 2018. Defendants filed their Opposition to Class Certification on March 15, 2019; a hearing date is yet to be scheduled. The Company is not in a position at this time to assess the likely outcome or its exposure, if any, with respect to this matter, but will seek to vigorously defend against all claims asserted by the plaintiffs.
15.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, provides a three-level hierarchy for classifying financial instruments, which is based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of each financial instrument are observable or unobservable. It also requires certain disclosures about those measurements. The three-level valuation hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1: Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs are defined as those that utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2: Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs are those that utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active or inactive markets, quoted prices for the identical assets in an inactive market, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. The Company evaluates factors such as the frequency of transactions, the size of the bid-ask spread and the significance of adjustments made when considering transactions involving similar assets or liabilities to assess the relevance of those observed prices. If relevant and observable prices are available, the fair values of the related assets or liabilities would be classified as Level 2.
Level 3: Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are those based on unobservable inputs and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability being valued. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety is classified is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company may utilize both observable and unobservable inputs in determining the fair values of financial instruments classified within the Level 3 category.
The determination of classification of its financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy is performed at least quarterly by the Company. For transfers in and out of the levels of the fair value hierarchy, the Company discloses the fair value measurement based on the value immediately preceding the transfer.
The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and involves consideration of factors specific to the asset or liability. Furthermore, certain techniques used to measure fair value involve some degree of judgment and, as a result, are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.

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Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Quoted Price in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets 
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs 
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,838

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency

 
363

 

 
363

Available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,838

 
$
363

 
$

 
$
10,201

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - cash flow hedges(1)
$

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - fair value hedges(1)
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,906

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency

 
417

 

 
417

Available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,906

 
$
417

 
$

 
$
10,323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - cash flow hedges(1)
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - fair value hedges(1)
$

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

Derivative financial instruments - foreign exchange forward contracts(1)
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Derivative instrument carrying values in an asset or liability position are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
Investment securities classified as available-for-sale consist of U.S. Treasury securities and residential mortgage-backed securities. The fair value estimates of investment securities classified as Level 1, consisting of U.S. Treasury securities, are determined based on quoted market prices for the same securities. The Company classifies residential mortgage-backed securities as Level 2, the fair value estimates of which are based on the best information available. This data may consist of observed market prices, broker quotes or discounted cash flow models that incorporate assumptions such as benchmark yields, issuer spreads, prepayment speeds, credit ratings and losses, the priority of which may vary based on availability of information.
The Company validates the fair value estimates provided by pricing services primarily by comparison to valuations obtained through other pricing sources. The Company evaluates pricing variances amongst different pricing sources to ensure that the valuations utilized are reasonable. The Company also corroborates the reasonableness of the fair value estimates with analysis of trends of significant inputs, such as market interest rate curves. The Company further performs due diligence in understanding the procedures and techniques performed by the pricing services to derive fair value estimates.

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At June 30, 2020, amounts reported in residential mortgage-backed securities reflect government-rated obligations issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae with a par value of $345 million, a weighted-average coupon of 2.81% and a weighted-average remaining maturity of three years.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company's derivative financial instruments consist of interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts. These instruments are classified as Level 2 as their fair values are estimated using proprietary pricing models, containing certain assumptions based on readily observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, option volatility and foreign currency forward and spot rates. In determining fair values, the pricing models use widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and the observable market-based inputs. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from the observable market interest rate curves. The Company considers collateral and master netting agreements that mitigate credit exposure to counterparties in determining the counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment. The fair values of the currency instruments are valued comparing the contracted forward exchange rate pertaining to the specific contract maturities to the current market exchange rate.
The Company validates the fair value estimates of interest rate swaps primarily through comparison to the fair value estimates computed by the counterparties to each of the derivative transactions. The Company evaluates pricing variances amongst different pricing sources to ensure that the valuations utilized are reasonable. The Company also corroborates the reasonableness of the fair value estimates with analysis of trends of significant inputs, such as market interest rate curves. The Company performs due diligence in understanding the impact to any changes to the valuation techniques performed by proprietary pricing models prior to implementation, working closely with the third-party valuation service and reviews the control objectives of the service at least annually. The Company corroborates the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts through independent calculation of the fair value estimates.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company also has assets that under certain conditions are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets include those associated with acquired businesses, including goodwill and other intangible assets. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to the initial recognition of the assets is applicable if one or more of the assets is determined to be impaired. The Company had $59 million of impairments related to these assets during the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 5: Intangible Assets for more information on the impact of COVID-19 on intangible assets.

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Financial Instruments Measured at Other Than Fair Value
The following tables disclose the estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value (dollars in millions):
Balance at June 30, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Carrying
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
$

 
$
293

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
284

Held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$
293

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan receivables
$

 
$

 
$
88,833

 
$
88,833

 
$
80,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,138

 
$

 
$

 
$
15,138

 
$
15,138

Restricted cash
$
29

 
$

 
$

 
$
29

 
$
29

Other short-term investments
$
2,549

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,549

 
$
2,549

Accrued interest receivables(2)
$

 
$
977

 
$

 
$
977

 
$
977

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(3)
$

 
$
34,303

 
$

 
$
34,303

 
$
33,366

Short-term borrowings
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
$

 
$
12,701

 
$
144

 
$
12,845

 
$
12,766

Other long-term borrowings

 
11,157

 

 
11,157

 
10,428

Long-term borrowings
$

 
$
23,858

 
$
144

 
$
24,002

 
$
23,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payables(2)
$

 
$
255

 
$

 
$
255

 
$
255

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the nature of their liquidity (i.e., due or payable in less than one year).
(2) Accrued interest receivable and payable carrying values are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's
         condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(3) Excludes deposits without contractually defined maturities for all periods presented.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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The following tables disclose the estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value (dollars in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Carrying
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
$

 
$
274

 
$

 
$
274

 
$
272

Held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$
274

 
$

 
$
274

 
$
272

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan receivables
$

 
$

 
$
96,094

 
$
96,094

 
$
92,511

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,924

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,924

 
$
6,924

Restricted cash
$
40

 
$

 
$

 
$
40

 
$
40

Accrued interest receivables(2)
$

 
$
1,044

 
$

 
$
1,044

 
$
1,044

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(3)
$

 
$
34,910

 
$

 
$
34,910

 
$
34,381

Short-term borrowings
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
$

 
$
14,211

 
$
172

 
$
14,383

 
$
14,284

Other long-term borrowings

 
12,189

 

 
12,189

 
11,417

Long-term borrowings
$

 
$
26,400

 
$
172

 
$
26,572

 
$
25,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payables(2)
$

 
$
283

 
$

 
$
283

 
$
283

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the nature of their liquidity (i.e., due or payable in less than one year).
(2)
Accrued interest receivable and payable carrying values are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(3)
Excludes deposits without contractually defined maturities for all periods presented.
16.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company uses derivatives to manage its exposure to various financial risks. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Certain derivatives used to manage the Company's exposure to foreign currency are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting.
Derivatives may give rise to counterparty credit risk, which generally is addressed through collateral arrangements as described under the sub-heading "— Collateral Requirements and Credit-Risk Related Contingency Features." The Company enters into derivative transactions with established dealers that meet minimum credit criteria established by the Company. All counterparties must be pre-approved prior to engaging in any transaction with the Company. Counterparties are monitored on a regular basis by the Company to ensure compliance with the Company's risk policies and limits. In determining the counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment for the fair values of derivatives, the Company considers collateral and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate credit exposure to related counterparties.
All derivatives are recorded in other assets at their gross positive fair values and in accrued expenses and other liabilities at their gross negative fair values. See Note 15: Fair Value Measurements for a description of the valuation methodologies of derivatives. Cash collateral amounts associated with derivative positions that are cleared through an exchange are legally characterized as settlement of the derivative positions. Such collateral amounts are reflected as offsets to the associated derivatives balances recorded in other assets or in accrued expenses and other liabilities. Other cash collateral posted and held balances are recorded in other assets and deposits, respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of

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financial condition. Collateral amounts recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition are based on the net collateral posted or held position for each applicable legal entity's master netting arrangement with each counterparty.
Derivatives Designated as Hedges
Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows arising from changes in interest rates, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates related to future cash flows resulting from interest payments on credit card securitized debt and deposits. The Company's outstanding cash flow hedges are for an initial maximum period of seven years for deposits. The derivatives are designated as hedges of the risk of changes in cash flows on the Company's Federal Funds rate-based interest payments, and qualify for hedge accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815").
The change in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recorded in OCI and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted cash flows affect earnings. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives at June 30, 2020 will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are accrued on certain of the Company's floating-rate securitized debt and deposits. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates it will reclassify $7 million of pretax expense to interest expense related to its derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company is exposed to changes in fair value of its fixed-rate debt obligations due to changes in interest rates. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value of certain fixed-rate long-term borrowings, including securitized debt and bank notes, attributable to changes in LIBOR or OIS rate, benchmark interest rates as defined by ASC 815. These interest rate swaps qualify as fair value hedges in accordance with ASC 815. Changes in both (i) the fair values of the derivatives and (ii) the hedged long-term borrowings and deposits relating to the risk being hedged are recorded in interest expense. The changes generally provide substantial offset to one another, with any difference in interest expense.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
The Company has foreign exchange forward contracts that are economic hedges and are not designated as accounting hedges. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage foreign currency risk. Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded in other income.
Derivatives Cleared Through an Exchange
The legal characterization of cash variation margin payments on derivatives cleared through an exchange are legally considered settlement payments and are accounted for with corresponding derivative positions as one unit of account and not separately as collateral. With settlement payments on derivative positions cleared through this exchange reflected as offsets to the associated derivative asset and liability balances, the fair values of derivative instruments and collateral balances shown are generally reduced.

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Derivatives Activity
The following table summarizes the fair value (including accrued interest) and outstanding notional amounts of derivative instruments and related collateral balances (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Notional
Amount
 
Number of Outstanding Derivative Contracts
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional
Amount
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps—cash flow hedge
$
900

 
3

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
900

 
$

 
$
2

Interest rate swaps—fair value hedge
$
13,475

 
17

 

 
2

 
$
14,275

 

 
4

Derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts(1)
$
23

 
6

 

 

 
$
38

 

 
1

Total gross derivative assets/liabilities(2)
 
 
 
 

 
7

 
 
 

 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: collateral held/posted(3)
 
 
 
 

 
(7
)
 
 
 

 
(7
)
Total net derivative assets/liabilities
 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The foreign exchange forward contracts have notional amounts of EUR 6 million, GBP 6 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of June 30, 2020 and notional amounts of EUR 9 million, GBP 14 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of December 31, 2019.
(2)
In addition to the derivatives disclosed in the table, the Company enters into forward contracts to purchase when-issued mortgage-backed securities as part of its community reinvestment initiatives. At June 30, 2020, the Company had one outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $13 million and immaterial fair value. At December 31, 2019, the Company had two outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $42 million and immaterial fair value.
(3)
Collateral amounts, which consist of both cash and investment securities, are limited to the related derivative asset/liability balance and do not include excess collateral received/pledged.
The following amounts were recorded on the statements of financial condition related to cumulative basis adjustment for fair value hedges (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increasing (Decreasing) the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increasing (Decreasing) the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
Long-term borrowings
$
13,836

 
$
398

 
$
14,244

 
$
13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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The following table summarizes the impact of the derivative instruments on income and indicates where within the condensed consolidated financial statements such impact is reported (dollars in millions):
 
Location and Amount of (Losses) Gains Recognized in Income
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
Deposits
 
Long-Term Borrowings
 
Other Income
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(340
)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
(4
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on hedged items
$

 
$
11

 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
38

 

Total gains on fair value hedges
$

 
$
49

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(401
)
 
$
(244
)
 
$
22

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(85
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
74

 

Total losses on fair value hedges
$

 
$
(11
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 

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The following table summarizes the impact of the derivative instruments on income and indicates where within the condensed consolidated financial statements such impact is reported (dollars in millions):
 
Location and Amount of (Losses) Gains Recognized in Income
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
Deposits
 
Long-Term Borrowings
 
Other Income
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(713
)
 
$
(353
)
 
$
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
(5
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(385
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
443

 

Total gains on fair value hedges
$

 
$
58

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on derivatives not designated as hedges
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(787
)
 
$
(490
)
 
$
50

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
2

 
$
3

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(140
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
116

 

Total losses on fair value hedges
$

 
$
(24
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 

For the impact of the derivative instruments on OCI, see Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
Collateral Requirements and Credit-Risk Related Contingency Features
The Company has master netting arrangements and minimum collateral posting thresholds with its counterparties for its fair value and cash flow hedge interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts. The Company has not sought a legal opinion in relation to the enforceability of its master netting arrangements and, as such, does not report any of these positions on a net basis. Collateral is required by either the Company or its subsidiaries or the counterparty depending on the net fair value position of these derivatives held with that counterparty. The Company may also be required to post collateral with a counterparty for its fair value and cash flow hedge interest rate swaps depending on the credit rating it or Discover Bank receives from specified major credit rating agencies. These collateral receivable or payable amounts are generally not offset against the fair value of these derivatives, but are recorded separately in other assets or deposits. Most of the Company's cash collateral amounts relate to positions cleared through an exchange and are reflected as offsets to the associated derivatives balances recorded in other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities.
At June 30, 2020, Discover Bank's credit rating met specified thresholds set by its counterparties. However, if its credit rating is reduced below investment grade, Discover Bank would be required to post additional collateral. The amount of

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additional collateral as of June 30, 2020 would have been $20 million. DFS (Parent Company) had no outstanding derivatives as of June 30, 2020, and therefore, no collateral was required.
The Company also has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.
17.
Segment Disclosures
The Company's business activities are managed in two segments: Direct Banking and Payment Services.
Direct Banking: The Direct Banking segment includes Discover-branded credit cards issued to individuals on the Discover Network and other consumer products and services, including private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, and other consumer lending and deposit products. The majority of Direct Banking revenues relate to interest income earned on the segment's loan products. Additionally, the Company's credit card products generate substantially all revenues related to discount and interchange, protection products and loan fee income.
Payment Services: The Payment Services segment includes PULSE, an automated teller machine, debit and electronic funds transfer network; Diners Club, a global payments network; and the Company's Network Partners business, which provides payment transaction processing and settlement services on the Discover Network. The majority of Payment Services revenues relate to transaction processing revenue from PULSE and royalty and licensee revenue from Diners Club.
The business segment reporting provided to and used by the Company's chief operating decision maker is prepared using the following principles and allocation conventions:
The Company aggregates operating segments when determining reportable segments.
Corporate overhead is not allocated between segments; all corporate overhead is included in the Direct Banking segment.
Through its operation of the Discover Network, the Direct Banking segment incurs fixed marketing, servicing and infrastructure costs that are not specifically allocated among the segments, with the exception of an allocation of direct and incremental costs driven by the Company's Payment Services segment.
The assets of the Company are not allocated among the operating segments in the information reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker.
The revenues of each segment are derived from external sources. The segments do not earn revenue from intercompany sources.
Income taxes are not specifically allocated between the operating segments in the information reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker.

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The following table presents segment data (dollars in millions):
 
Direct
Banking
 
Payment
Services
 
Total
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
2,173

 
$

 
$
2,173

Private student loans
182

 

 
182

Personal loans
231

 

 
231

Other
86

 

 
86

Total interest income
2,672

 

 
2,672

Interest expense
482

 

 
482

Net interest income
2,190

 

 
2,190

Provision for credit losses
2,046

 

 
2,046

Other income
354

 
118

 
472

Other expense
982

 
95

 
1,077

(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(484
)
 
$
23

 
$
(461
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
2,396

 
$

 
$
2,396

Private student loans
203

 

 
203

Personal loans
241

 

 
241

Other
136

 
1

 
137

Total interest income
2,976

 
1

 
2,977

Interest expense
645

 

 
645

Net interest income
2,331

 
1

 
2,332

Provision for credit losses(1)
787

 

 
787

Other income
436

 
84

 
520

Other expense
1,039

 
39

 
1,078

Income before income taxes
$
941

 
$
46

 
$
987

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
 
 
 
 
 
 


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The following table presents segment data (dollars in millions):
 
Direct
Banking
 
Payment
Services
 
Total
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
4,589

 
$

 
$
4,589

Private student loans
387

 

 
387

Personal loans
485

 

 
485

Other
193

 

 
193

Total interest income
5,654

 

 
5,654

Interest expense
1,066

 

 
1,066

Net interest income
4,588

 

 
4,588

Provision for credit losses
3,853

 

 
3,853

Other income
720

 
242

 
962

Other expense
2,100

 
136

 
2,236

(Loss) income before income tax expense
$
(645
)
 
$
106

 
$
(539
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
4,758

 
$

 
$
4,758

Private student loans
408

 

 
408

Personal loans
478

 

 
478

Other
269

 
1

 
270

Total interest income
5,913

 
1

 
5,914

Interest expense
1,277

 

 
1,277

Net interest income
4,636

 
1

 
4,637

Provision for credit losses(1)
1,596

 

 
1,596

Other income
808

 
170

 
978

Other expense
2,028

 
74

 
2,102

Income before income tax expense
$
1,820

 
$
97

 
$
1,917

 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.

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18.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), generally applies to the sales of any good or service for which no other specific accounting guidance is provided. ASC 606 defines a principles-based model under which revenue from a contract is allocated to the distinct performance obligations within the contract and recognized in income as each performance obligation is satisfied. The Company's revenue that is subject to this model includes discount and interchange, protection products fees, transaction processing revenue and amounts classified as other income.
The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by business segment and reconciles revenue from contracts with customers to total other income (dollars in millions):
 
Direct Banking
 
Payment Services
 
Total
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
222

 
$
15

 
$
237

Protection products revenue
44

 

 
44

Transaction processing revenue

 
49

 
49

Other income
3

 
11

 
14

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
269

 
75

 
344

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
85

 

 
85

Gains on equity investments

 
43

 
43

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
85

 
43

 
128

Total other income by operating segment
$
354

 
$
118

 
$
472

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
283

 
$
16

 
$
299

Protection products revenue
49

 

 
49

Transaction processing revenue

 
48

 
48

Other income
2

 
20

 
22

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
334

 
84

 
418

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 

Loan fee income
102

 

 
102

Gains on equity investments

 

 

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
102

 

 
102

Total other income by operating segment
$
436

 
$
84

 
$
520

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $385 million and $460 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)
Excludes $1 million and $1 million of deposit product fees that are reported within net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by business segment and reconciles revenue from contracts with customers to total other income (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Banking
 
Payment Services
 
Total
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
419

 
$
34

 
$
453

Protection products revenue
91

 

 
91

Transaction processing revenue

 
93

 
93

Other income
6

 
36

 
42

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
516

 
163

 
679

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
204

 

 
204

Gains on equity investments

 
79

 
79

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
204

 
79

 
283

Total other income by operating segment
$
720

 
$
242

 
$
962

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
500

 
$
30

 
$
530

Protection products revenue
98

 

 
98

Transaction processing revenue

 
94

 
94

Other income
4

 
46

 
50

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
602

 
170

 
772

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
206

 

 
206

Gains on equity investments

 

 

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
206

 

 
206

Total other income by operating segment
$
808

 
$
170

 
$
978

 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $863 million and $906 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)
Excludes $1 million and $2 million of deposit product fees that are reported within net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
For a detailed description of the Company's significant revenue recognition accounting policies, see Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
19.
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated events and transactions that have occurred subsequent to June 30, 2020 and determined that there were no subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this quarterly report. This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, which speak to our expected business and financial performance, among other matters, contain words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "aim," "will," "may," "should," "could," "would," "likely," and similar expressions. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this quarterly report, and there is no undertaking to update or revise them as more information becomes available.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic and measures taken to mitigate the pandemic, including their impact on our credit quality and business operations as well as their impact on general economic and financial markets, changes in economic variables, such as the availability of consumer credit, the housing market, energy costs, the number and size of personal bankruptcy filings, the rate of unemployment, the levels of consumer confidence and consumer debt and investor sentiment; the impact of current, pending and future legislation, regulation, supervisory guidance and regulatory and legal actions, including, but not limited to, those related to financial regulatory reform, consumer financial services practices, anti-corruption and funding, capital and liquidity; the actions and initiatives of current and potential competitors; our ability to manage our expenses; our ability to successfully achieve card acceptance across our networks and maintain relationships with network participants; our ability to sustain and grow our private student loan, personal loan and home equity loan products; difficulty obtaining regulatory approval for, financing, transitioning, integrating or managing the expenses of acquisitions of or investments in new businesses, products or technologies; our ability to manage our credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, legal and compliance risk and strategic risk; the availability and cost of funding and capital; access to deposit, securitization, equity, debt and credit markets; the impact of rating agency actions; the level and volatility of equity prices, commodity prices and interest rates, currency values, investments, other market fluctuations and other market indices; losses in our investment portfolio; limits on our ability to pay dividends and repurchase our common stock; limits on our ability to receive payments from our subsidiaries; fraudulent activities or material security breaches of key systems; our ability to remain organizationally effective; our ability to increase or sustain Discover card usage or attract new customers; our ability to maintain relationships with merchants; the effect of political, economic and market conditions, geopolitical events and unforeseen or catastrophic events; our ability to introduce new products and services; our ability to manage our relationships with third-party vendors; our ability to maintain current technology and integrate new and acquired systems; our ability to collect amounts for disputed transactions from merchants and merchant acquirers; our ability to attract and retain employees; our ability to protect our reputation and our intellectual property; and new lawsuits, investigations or similar matters or unanticipated developments related to current matters. We routinely evaluate and may pursue acquisitions of or investments in businesses, products, technologies, loan portfolios or deposits, which may involve payment in cash or our debt or equity securities.
Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described below can be found in this section and in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part II of this quarterly report and in "Risk Factors," "Business — Competition," "Business — Supervision and Regulation" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is filed with the SEC and available at the SEC's internet site (https://www.sec.gov).
Introduction and Overview
Discover Financial Services ("DFS") is a direct banking and payment services company. We provide direct banking products and services and payment services through our subsidiaries. We offer our customers credit card loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans and deposit products. We also operate the Discover Network, the PULSE network ("PULSE") and Diners Club International ("Diners Club"). The Discover Network processes transactions for Discover-branded credit and debit cards and provides payment transaction processing and settlement services. PULSE operates an electronic funds transfer network, providing financial institutions issuing debit cards on the PULSE network with access to ATMs domestically and internationally, as well as merchant acceptance throughout the U.S. for debit card transactions. Diners Club is a global payments network of licensees, which are generally financial institutions, that issue Diners Club branded charge cards and/or provide card acceptance services.

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Our primary revenues consist of interest income earned on loan receivables and fees earned from customers, financial institutions, merchants and issuers. The primary expenses required to operate our business include funding costs (interest expense), credit loss provisions, customer rewards and expenses incurred to grow, manage and service our loan receivables and networks. Our business activities are funded primarily through consumer deposits, securitization of loan receivables and the issuance of unsecured debt.
Change in Accounting Principle
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments became effective for us on January 1, 2020. The standard significantly amended accounting principles generally accepted in the United States by replacing the incurred loss model with the current expected credit loss ("CECL") approach. The CECL approach requires our allowance for credit losses to be based on an estimate of all anticipated credit losses over the remaining expected life of all of the loans, as opposed to an estimate of incurred losses as of the balance sheet date. For additional information on CECL, see Note 1: Background and Basis of Presentation to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
The ASU required modified-retrospective application, meaning a cumulative-effect adjustment was recorded on January 1, 2020 without adjusting comparative prior periods. This cumulative-effect adjustment did not reflect the economic disruption resulting from COVID-19 since the global disruption occurred subsequent to January 1, 2020. As a result of adoption, we recorded:
A $2.5 billion increase to the allowance for credit losses on loan receivables primarily representing the adjustment for recording reserves for expected losses, not simply those deemed to be already incurred, and extending the loss estimate period over the entire life of the loan;
A $0.6 billion increase to other assets related to deferred tax assets on the larger allowance for credit losses;
An offsetting $1.9 billion decrease, net of tax, to the opening balance of retained earnings; and
Immaterial adjustments to the following:
The carrying value of PCD loans and related accrued interest reflected in other assets; and
Accrued expenses and other liabilities to record reserves for unfunded commitments.
As required by the ASU, financial statement results and balances prior to January 1, 2020 have not been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the amendments in ASU No. 2016-13. Therefore, current period results and balances are not comparable to prior period amounts, particularly with regard to the provision and allowance for credit losses (and their related subtotals).
Additional Information for Comparability
In order to help investors understand our year-over-year performance, we are providing adjusted prior year allowance for credit losses and related allowance build figures using the CECL approach for comparative purposes. These adjusted prior year figures are non-GAAP financial measures and should be viewed in addition to, not as a substitute for, our reported results. We believe that these adjusted figures are useful to investors since credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020. The adjusted allowance and related build figures provide investors with comparable amounts to understand our results.

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The following table provides a reconciliation of prior year allowance for credit losses figures as reported (using the incurred loss approach) to adjusted allowance for credit losses using the CECL approach, as well as related allowance build figures (dollars in millions):
 
As of and for the Quarter Ended,
 
As of
 
Dec 31,
2019
 
Sep 30,
2019
 
Jun 30,
2019
 
Mar 31,
2019
 
Dec 31,
2018
Allowance for credit losses - as reported (incurred)
$
3,383

 
$
3,299

 
$
3,202

 
$
3,134

 
$
3,041

CECL adjustment(1)
2,461

 
2,440

 
2,400

 
2,408

 
2,376

Allowance for credit losses - as adjusted (CECL)
$
5,844

 
$
5,739

 
$
5,602

 
$
5,542

 
$
5,417

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance build - as reported (incurred)(2)
$
84

 
$
97

 
$
68

 
$
93

 
 
Allowance build - as adjusted (CECL)(3)
$
105

 
$
137

 
$
60

 
$
125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Represents adjustment for recording reserves for expected losses, not simply those deemed to be already incurred, and extending the loss estimate period over the entire life of the loan.
(2)
Calculated as the change in the allowance for credit losses as reported using the incurred loss approach.
(3)
Calculated as the change in the allowance for credit losses as adjusted using the CECL approach.

Refer to "— Critical Accounting Estimates — Allowance for Credit Losses on Loan Receivables" for more details on our estimation process and key assumptions requiring significant judgment and to "— Loan Quality — Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses" for discussion of drivers of current period changes in the allowance for credit losses.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to have a widespread and unprecedented impact on a global scale. The health crisis continues to have a severe effect on the economy. The impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly, its future effects are uncertain, and it may be difficult to assess or predict the extent of the impacts of the pandemic on us as many factors are beyond our control and knowledge. For a discussion of the risks we face with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, the associated economic uncertainty, the steps taken to mitigate the pandemic and the resulting economic contraction, see "Item 1A — Risk Factors" in Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which should be read in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. This section includes a discussion of significant areas of potential impact on us of the COVID-19 pandemic and certain actions we are taking or expect to take in this time of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outlook and Financial Results
During the first half of the year, the pandemic has adversely impacted our financial results, specifically in the decrease in sales volume and credit card loan growth as well as the increase in our estimate of life of loan expected credit losses. As previously disclosed in the first quarter Form 10-Q, we continue to execute on our strategy to implement approximately $400 million of cost reductions off of previously provided guidance from the fourth quarter 2019 earnings release, targeting areas such as account acquisition costs and marketing expenses, due to the economic environment and the resulting pressure on earnings for the remainder of the year. Outbreaks of COVID-19 have resulted in state and local governments implementing, and in some cases re-implementing, measures to try to contain the virus such as travel bans and restrictions, shutdowns and quarantines. We anticipate these measures as well as the related economic uncertainty will continue to negatively impact consumer and business spending habits and the consumer credit environment, including the ability of consumers to repay their loans. While certain parts of the U.S. have begun to lift these measures, the re-emergence of COVID-19 has and may continue to result in governments re-imposing restrictions that may remain in place for a significant period of time. The economic uncertainty associated with COVID-19 and the measures taken to limit its spread have and will likely continue to adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Regulatory and Legislative
Federal, state and local governments, including the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch, and banking agencies have taken extraordinary measures to support the U.S. economy and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of measures taken to slow its spread. These policies have included efforts to provide regulatory relief and flexibility to financial institutions, liquidity to capital markets and mandates to support businesses and consumers, including stimulus checks, payment forbearance, and other forms of assistance. Lawmakers will likely continue to offer additional proposals as the situation evolves in an attempt to mitigate harm to the economy and consumers. It is too early to determine the overall

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effectiveness of actions that have been taken and their ultimate impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. For more information, see “— Regulatory Environment and Developments” below.
Loan Receivables
In our loan portfolio, we continue to lend to customers, but have tightened standards for new accounts and for growing existing accounts. Currently, we are providing support to our customers impacted by COVID-19 across all of our loan products, expanding payment plans notably through skip-a-pay programs, to help our customers during this period of economic difficulty. Skip-a-pay programs were intended to be a short-term option and we plan to end program enrollments in the near future. After that, we will continue to offer assistance to those who qualify on a customer-by-customer basis. We have materially increased our allowance for credit losses in anticipation of higher credit losses caused by further deterioration in the macroeconomic outlook. The reserve build for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 took into account our best estimate for the impact of programs put in place by federal and state governments and agencies to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. It is unclear whether the measures employed to date are complete or whether federal and state governments and agencies may take additional action that could impact our business. Refer to "— Loan Quality — Impact of COVID-19 on Loan Quality" for more details on the current period allowance for credit losses.
Capital and Liquidity
We entered the COVID-19 pandemic with strong capital and liquidity positions, which we believe allows us to maintain normal operations during periods of financial market stress and disruptions to wholesale and retail funding sources. We believe we have a sufficient reserve of high-quality liquid assets and have been able to maintain access to diverse funding channels. We continued to see strong demand for our direct-to-consumer and sweep deposit balances as consumers savings rates have increased and investors sought safer assets. We remain well-capitalized with capital ratios in excess of regulatory minimums and have taken actions to preserve capital such as suspending our share repurchase program. For purposes of calculating regulatory capital, we have elected to defer recognition of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years in accordance with the interim final rule announced by Federal banking regulators on March 27, 2020. Pursuant to the interim final rule, the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital will be phased in over a three-year period beginning in 2022.
For more information on the impact of COVID-19 on liquidity and capital, see "— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Impact of COVID-19 on Liquidity and Capital."
Payment Services
As governments across the U.S. and the world have taken steps to minimize the transmission of COVID-19, the number of transactions processed on the Discover Global Network has declined overall despite increases in certain categories. Certain negatively impacted categories such as travel make up a small portion of the transactions processed but may have an outsized impact on some of our Diners Club franchisees. The current crisis may result in lasting changes in consumer payment behaviors, such as a shift from credit to debit, a decline in the use of cash, increasing online sales and rapid adoption of contactless payment. These shifts may result in changes to the Payment Services segment’s results of operations.
Fair Value and Impairments
With the uncertain nature of the pandemic's overall impact to the economy, we continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 with respect to our goodwill and intangible assets, investment securities and other long-term assets. During the second quarter of 2020, we identified a triggering event due to changes in the international travel and entertainment businesses that continue to persist and a declining revenue outlook for the foreseeable future resulting from COVID-19. As a result, we conducted interim impairment testing of our non-amortizable intangible assets in the Payment Services segment and recognized impairment charges totaling $59 million. For more information on the impact of COVID-19 on intangible assets, see Note 5: Intangible Assets to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Business Continuity and Operations
We have informed employees that they may continue to work from home and will not be required to return to our physical locations until January 1, 2021, at the earliest. Notwithstanding the shift to work-from-home, our operations continue largely unaffected due to the successful implementation of certain of our business continuity plans. Operational changes necessitated by the rapid shift in employee location have not thus far had a material adverse effect on us or our

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financial condition; however, the shift has caused us to grow increasingly dependent on third-party service providers, including those with which we have no relationship such as our employees’ internet service providers. For more information on the risks associated with reliance on third-party service providers and the shift to work from home, see our risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as well as "Item 1A — Risk Factors" in Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Regulatory Environment and Developments
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the U.S. and global economies. We are working with our customers to address their unique financial situations, while balancing safety and soundness requirements. We are in contact with our regulators, who have proactively encouraged banks to work with borrowers during this time of stress. Among other things, the federal banking agencies have taken the following actions to proactively address the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak and provide flexibility for banking organizations to work with impacted businesses and consumers:
Market Stabilization: The Federal Reserve reduced short-term interest rates to near zero and launched numerous programs and facilities, including the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, to increase market liquidity and promote stability;
Capital & Liquidity Flexibility: Regulatory agencies issued statements urging banks to use their capital and liquidity buffers to continue lending during the crisis;
CECL: A joint agency interim final rule provided banks, such as Discover, with the option to delay CECL's impact on regulatory capital for two years, followed by three year phase-in of those impacts;
Flexibility to Work with Consumers: Joint agency guidance encouraged banks to work with borrowers and provided guidelines for prudent relief programs, and agencies worked with FASB to provide accounting-classification flexibility for certain short-term loan modifications;
Pandemic Planning: The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council released updated guidance to remind banks of actions they should be taking to minimize potential adverse effects of a pandemic on business continuity; and
Supervisory Flexibility: Regulatory agencies have indicated willingness to work with institutions to provide flexibility and minimize burdens of supervisory activities, including extending deadlines for data collections.
In addition to the above regulatory actions, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was signed into law on March 27, 2020 to provide relief to U.S. businesses and consumers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The CARES Act includes approximately $2 trillion of financial assistance, principally through federal loan programs intended to provide relief to consumers who have suffered job losses and aid businesses that have experienced disruption as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, the CARES Act provided expanded unemployment benefits and direct payments to impacted consumers and offered relief for consumers through changes to credit reporting requirements and mandated forbearance on certain federally backed mortgages and student loans. Specific to financial institutions, the CARES Act provided the option for financial institutions, including Discover, to temporarily suspend certain accounting requirements related to troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") and delay the effective date of CECL for the duration of the national emergency. See "— Banking — Capital Standards and Stress Testing" below for more information. It also authorized the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") to establish an emergency guarantee program, which could be used to temporarily increase deposit insurance limits. Additional legislative and regulatory action may be proposed and could include requirements that could significantly impact our business practices. The impact of these legislative and regulatory initiatives on us, the economy and the U.S. consumer will depend upon a wide variety of factors some of which are yet to be identified.
Banking
Capital Standards and Stress Testing
Discover is subject to supervisory stress tests every other year rather than annually and is required to submit annual capital plans to the Federal Reserve and subject to other core components of the enhanced prudential standards rules, such as risk management and risk committee requirements and liquidity risk management regulations. However, Discover is not required to submit company-run capital stress tests and is no longer subject to the liquidity coverage ratio.

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On June 25, 2020, we received results of the Federal Reserve’s supervisory stress tests and preliminary Stress Capital Buffer ("SCB") requirement. The notice indicated that Discover’s capital ratios remain above all required minimums under each of the supervisory scenarios and our preliminary SCB requirement was set at 3.5%, which is expected to be finalized in August and effective beginning October 1, 2020. In addition to the stress test and SCB results, the Federal Reserve also notified Discover that it and all other firms that participated in the 2020 Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review exercise would be required to submit a revised capital plan that will be assessed by the Federal Reserve later this year under newly developed scenarios incorporating economic stresses reflecting the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In the interim, the Federal Reserve has capped covered firms’ capital distributions based on a formula that restricts most share repurchases and limits dividends based on average net income during the past four quarters. Consistent with regulatory expectations, our management also continues to conduct forward-looking sensitivity analysis and stress tests to assess the potential impact of economic changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic on capital planning and provides this information to our Board of Directors as well as our regulators.
LIBOR
On July 27, 2017, the UK Financial Conduct Authority announced that it would no longer encourage or compel banks to continue to contribute quotes and maintain the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") after 2021. LIBOR is commonly used as a benchmark to determine interest rates for financial instruments, such as floating-rate asset-backed securities issued by Discover Card Execution Note Trust, and certain financial products, including some of our floating-rate student loans. A cross-functional team is overseeing and managing our transition away from the use of LIBOR. This team monitors developments associated with LIBOR alternatives, assesses evolving industry and marketplace norms and conventions for LIBOR indexed instruments, evaluates the impact that the inability to determine LIBOR after 2021 will have on us, and facilitates the operational changes associated with the use of alternative benchmark rates. On June 4, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPR”) concerning the anticipated discontinuation of LIBOR. This NPR sets forth amendments to Regulation Z, the implementing regulation for the Truth in Lending Act, and includes proposed examples of replacement indices for LIBOR that meet Regulation Z standards for open- and closed-end products. Discover is monitoring the evolution of this NPR and will take into account the provisions of any related Final Rule in our efforts to transition away from the use of LIBOR.
Consumer Financial Services
The CFPB regulates consumer financial products and services, and examines certain providers of consumer financial products and services, including Discover. The CFPB's authority includes preventing "unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices" and ensuring that consumers have access to fair, transparent and competitive financial products and services. The CFPB has rulemaking, supervision and enforcement powers with respect to federal consumer protection laws. Historically, the CFPB's policy priorities focused on several financial products of the type we offer (e.g. credit cards and other consumer lending products). In addition, the CFPB is required by statute to undertake certain actions including its bi-annual review of the consumer credit card market. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal banking regulators as well as the CFPB have encouraged banks to work with their borrowers and provided regulatory flexibility, given exam flexibility, delayed the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and other data collections, and promoted other areas for relief. Similar to the banking regulators, we continue to be in regular contact with the CFPB as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Similarly, we are monitoring the activity in the states and are in contact with state officials, as necessary, to ensure we are aware of and in compliance with state requirements responding to COVID-19.
Data Security and Privacy
Policymakers at the federal and state levels remain focused on measures to enhance data security and data breach incident response requirements. Furthermore, regulations and legislation at various levels of government have been proposed and enacted to augment data privacy standards. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") creates a broad set of privacy rights and remedies modeled in part on the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. The CCPA went into effect on January 1, 2020, and proposed regulations have yet to be finalized. California Attorney General Enforcement for CCPA began on July 1, 2020. The original proponent of the CCPA has launched a 2020 California ballot initiative with the goal of expanding the rights and remedies created by the CCPA, while protecting the new law from future legislative amendments. This initiative will appear on the November 2020 ballot. While it is too early to determine the full impact of these developments, they may result in the imposition of requirements on Discover and other providers of consumer financial services or networks that could adversely affect our businesses.

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Payment Networks
The Dodd-Frank Act contains several provisions impacting the debit card market, including network participation requirements and interchange fee limitations. The changing debit card environment, including competitor actions related to merchant and acquirer pricing and transaction routing strategies, has adversely affected, and is expected to continue to adversely affect, our PULSE network's business practices, network transaction volume, revenue and prospects for future growth. We continue to closely monitor competitor pricing and technology development strategies in order to assess their impact on our business and on competition in the marketplace. Following an inquiry by the U.S. Department of Justice into some of these competitor pricing strategies, PULSE filed a lawsuit against Visa in late 2014 with respect to these competitive concerns. The Court granted summary judgment in favor of Visa in August 2018. PULSE filed an appeal on January 17, 2019 and Visa filed their response to the appeal on April 5, 2019. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held a hearing on the appeal on October 9, 2019 and will hold an additional hearing on the appeal in the coming months. Visa also faces ongoing merchant litigation as it relates to the underlying anticompetitive behavior that is the subject of PULSE's case against Visa. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act's network participation requirements impact PULSE's ability to enter into exclusivity arrangements, which affects PULSE's current business practices and may materially adversely affect its network transaction volume and revenue.
For more information on how the regulatory and supervisory environment, ongoing enforcement actions and findings, and changes to laws and regulations could impact our strategies, the value of our assets, or otherwise adversely affect our business see "Risk Factors — Current Economic and Regulatory Environment" in our annual report on Form 10-K year ended December 31, 2019. For more information on recent matters affecting us, see Note 14: Litigation and Regulatory Matters to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Segments
We manage our business activities in two segments, Direct Banking and Payment Services, based on the products and services provided. For a detailed description of the operations of each segment, as well as the allocation conventions used in our business segment reporting, see Note 17: Segment Disclosures to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
The following table presents segment data (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
  
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Direct Banking
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card
$
2,173

 
$
2,396

 
$
4,589

 
$
4,758

Private student loans
182

 
203

 
387

 
408

Personal loans
231

 
241

 
485

 
478

Other
86

 
136

 
193

 
269

Total interest income
2,672

 
2,976

 
5,654

 
5,913

Interest expense
482

 
645

 
1,066

 
1,277

Net interest income
2,190

 
2,331

 
4,588

 
4,636

Provision for credit losses(1)
2,046

 
787

 
3,853

 
1,596

Other income
354

 
436

 
720

 
808

Other expense
982

 
1,039

 
2,100

 
2,028

(Loss) income before income taxes
(484
)
 
941

 
(645
)
 
1,820

Payment Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income

 
1

 

 
1

Provision for credit losses(1)

 

 

 

Other income
118

 
84

 
242

 
170

Other expense
95

 
39

 
136

 
74

Income before income taxes
23

 
46

 
106

 
97

Total (loss) income before income taxes
$
(461
)
 
$
987

 
$
(539
)
 
$
1,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.

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The following table presents information on transaction volume (in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Network Transaction Volume
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PULSE Network
$
52,859

 
$
47,389

 
$
102,033

 
$
94,495

Network Partners
7,280

 
5,950

 
14,260

 
11,613

Diners Club(1)
4,339

 
8,472

 
12,076

 
16,750

Total Payment Services
64,478

 
61,811

 
128,369

 
122,858

Discover Network—Proprietary(2)
32,349

 
37,891

 
67,529

 
71,942

Total Volume
$
96,827

 
$
99,702

 
$
195,898

 
$
194,800

Transactions Processed on Networks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Network
565

 
671

 
1,210

 
1,276

PULSE Network
1,209

 
1,183

 
2,398

 
2,315

Total
1,774

 
1,854

 
3,608

 
3,591

Credit Card Volume
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Card Volume(3)
$
33,105

 
$
39,935

 
$
70,579

 
$
76,321

Discover Card Sales Volume(4)
$
30,721

 
$
36,664

 
$
64,709

 
$
69,563

 
 
 


 
 
 
 
(1)
Diners Club volume is derived from data provided by licensees for Diners Club branded cards issued outside North America and is subject to subsequent revision or amendment.
(2)
Represents gross Discover card sales volume on the Discover Network.
(3)
Represents Discover card activity related to sales net of returns, balance transfers, cash advances and other activity.
(4)
Represents Discover card activity related to sales net of returns.
Direct Banking
Our Direct Banking segment reported pretax losses of $484 million and $645 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to pretax income of $941 million and $1.8 billion, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.
Net interest income decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 primarily driven by lower yields on credit card loans partially offset by lower funding costs. Interest income decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 as a result of lower yields on credit card loans, which was the result of lower market rates. Interest expense decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 due to lower funding costs and lower average market rates.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the provision for credit losses increased as compared to the same periods in 2019, which, in addition to the impact of life of loan reserving under CECL, primarily reflects a significant change in economic outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For a detailed discussion on provision for credit losses, see "— Loan Quality — Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses."
Total other income decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019, which was primarily due to a decrease in net discount and interchange revenue and loan fee income. The decrease in discount and interchange revenue was partially offset by a decrease in rewards costs, both of which were the result of lower sales volume due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loan fee income decreased due to lower sales volume and late fees. Sales volume was lower driven by the COVID-19 impacts. Late fees decreased as a result of lower delinquencies as we continue to work with our customers through the economic stresses from COVID-19.
Total other expense decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019, which was primarily due to marketing and business development driven by COVID-19 related expense reductions in brand advertising for card. Total other expense increased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019, which was primarily due to higher employee compensation and benefits driven by a larger headcount base and higher average salaries.

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Discover card sales volume was $30.7 billion and $64.7 billion, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, which was a decrease of 16.2% and 7.0%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2019. This volume decline was primarily driven by lower consumer spending as a result of COVID-19.
Payment Services
Our Payment Services segment reported pretax income of $23 million and $106 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to pretax income of $46 million and $97 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2019. The increase in segment pretax income was primarily due to gains on equity investment sales during each quarter. Other expense increased primarily due to a non-cash impairment charge on the Diners Club business of $59 million driven by changes in the international travel and entertainment businesses that continue to persist and a declining revenue outlook for the foreseeable future resulting from COVID-19.
Critical Accounting Estimates
In preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), management must make judgments and use estimates and assumptions about the effects of matters that are uncertain. For estimates that involve a high degree of judgment and subjectivity, it is possible that different estimates could reasonably be derived for the same period. For estimates that are particularly sensitive to changes in economic or market conditions, significant changes to the estimated amount from period to period are also possible. Management believes the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements are appropriate. However, if actual experience differs from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating amounts in our condensed consolidated financial statements, the resulting changes could have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and, in certain cases, could have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition. Management has identified the estimates related to our allowance for credit losses on loan receivables, the evaluation of goodwill for potential impairment and the accrual of income taxes as critical accounting estimates. Discussion of critical accounting estimates related to the evaluation of goodwill for potential impairment and the accrual of income taxes are discussed in greater detail in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. That discussion can be found within "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Estimates." There have not been any material changes in the methods used to formulate these critical accounting estimates related to the evaluation of goodwill for potential impairment and the accrual of income taxes from those discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Discussion of our critical accounting estimate related to our allowance for credit losses on loan receivables, which has been updated for adoption of the CECL approach for estimating losses on January 1, 2020, is discussed below. For more information on CECL adoption, see Note 1: Background and Basis of Presentation to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loan Receivables
We base our allowance for credit losses on several analyses that help us estimate credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables as of the balance sheet date. In deriving this estimate, we consider the collectibility of principal, interest and fees associated with our loan receivables. We also consider expected recoveries of amounts that were either previously charged off or are expected to be charged off. Our estimation process includes models that predict customer losses based on risk characteristics and portfolio attributes, macroeconomic variables, and historical data and analysis. There is a significant amount of judgment applied in selecting inputs and analyzing the results produced to determine the allowance. The allowance for credit losses for each loan product type is based on: 1) a reasonable and supportable forecast period, 2) a reversion period and 3) a post-reversion period based on historical information covering the remaining life of the loan. For credit card loans, we use a modeling framework that includes the following components: 1) probability of default, 2) exposure at default and 3) loss given default, as well as estimated recoveries for estimating expected credit losses. For student loans and personal loans, we use vintage-based models that estimate expected credit losses net of recoveries over the life of the loans. The considerations in these models include past and current loan performance, loan growth and seasoning, risk management practices, account collection strategies, economic conditions, bankruptcy filings, policy changes and forecasting uncertainties. Given the same information, others may reach different reasonable estimates.
The key assumptions requiring significant judgment in the allowance for credit losses estimate on a quarterly basis include determination of the lengths of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods, as well as the macroeconomic variables selected for use in loss forecast models. The lengths of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods can vary and are subject to a quarterly assessment that considers the economic outlook and level of variability among macroeconomic forecasts. Generally, a straight-line method is used to revert from the reasonable and

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supportable forecast period to the post-reversion period, but in certain stressed scenarios, a weighted approach may be deemed more appropriate. The specific macroeconomic variables most significant to the loss forecast models may change over time, but generally include measures of consumer indebtedness, unemployment, personal income and housing-related metrics.
The overall economic environment directly impacts both the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods, as well as the macroeconomic variables that are used in the loss forecast models. If management used different assumptions about the economic environment in estimating expected credit losses, the impact to the allowance for credit losses could have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we experience a rapidly changing economic environment, as experienced recently under the COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainty around the credit loss forecasts may increase, both due to the uncertainty of the economic forecasts and the challenges our models may have in incorporating them. Although the estimation process is broader than any single macroeconomic variable, some variables have a more significant impact on the allowance for credit losses estimate. One example is a macroeconomic forecast reflecting a 25 basis point change in the Unemployment Rate variable, which could move the card allowance for credit losses estimate by approximately $190 million. See "— Loan Quality" and Note 3: Loan Receivables to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further details about our allowance for credit losses.
Earnings Summary
The following table outlines changes in our condensed consolidated statements of income (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020 vs. 2019
(Decrease) Increase
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020 vs. 2019
(Decrease) Increase
 
2020
 
2019
 
$
 
%
 
2020
 
2019
 
$
 
%
Interest income
$
2,672

 
$
2,977

 
$
(305
)
 
(10
)%
 
$
5,654

 
$
5,914

 
$
(260
)
 
(4
)%
Interest expense
482

 
645

 
(163
)
 
(25
)%
 
1,066

 
1,277

 
(211
)
 
(17
)%
Net interest income
2,190

 
2,332

 
(142
)
 
(6
)%
 
4,588

 
4,637

 
(49
)
 
(1
)%
Provision for credit losses(1)
2,046

 
787

 
1,259

 
160
 %
 
3,853

 
1,596

 
2,257

 
141
 %
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
144

 
1,545

 
(1,401
)
 
(91
)%
 
735

 
3,041

 
(2,306
)
 
(76
)%
Other income
472

 
520

 
(48
)
 
(9
)%
 
962

 
978

 
(16
)
 
(2
)%
Other expense
1,077

 
1,078

 
(1
)
 
 %
 
2,236

 
2,102

 
134

 
6
 %
(Loss) income before income taxes
(461
)
 
987

 
(1,448
)
 
(147
)%
 
(539
)
 
1,917

 
(2,456
)
 
(128
)%
Income tax (benefit) expense
(93
)
 
234

 
(327
)
 
(140
)%
 
(110
)
 
438

 
(548
)
 
(125
)%
Net (loss) income
$
(368
)
 
$
753

 
$
(1,121
)
 
(149
)%
 
$
(429
)
 
$
1,479

 
$
(1,908
)
 
(129
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.

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Net Interest Income
The table that follows this section has been provided to supplement the discussion below and provide further analysis of net interest income and net interest margin. Net interest income represents the difference between interest income earned on our interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred to finance those assets. We analyze net interest income in total by calculating net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total loan receivables) and net yield on interest-earning assets (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest-earning assets). We also separately consider the impact of the level of loan receivables and the related interest yield and the impact of the cost of funds related to each of our funding sources, along with the income generated by our liquidity portfolio, on net interest income.
Our interest-earning assets consist of: (i) cash and cash equivalents primarily related to amounts on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, (ii) restricted cash, (iii) other short-term investments, (iv) investment securities and (v) loan receivables. Our interest-bearing liabilities consist primarily of deposits, both direct-to-consumer and brokered, and long-term borrowings, including amounts owed to securitization investors. Net interest income is influenced by the following:
The level and composition of loan receivables, including the proportion of credit card loans to other loans, as well as the proportion of loan receivables bearing interest at promotional rates as compared to standard rates;
The credit performance of our loans, particularly with regard to charge-offs of finance charges, which reduce interest income;
The terms of long-term borrowings and certificates of deposit upon initial offering, including maturity and interest rate;
The interest rates necessary to attract and maintain direct-to-consumer deposits;
The level and composition of other interest-earning assets, including our liquidity portfolio and interest-bearing liabilities;
Changes in the interest rate environment, including the levels of interest rates and the relationships among interest rate indices, such as the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate, interest rate on excess reserves and LIBOR; and
The effectiveness of interest rate swaps in our interest rate risk management program.
Net interest income decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 primarily driven by lower yields on credit card loans partially offset by lower funding costs. Interest income decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 as a result of lower yields on credit card loans, which was the result of lower market rates. Interest expense decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 due to lower funding costs and lower average market rates.




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Average Balance Sheet Analysis
(dollars in millions)
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Average Balance
 
Yield/Rate
 
Interest
 
Average Balance
 
Yield/Rate
 
Interest
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
14,655

 
0.11
%
 
$
5

 
$
11,641

 
2.41
%
 
$
70

Restricted cash
226

 
0.25
%
 

 
888

 
2.32
%
 
5

Other short-term investments
440

 
0.15
%
 

 
1,000

 
2.66
%
 
7

Investment securities
10,586

 
2.12
%
 
55

 
6,265

 
2.52
%
 
39

Loan receivables(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card(2)
70,848

 
12.34
%
 
2,173

 
71,492

 
13.44
%
 
2,396

Private student loans
9,826

 
7.46
%
 
182

 
9,464

 
8.59
%
 
203

Personal loans
7,475

 
12.40
%
 
231

 
7,419

 
13.02
%
 
241

Other
1,622

 
6.49
%
 
26

 
983

 
6.83
%
 
16

Total loan receivables
89,771

 
11.70
%
 
2,612

 
89,358

 
12.82
%
 
2,856

Total interest-earning assets
115,678

 
9.29
%
 
2,672

 
109,152

 
10.94
%
 
2,977

Allowance for credit losses(3)
(6,927
)
 
 
 
 
 
(3,133
)
 
 
 
 
Other assets
5,717

 
 
 
 
 
4,539

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
114,468

 
 
 
 
 
$
110,558

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
$
33,993

 
2.46
%
 
208

 
$
33,576

 
2.56
%
 
214

Money market deposits(5)
7,717

 
1.22
%
 
24

 
6,973

 
2.22
%
 
39

Other interest-bearing savings deposits
33,532

 
1.30
%
 
108

 
27,875

 
2.13
%
 
148

Total interest-bearing deposits
75,242

 
1.81
%
 
340

 
68,424

 
2.35
%
 
401

Borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings

 
0.25
%
 

 

 
2.59
%
 

Securitized borrowings(4)(5)
12,960

 
1.24
%
 
39

 
15,179

 
3.01
%
 
114

Other long-term borrowings(4)
11,375

 
3.63
%
 
103

 
10,932

 
4.75
%
 
130

Total borrowings
24,335

 
2.36
%
 
142

 
26,111

 
3.74
%
 
244

Total interest-bearing liabilities
99,577

 
1.95
%
 
482

 
94,535

 
2.73
%
 
645

Other liabilities and stockholders' equity
14,891

 
 
 
 
 
16,023

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
114,468

 
 
 
 
 
$
110,558

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
 
 
$
2,190

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,332

Net interest margin(6)
 
 
9.81
%
 
 
 
 
 
10.47
%
 
 
Net yield on interest-earning assets(7)
 
 
7.61
%
 
 
 
 
 
8.57
%
 
 
Interest rate spread(8)
 
 
7.34
%
 
 
 
 
 
8.21
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Average Balance Sheet Analysis
(dollars in millions)
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield/Rate
 
Interest
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield/Rate
 
Interest
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
11,002

 
0.49
%
 
$
27

 
$
12,843

 
2.44
%
 
$
155

Restricted cash
427

 
0.85
%
 
2

 
846

 
2.33
%
 
10

Other short-term investments
220

 
0.15
%
 

 
558

 
2.66
%
 
7

Investment securities
10,607

 
2.15
%
 
113

 
5,261

 
2.57
%
 
67

Loan receivables(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card(2)
73,092

 
12.63
%
 
4,589

 
71,428

 
13.43
%
 
4,758

Private student loans
9,909

 
7.85
%
 
387

 
9,559

 
8.61
%
 
408

Personal loans
7,589

 
12.84
%
 
485

 
7,444

 
12.94
%
 
478

Other
1,545

 
6.60
%
 
51

 
925

 
6.84
%
 
31

Total loan receivables
92,135

 
12.03
%
 
5,512

 
89,356

 
12.81
%
 
5,675

Total interest-earning assets
114,391

 
9.94
%
 
5,654

 
108,864

 
10.96
%
 
5,914

Allowance for credit losses(3)
(6,389
)
 
 
 
 
 
(3,086
)
 
 
 
 
Other assets
5,689

 
 
 
 
 
4,497

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
113,691

 
 
 
 
 
$
110,275

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
$
33,778

 
2.52
%
 
423

 
$
33,901

 
2.52
%
 
424

Money market deposits(5)
7,397

 
1.46
%
 
54

 
7,013

 
2.22
%
 
77

Other interest-bearing savings deposits
32,435

 
1.47
%
 
236

 
27,120

 
2.13
%
 
286

Total interest-bearing deposits
73,610

 
1.95
%
 
713

 
68,034

 
2.33
%
 
787

Borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings

 
1.51
%
 

 

 
2.59
%
 

Securitized borrowings(4)(5)
13,524

 
1.78
%
 
120

 
15,521

 
3.03
%
 
233

Other long-term borrowings(4)
11,582

 
4.05
%
 
233

 
10,822

 
4.78
%
 
257

Total borrowings
25,106

 
2.83
%
 
353

 
26,343

 
3.75
%
 
490

Total interest-bearing liabilities
98,716

 
2.17
%
 
1,066

 
94,377

 
2.73
%
 
1,277

Other liabilities and stockholders’ equity
14,975

 
 
 
 
 
15,898

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
113,691

 
 
 
 
 
$
110,275

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
 
 
$
4,588

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,637

Net interest margin(6)
 
 
10.01
%
 
 
 
 
 
10.47
%
 
 
Net yield on interest-earning assets(7)
 
 
8.07
%
 
 
 
 
 
8.59
%
 
 
Interest rate spread(8)
 
 
7.77
%
 
 
 
 
 
8.23
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Average balances of loan receivables include non-accruing loans, which are included in the yield calculations. If the non-accruing loan balances were excluded, there would not be a material impact on the amounts reported above.
(2)
Interest income on credit card loans includes $76 million and $65 million of amortization of balance transfer fees for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $158 million and $130 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(3)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
(4)
Includes the impact of interest rate swap agreements used to change a portion of fixed-rate funding to floating-rate funding.
(5)
Includes the impact of interest rate swap agreements used to change a portion of floating-rate funding to fixed-rate funding.
(6)
Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average total loan receivables.
(7)
Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net interest income as a percentage of average total interest-earning assets.
(8)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the rate on total interest-earning assets and the rate on total interest-bearing liabilities.

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Loan Quality
Impact of COVID-19 on Loan Quality
COVID-19 and its impact to the economy has had a significant effect on our sales volume and loan growth during the first half of 2020. Also, while we continue to lend to customers, we have tightened standards for new accounts and for growing existing accounts.
We continue to provide support to our customers impacted by COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, to complement the assistance already available through our existing programs, we expanded borrower relief offerings to also include skip-a-pay programs and other loan modifications. The accounts using these modifications are generally excluded from TDR status either because the concessions are insignificant or they qualify for exemption pursuant to the CARES Act or interagency guidance.
As of June 30, 2020, we have enrolled approximately 650 thousand customers and $5.2 billion in receivables in skip-a-pay programs in total. Of those customers and receivables, 88 thousand and $1.0 billion, respectively, were still enrolled at quarter-end. We have seen skip-a-pay enrollments in our card portfolio steadily decrease after peak enrollment during the first week of April. The utilization of skip-a-pay programs has had a favorable impact on reported credit performance because, pursuant to regulatory guidelines, accounts enrolled in the programs do not advance through delinquency cycles in the same time frame as would have occurred without the programs. Specifically, current accounts enrolled in the programs do not advance to delinquency, and delinquent accounts enrolled in the programs do not advance to the next delinquency cycle, or to charge-off. At June 30, 2020, our delinquency ratios have been favorably impacted by customer usage of the skip-a-pay programs and are lower than comparative periods as a result.
Additionally, due to relief provided by the CARES Act or interagency guidance, certain customer accounts entering loan modification programs during the pandemic were excluded from being reported as TDRs. As a result, fewer modifications were reported as TDRs at June 30, 2020 than otherwise would have been. The table below reflects both the new modifications reported as TDRs and the amount of new modifications excluded from TDR classification as a result of regulatory relief (dollars in millions):
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Accounts that entered a program and were classified as TDRs during the period
 
Accounts excluded from the TDR designation due to regulatory exemptions
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
Credit card loans
120,702

 
$
800

 
64,408

 
$
502

Private student loans
1,780

 
$
33

 
1,363

 
$
25

Personal loans
3,880

 
$
51

 
168

 
$
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Despite the lower delinquency and TDR trends resulting from the relief we are providing to our customers, we believe we have appropriately reflected the risk presented by the accounts using these programs as well as the worsening economic impact of the pandemic on our customers in the allowance for credit losses. The increases in the allowance for credit losses during the first half of 2020 are indicative of the deterioration in consumer credit we expect related to the pandemic. The year-to-date build in the allowance of $4.8 billion is largely comprised of card loans but includes increases across all loan products. Labor markets, historically indicative of trends in credit losses, have been significantly stressed by the pandemic with unemployment reaching unprecedented levels. The higher allowance for credit losses reflects our view of this economic impact on our customers. Refer to Note 3: Loan Receivables to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more details on modification programs, troubled debt restructurings, and the allowance for credit losses.

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Loan receivables consist of the following (dollars in millions): 
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31, 2019
Credit card loans
$
70,201

 
$
77,181

Other loans
 
 
 
Private student loans
9,730

 
9,653

Personal loans
7,316

 
7,687

Other
1,680

 
1,373

Total other loans
18,726

 
18,713

Total loan receivables
88,927

 
95,894

Allowance for credit losses(1)
(8,184
)
 
(3,383
)
Net loan receivables
$
80,743

 
$
92,511

 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses
Provision for credit losses is the expense related to maintaining the allowance for credit losses at an appropriate level to absorb the estimate of credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables at each period end date. In deriving the estimate of expected credit losses, we consider the collectibility of principal, interest and fees associated with our loan receivables. We also consider expected recoveries of amounts that were either previously charged off or are expected to be charged off. Establishing the estimate for expected losses requires significant management judgment. The factors that influence the provision for credit losses include:
Increases or decreases in outstanding loan balances, including:
Changes in consumer spending, payment and credit utilization behaviors;
The level of originations and maturities; and
Changes in the overall mix of accounts and products within the portfolio;
The credit quality of the loan portfolio, which reflects, among other factors, our credit granting practices and the effectiveness of collection efforts;
The impact of general economic conditions on the consumer, including national and regional conditions, unemployment levels, bankruptcy trends and interest rate movements;
The level and direction of historical losses; and
Regulatory changes or new regulatory guidance.
For more details on how we estimate the allowance for credit losses, refer to "— Critical Accounting Estimates — Allowance for Credit Losses on Loan Receivables" and Note 3: Loan Receivables to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The following tables provide changes in our allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
5,306

 
$
765

 
$
807

 
$
35

 
$
6,913

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
1,873

 
49

 
114

 
2

 
2,038

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(852
)
 
(20
)
 
(78
)
 

 
(950
)
Recoveries
164

 
5

 
14

 

 
183

Net charge-offs
(688
)
 
(15
)
 
(64
)
 

 
(767
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2019(2)
$
2,622

 
$
168

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,134

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
692

 
15

 
80

 

 
787

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(789
)
 
(18
)
 
(91
)
 

 
(898
)
Recoveries
166

 
3

 
11

 

 
180

Net charge-offs(3)
(623
)
 
(15
)
 
(80
)
 

 
(718
)
Other(4)

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The following tables provide changes in our allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019(2)
$
2,883

 
$
148

 
$
348

 
$
4

 
$
3,383

Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption(5)
1,667

 
505

 
265

 
24

 
2,461

Balance at January 1, 2020
4,550

 
653

 
613

 
28

 
5,844

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
3,312

 
178

 
377

 
9

 
3,876

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,721
)
 
(42
)
 
(162
)
 

 
(1,925
)
Recoveries
350

 
10

 
29

 

 
389

Net charge-offs
(1,371
)
 
(32
)
 
(133
)
 

 
(1,536
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018(2)
$
2,528

 
$
169

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,041

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
1,402

 
30

 
164

 

 
1,596

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,563
)
 
(37
)
 
(185
)
 

 
(1,785
)
Recoveries
324

 
7

 
21

 

 
352

Net charge-offs(3)
(1,239
)
 
(30
)
 
(164
)
 

 
(1,433
)
Other(4)

 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Excludes an $8 million build and $23 million release of the liability for expected credit losses on unfunded commitments for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as the liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(2)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
(3)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, net charge-offs on PCD loans generally did not result in a charge to earnings.
(4)
Net change in reserves on PCD pools having no remaining non-accretable difference (prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020).
(5)
Represents the adjustment to allowance for credit losses as a result of adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.

The allowance for credit losses was $8.2 billion at June 30, 2020, which reflects a $4.8 billion build over the amount of the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019. The allowance build across all loan products was due to (I) a $2.5 billion cumulative-effect adjustment for the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 and (II) a $2.3 billion build during the period that primarily reflects an economic outlook with updated assumptions about the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. In estimating the allowance at June 30, 2020, we used a macroeconomic forecast that assumes a peak unemployment rate of 16%, recovering to just under 11% at the end of 2020 with slow recovery over the next few years, and an annualized real Gross Domestic Product decline of approximately 30% quarter-over-quarter or down approximately 10% on a year-over-year basis. The estimate also contemplated the impact of government stimulus programs and company-initiated loan modification programs on borrower payment behavior. The impact of COVID-19 on the economy has led to uncertainty in assumptions surrounding factors such as the length and depth of economic stresses and borrower behavior, which required significant management judgment in estimating the allowance for credit losses.
Company-initiated loan modification programs include those offered specifically in response to COVID-19 as well as existing programs offered to customers experiencing difficulty making their payments. In addition to skip-a-pay programs, we have other modification programs that customers have utilized during the period related to the pandemic. The accounts using these modifications are generally excluded from TDR status either because the concessions are insignificant or they qualify for exemption pursuant to the CARES Act or interagency guidance. All modifications are considered as part of the process for determining the allowance for credit losses.
At adoption of CECL and at June 30, 2020, the forecast period management deemed to be reasonable and supportable was 18 months. This period decreased to 12 months at March 31, 2020 due to the uncertainty caused by the rapidly changing

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economic environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second quarter, the reasonable and supportable period was 18 months based on the view that the present macroeconomic conditions will last for a longer period than previously expected. For both quarters, the reversion period was 12 months. Since adoption of CECL, a straight-line method was used to revert to appropriate historical information. During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the high degree of economic stress led us to apply a weighted reversion method for credit card loans that puts more emphasis on the loss forecast model rather than lower historical losses. At June 30, 2020, the reversion method remained straight-line for all other products.
The provision for credit losses is the amount of expense realized after considering the level of net charge-offs in the period and the required amount of allowance for credit losses at the balance sheet date. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the provision for credit losses increased by $1.3 billion or 159%, and $2.3 billion or 143%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2019. The allowance build was determined under separate methodologies for each period, based on the timing of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020; however, the largest driver of the increase in provision between the two periods was the significant change in economic outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Net Charge-offs
Our net charge-offs include the principal amount of losses charged off less principal recoveries and exclude charged-off and recovered interest and fees and fraud losses. Charged-off and recovered interest and fees are recorded in interest income and loan fee income, respectively, which is effectively a reclassification of the provision for credit losses, while fraud losses are recorded in other expense.
The following table presents amounts and rates of net charge-offs of key loan products (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Credit card loans
$
688

 
3.90
%
 
$
623

 
3.49
%
 
$
1,371

 
3.77
%
 
$
1,239

 
3.50
%
Private student loans(1)
$
15

 
0.62
%
 
$
15

 
0.61
%
 
$
32

 
0.65
%
 
$
30

 
0.64
%
Personal loans
$
64

 
3.43
%
 
$
80

 
4.33
%
 
$
133

 
3.51
%
 
$
164

 
4.43
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, net charge-offs on PCD loans generally did not result in a charge to earnings.
The net charge-off rate on our credit card loans increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 when compared to the same periods in 2019 due to seasoning of recent years' loan growth. The net charge-off rate on our private student loans remained relatively flat for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 when compared to the same periods in 2019. The net charge-off rate on our personal loans decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 when compared to the same periods in 2019 due to improved underwriting.

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Delinquencies
Delinquencies are an indicator of credit quality at a point in time. A loan balance is considered delinquent when contractual payments on the loan become 30 days past due.
The following table presents the amounts and delinquency rates of key loan products that are 30 and 90 days or more delinquent, loans that are not accruing interest regardless of delinquency, and loans restructured in TDR programs (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Loans 30 or more days delinquent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
1,523

 
2.17
%
 
$
2,019

 
2.62
%
Private student loans(1)
$
153

 
1.57
%
 
$
181

 
1.88
%
Personal loans
$
79

 
1.07
%
 
$
105

 
1.37
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans 90 or more days delinquent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
846

 
1.21
%
 
$
1,020

 
1.32
%
Private student loans(1)
$
40

 
0.41
%
 
$
45

 
0.47
%
Personal loans
$
27

 
0.36
%
 
$
31

 
0.40
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans not accruing interest
$
253

 
0.26
%
 
$
266

 
0.28
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans restructured in TDR programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(2)(3)(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currently enrolled
$
1,787

 
2.55
%
 
$
2,108

 
2.73
%
No longer enrolled(5)
$
478

 
0.68
%
 
$
1,254

 
1.62
%
Total credit card loans
$
2,265

 
3.23
%
 
$
3,362

 
4.35
%
Private student loans(6)
$
296

 
3.04
%
 
$
269

 
2.79
%
Personal loans(7)
$
206

 
2.82
%
 
$
208

 
2.71
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
(2)
We estimate that interest income recognized on credit card loans restructured in TDR programs was $60 million and $82 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $131 million and $152 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We do not separately track interest income on loans in TDR programs. This amount was estimated by applying an average interest rate to the average loans in the various TDR programs.
(3)
We estimate that the gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of credit card loans restructured in TDR programs was $47 million and $50 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $101 million and $95 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We do not separately track the amount of additional gross interest income that would have been recorded if the loans in TDR programs had not been restructured and interest had instead been recorded in accordance with the original terms. This amount was estimated by applying the difference between the average interest rate earned on non-modified loans and the average interest rate earned on loans in the TDR programs to the average loans in the TDR programs.
(4)
Credit card loans restructured in TDR programs include $131 million and $184 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which are also included in loans 90 or more days delinquent.
(5)
Beginning in 2020, credit card accounts of borrowers that have previously participated in a temporary interest rate reduction program and that have both demonstrated financial stability and had their charging privileges reinstated at a market-based interest rate, are no longer included in the balance of TDRs.
(6)
Private student loans restructured in TDR programs include $8 million and $10 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which are also included in loans 90 or more days delinquent.
(7)
Personal loans restructured in TDR programs include $7 million at both June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, which are also included in loans 90 or more days delinquent.
The 30-day as well as 90-day delinquency rates for credit card loans at June 30, 2020 decreased compared to December 31, 2019 primarily due to the impact of skip-a-pay relief programs. The 30-day and 90-day delinquency rates for private student loans at June 30, 2020 decreased compared to December 31, 2019 primarily due to seasonality of the loan portfolio. The 30-day and 90-day delinquency rates for personal loans at June 30, 2020 decreased compared to December 31, 2019 as a result of improved underwriting.
The balance of credit card loans reported as TDRs decreased at June 30, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 primarily due to customer usage in programs subject to TDR exclusion in accordance with the CARES Act or interagency guidance. The balance of personal loans reported as TDRs was relatively flat at June 30, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019. The balance of private student reported as TDRs increased at June 30, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 due to continued loan growth and improved awareness of programs available to assist borrowers having difficulties making payment obligations. We plan to continue to use TDR programs as we believe they are useful in assisting customers experiencing financial difficulties and allowing them to make timely payments. See Note 3: Loan Receivables to our condensed

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consolidated financial statements for further description of our use of TDR programs to provide relief to customers experiencing financial hardship.
Modified and Restructured Loans
For information regarding modified and restructured loans, see "— Delinquencies", "— Impact of COVID-19 on Loan Quality", "— COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Impact — Loan Receivables" and Note 3: Loan Receivables to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other Income
The following table presents the components of other income (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020 vs 2019
(Decrease) Increase
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020 vs. 2019
(Decrease) Increase
 
2020
 
2019
 
$
 
%
 
2020
 
2019
 
$
 
%
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
237

 
$
299

 
$
(62
)
 
(21
)%
 
$
453

 
$
530

 
$
(77
)
 
(15
)%
Protection products revenue
44

 
49

 
(5
)
 
(10
)%
 
91

 
98

 
(7
)
 
(7
)%
Loan fee income
85

 
102

 
(17
)
 
(17
)%
 
204

 
206

 
(2
)
 
(1
)%
Transaction processing revenue
49

 
48

 
1

 
2
 %
 
93

 
94

 
(1
)
 
(1
)%
Gains on equity investments
43

 

 
43

 
 %
 
79

 

 
79

 
 %
Other income
14

 
22

 
(8
)
 
(36
)%
 
42

 
50

 
(8
)
 
(16
)%
Total other income
$
472

 
$
520

 
$
(48
)
 
(9
)%
 
$
962

 
$
978

 
$
(16
)
 
(2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $385 million and $460 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $863 million and $906 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Total other income decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019, primarily due to a decrease in net discount and interchange revenue and loan fee income, which were partially offset by an increase in gain on equity investments. The decrease in discount and interchange revenue was partially offset by a decrease in rewards costs, both of which were the result of lower sales volume due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loan fee income decreased due to lower sales volume and late fees. Sales volume was lower driven by the COVID-19 impacts. Late fees decreased as a result of lower delinquencies as we continue to work with our customers through the economic stresses from COVID-19. Gain on equity investments increased primarily from a sale during each quarter.
Other Expense
The following table represents the components of other expense (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020 vs. 2019
Increase (Decrease)
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020 vs. 2019
Increase (Decrease)
 
2020
 
2019
 
$
 
%
 
2020
 
2019
 
$
 
%
Employee compensation and benefits
$
452

 
$
427

 
$
25

 
6
 %
 
$
919

 
$
852

 
$
67

 
8
 %
Marketing and business development
129

 
224

 
(95
)
 
(42
)%
 
360

 
419

 
(59
)
 
(14
)%
Information processing and communications
117

 
101

 
16

 
16
 %
 
231

 
200

 
31

 
16
 %
Professional fees
181

 
183

 
(2
)
 
(1
)%
 
374

 
350

 
24

 
7
 %
Premises and equipment
27

 
26

 
1

 
4
 %
 
57

 
54

 
3

 
6
 %
Other expense
171

 
117

 
54

 
46
 %
 
295

 
227

 
68

 
30
 %
Total other expense
$
1,077

 
$
1,078

 
$
(1
)
 
 %
 
$
2,236

 
$
2,102

 
$
134

 
6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other expense was relatively flat for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. Marketing costs decreased primarily driven by COVID-19 related expense reductions in brand advertising for card. This was offset by a non-cash impairment charge (included in Other expense), on the Diners Club business within the Payment Services segment, driven by changes in the international travel and entertainment businesses that continue to persist and a declining revenue outlook for the foreseeable future resulting from COVID-19, and higher employee compensation and benefits driven by a larger headcount base and higher average salaries.

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Total other expense increased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily driven by the COVID-19 related non-cash impairment charge on the Diners Club business discussed above, employee compensation and benefits, and information processing and communications. Employee compensation and benefits increased as a result of a larger headcount base and higher average salaries. The increase in information processing and communications was due to investments in infrastructure. This was offset by a decrease in marketing costs due to COVID-19 related expense reductions in brand advertising for card.
Income Tax Expense
The following table presents the calculation of the effective income tax rate (dollars in millions, except effective income tax rate):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(461
)
 
$
987

 
$
(539
)
 
$
1,917

Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(93
)
 
$
234

 
$
(110
)
 
$
438

Effective income tax rate
20.2
%

23.8
%

20.4
%

22.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense decreased $327 million and $548 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2019 due to pretax losses for the current periods. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 is lower due to a lower projected pretax income for the full year. We calculate our provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year to pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequent occurring discrete items. We are projecting a lower pretax income for the full year, therefore the effective tax rate for the full year is lower from the historical annual effective tax rate.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Impact of COVID-19 on Liquidity and Capital
We entered the COVID-19 pandemic with strong capital and liquidity positions sized to allow us to maintain normal operations during extended periods of financial market stress and disruptions to wholesale and retail funding sources. Our reserves of high-quality liquid assets and access to diverse funding channels allowed us to refrain from issuing debt in disrupted wholesale funding markets and avoid higher funding costs. As market conditions improved, we fortified our capital position in June by raising $500 million of Tier 1 capital in the form of perpetual preferred stock. Moreover, our direct-to-consumer and sweep deposit balances increased substantially during the second quarter as investors sought safe haven assets. Consequently, our store of liquid assets increased as the quarter progressed. We plan to maintain a prudent liquid asset buffer, particularly so long as heightened uncertainty around the macroeconomic and financial operating environment persists.
We remain well-capitalized with capital ratios in excess of regulatory minimums and took prudent actions to preserve capital when the macroeconomic and operating environment turned uncertain. Of note, we suspended our plans to purchase shares of our common stock and took actions to reduce our exposures to higher-risk segments of our credit portfolio. We have completed numerous stress tests to assess the impact of a severe economic downturn on our capital and liquidity and maintain ample amounts of both to ensure we remain well-capitalized and funded while continuing to serve our customers and extend special accommodations to those who need it.
Funding and Liquidity
We seek to maintain stable, diversified and cost-effective funding sources and a strong liquidity profile in order to fund our business and repay or refinance our maturing obligations under both normal operating conditions and periods of economic or financial stress. In managing our liquidity risk, we seek to maintain a prudent liability maturity profile and ready access to an ample store of primary and contingent liquidity sources. Our primary funding sources include direct-to-consumer and brokered deposits, public term asset-backed securitizations and other short-term and long-term borrowings. Our primary liquidity sources include a liquidity portfolio comprised of highly liquid, unencumbered assets, including cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and investment securities, and borrowing capacity through private term asset-backed securitizations. In addition, we have unused borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve discount window, which provides another source of contingent liquidity.

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Funding Sources
Deposits
We offer deposit products to customers through two channels: (i) through direct marketing, internet origination and affinity relationships ("direct-to-consumer deposits"); and (ii) indirectly through contractual arrangements with securities brokerage firms ("brokered deposits"). Direct-to-consumer deposits include online savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRA certificates of deposit and checking accounts, while brokered deposits include certificates of deposit and sweep accounts. At June 30, 2020, we had $61.1 billion of direct-to-consumer deposits and $16.3 billion of brokered and other deposits.
Credit Card Securitization Financing
We securitize credit card receivables as a source of funding. We access the asset-backed securitization market using the Discover Card Master Trust I ("DCMT") and the Discover Card Execution Note Trust ("DCENT"), through which we issue DCENT DiscoverSeries notes in both public and private transactions. From time to time, we may add credit card receivables to these trusts to create sufficient funding capacity for future securitizations while managing seller's interest. We retain significant exposure to the performance of trust assets through holdings of the seller's interest and subordinated security classes of DCENT. At June 30, 2020, we had $12.5 billion of outstanding public asset-backed securities and $4.2 billion of outstanding subordinated asset-backed securities that had been issued to our wholly-owned subsidiaries.
The securitization structures include certain features designed to protect investors. The primary feature relates to the availability and adequacy of cash flows in the securitized pool of receivables to meet contractual requirements, the insufficiency of which triggers early repayment of the securities. We refer to this as "economic early amortization", which is based on excess spread levels. Excess spread is the amount by which income received by a trust during a collection period, including interest collections, fees and interchange, exceeds the fees and expenses of the trust during such collection period, including interest expense, servicing fees and charged-off receivables. In the event of an economic early amortization, which would occur if the excess spread fell below 0% on a three-month rolling average basis, we would be required to repay the affected outstanding securitized borrowings using available collections received by the trust. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the DiscoverSeries three-month rolling average excess spread was 12.27%. The period of ultimate repayment would be determined by the amount and timing of collections received.
Through our wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, Discover Funding LLC, we are required to maintain a contractual minimum level of receivables in the trust in excess of the face value of outstanding investors' interests. This excess is referred to as the minimum seller's interest. The required minimum seller's interest in the pool of trust receivables, which is included in credit card loan receivables restricted for securitization investors, is set at approximately 7% in excess of the total investors' interests (which includes interests held by third parties as well as those interests held by us). If the level of receivables in the trust were to fall below the required minimum, we would be required to add receivables from the unrestricted pool of receivables, which would increase the amount of credit card loan receivables restricted for securitization investors. A decline in the amount of the excess seller's interest could occur if balance repayments and charge-offs exceeded new lending on the securitized accounts or as a result of changes in total outstanding investors' interests. Seller's interest is impacted by seasonality as higher balance repayments tend to occur in the first calendar year quarter. If we could not add enough receivables to satisfy the minimum seller's interest requirement, an early amortization (or repayment) of investors' interests would be triggered.
An early amortization event would impair our liquidity, and may require us to utilize our available non-securitization related contingent liquidity or rely on alternative funding sources, which may or may not be available at the time. We have several strategies we can deploy to prevent an early amortization event. For instance, we could add additional receivables to the trust, which would reduce our available borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve discount window. As of June 30, 2020, there were $27.7 billion of credit card receivables in the trust and no accounts were added to those restricted for securitization investors for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. Alternatively, we could employ structured discounting, which was used effectively in 2009 to bolster excess spread and mitigate early amortization risk.

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The following table summarizes expected contractual maturities of the investors' interests in credit card securitizations, excluding those that have been issued to our wholly-owned subsidiaries (dollars in millions):
At June 30, 2020
Total
 
Less Than
One Year
 
One Year
Through
Three Years
 
Four Years
Through
Five Years
 
After Five
Years
Scheduled maturities of long-term borrowings - owed to credit card securitization investors
$
12,622

 
$
3,479

 
$
7,503

 
$
1,640

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The triple-A rating of DCENT Class A Notes issued to date has been based, in part, on an FDIC rule, which created a safe harbor that provides that the FDIC, as conservator or receiver, will not, using its power to disaffirm or repudiate contracts, seek to reclaim or recover assets transferred in connection with a securitization, or recharacterize them as assets of the insured depository institution, provided such transfer satisfies the conditions for sale accounting treatment under previous GAAP. Although the implementation of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing, no longer qualified certain transfers of assets for sale accounting treatment, the FDIC approved a final rule that preserved the safe-harbor treatment applicable to revolving trusts and master trusts, including DCMT, so long as those trusts would have satisfied the original FDIC safe harbor if evaluated under GAAP pertaining to transfers of financial assets in effect prior to December 2009. Other legislative and regulatory developments may, however, impact our ability and/or desire to issue asset-backed securities in the future.
Other Long-Term Borrowings—Student Loans
At June 30, 2020, $144 million of remaining principal balance was outstanding on securitized debt assumed as part of our acquisition of The Student Loan Corporation. Principal and interest payments on the underlying student loans will reduce the balance of these secured borrowings over time.
Other Long-Term BorrowingsCorporate and Bank Debt
The following table provides a summary of Discover Financial Services (Parent Company) and Discover Bank outstanding fixed-rate debt (dollars in millions):
At June 30, 2020
Principal Amount Outstanding
Discover Financial Services (Parent Company) fixed-rate senior notes, maturing 2022-2027
$
3,422

Discover Financial Services (Parent Company) fixed-rate retail notes, maturing 2021-2031
$
341

Discover Bank fixed-rate senior bank notes, maturing 2021-2030
$
6,100

Discover Bank fixed-rate subordinated bank notes, maturing 2028
$
500

 
 
Certain Discover Financial Services senior notes require us to offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest in the event of a change of control involving us and a corresponding ratings downgrade to below investment grade.
Short-Term Borrowings
As part of our regular funding strategy, we may from time to time borrow short-term funds in the federal funds market or the repurchase ("repo") market through repurchase agreements. Federal funds are short-term, unsecured loans between banks or other financial entities with a Federal Reserve account. Funds borrowed in the repo market are short-term, collateralized loans, usually secured with highly-rated investment securities such as U.S. Treasury bills or notes, or federal agency mortgage bonds or debentures. At June 30, 2020, there were no outstanding balances in the federal funds market or repurchase agreements.
Additional Funding Sources
Private Asset-Backed Securitizations
We have access to committed borrowing capacity through privately placed asset-backed securitizations. At June 30, 2020, we had total committed capacity of $6.0 billion, none of which was drawn. While we may utilize funding from these

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private securitizations from time to time for normal business operations, their committed nature also makes them a reliable contingency funding source. Therefore, we reserve some undrawn capacity, informed by our liquidity stress test results, for potential contingency funding needs. We also seek to ensure the stability and reliability of these securitizations by staggering their maturity dates, renewing them approximately one year prior to their scheduled maturity dates and periodically drawing them for operational testing purposes and seasonal funding needs.
Federal Reserve
Discover Bank has access to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's discount window. As of June 30, 2020, Discover Bank had $32.8 billion of available borrowing capacity through the discount window based on the amount and type of assets pledged, primarily consumer loans. We have no borrowings outstanding under the discount window and reserve this capacity as a source of contingent liquidity.
Funding Uses
Our primary uses of funds include the extensions of loans and credit, primarily through Discover Bank; the purchase of investments for our liquidity portfolio; working capital; and debt and capital service. We assess funding uses and liquidity needs under stressed and normal operating conditions, considering primary uses of funding, such as on-balance sheet loans, and contingent uses of funding, such as the need to post additional collateral for derivatives positions. In order to anticipate funding needs under stress, we conduct liquidity stress tests to assess the impact of idiosyncratic, systemic and hybrid (idiosyncratic and systemic) scenarios with varying levels of liquidity risk reflecting a range of stress severity.
Credit Ratings
Our borrowing costs and capacity in certain funding markets, including those for securitizations and unsecured senior and subordinated debt, may be affected by the credit ratings of DFS, Discover Bank and the securitization trusts. Downgrades in these credit ratings could result in higher interest expense on our unsecured debt and asset securitizations, as well as higher collateral enhancement requirements for both our public and private asset securitizations. In addition to increased funding costs, deterioration in credit ratings could reduce our borrowing capacity in the unsecured debt and asset securitization capital markets.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, rating agencies have cited their expectation that the banking industry will experience heightened loan delinquencies and charge-offs as the labor market weakens. During the second quarter, Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings affirmed our credit ratings; Standard and Poor’s and Fitch changed the outlook on our senior unsecured credit ratings from “stable” to “negative”, however, while Moody’s retains a “stable” outlook on our ratings. A rating outlook reflects an agency's opinion regarding the likely rating direction over the medium term—often a period of about a year—but also indicates the agency's belief that the issuer's credit profile is consistent with its current rating level at that point in time.
We also maintain agreements with certain of our derivative counterparties that contain provisions that require DFS and Discover Bank to maintain an investment grade credit rating from specified major credit rating agencies. At June 30, 2020, Discover Bank's credit rating met specified thresholds set by its counterparties. However, if its credit rating was to fall below investment grade, Discover Bank would be required to post additional collateral, which, as of June 30, 2020, would have been $20 million. DFS (Parent Company) had no outstanding derivatives as of June 30, 2020, and therefore, no collateral was required.

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The table below reflects our current credit ratings and outlooks:
 
Moody's Investors Service
 
Standard & Poor's
 
Fitch
Ratings
Discover Financial Services
 
 
 
 
 
Senior unsecured debt
Baa3
 
BBB-
 
BBB+
Outlook for Discover Financial Services senior unsecured debt
Stable
 
Negative
 
Negative
Discover Bank
 
 
 
 
 
Senior unsecured debt
Baa2
 
BBB
 
BBB+
Outlook for Discover Bank senior unsecured debt
Stable
 
Negative
 
Negative
Subordinated debt
Baa3
 
BBB-
 
BBB
Discover Card Execution Note Trust
 
 
 
 
 
Class A(1)
Aaa(sf)
 
AAA(sf)
 
AAA(sf)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
An "sf" in the rating denotes rating agency identification for structured finance product ratings.
A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Liquidity
We seek to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to sustain business operations, fund asset growth and satisfy debt obligations under stressed and normal operating conditions. In addition to the funding sources discussed in the previous section, we also maintain highly liquid, unencumbered assets in our liquidity portfolio that we expect to be able to convert to cash quickly and with little loss of value using either the repo market or outright sales.
We maintain a liquidity risk and funding management policy, which outlines the overall framework and general principles we follow in managing liquidity risk across our business. The policy is approved by the Board of Directors with implementation responsibilities delegated to the Asset and Liability Management Committee (the "ALCO"). Additionally, we maintain a liquidity management framework document, which outlines the general strategies, objectives and principles we utilize to manage our liquidity position and the various liquidity risks inherent in our business model. We seek to balance the trade-offs between maintaining too much liquidity, which may be costly, with having too little liquidity, which could cause financial distress. Liquidity risk is centrally managed by the ALCO, which is chaired by our Treasurer and has cross-functional membership. The ALCO monitors the liquidity risk profiles of DFS and Discover Bank and oversees any actions Corporate Treasury may take to ensure that we maintain ready access to our funding sources and sufficient liquidity to meet current and projected needs. In addition, the ALCO and our Board of Directors regularly review our compliance with our liquidity limits at DFS and Discover Bank, which are established in accordance with the liquidity risk appetite set by our Board of Directors.
We employ a variety of metrics to monitor and manage liquidity. We utilize early warning indicators ("EWIs") to detect emerging liquidity stress events and a reporting and escalation process that is designed to be consistent with regulatory guidance. The EWIs include both idiosyncratic and systemic measures, and are monitored on a daily basis and reported to the ALCO regularly. A warning from one or more of these indicators triggers prompt review and decision-making by our senior management team, and in certain instances may lead to the convening of a senior-level response team and activation of our contingency funding plan.
In addition, we conduct liquidity stress tests regularly and ensure contingency funding is in place to address potential liquidity shortfalls. We evaluate a range of stress scenarios that are designed in accordance with regulatory requirements, including idiosyncratic, systemic and a combination of such events that could impact funding sources and our ability to meet liquidity needs. These scenarios measure the projected liquidity position at DFS and Discover Bank across a range of time horizons by comparing estimated contingency funding needs to available contingent liquidity.
Our primary contingent liquidity sources include our liquidity portfolio and private securitizations with unused borrowing capacity. In addition, we have unused borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve discount window, which provides an additional source of contingent liquidity. We seek to maintain sufficient liquidity to be able to satisfy all maturing obligations and fund business operations for at least 12 months in a severe stress environment. In such an environment, we may also take actions to curtail the size of our balance sheet, which would reduce the need for funding and liquidity.

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At June 30, 2020, our liquidity portfolio is comprised of highly liquid, unencumbered assets, including cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and investment securities. Cash and cash equivalents were primarily in the form of deposits with the Federal Reserve, Treasury bills, and government money market funds. Short term investments primarily included Treasury bills with contractual maturities greater than 90 days but less than one year at the time of acquisition. Investment securities primarily included debt obligations of the U.S. Treasury and residential mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government housing agencies or government-sponsored enterprises. These investments are considered highly liquid, and we expect to have the ability to raise cash by selling them, utilizing repurchase agreements or pledging certain of these investments to access secured funding. The size and composition of our liquidity portfolio may fluctuate based upon the size of our balance sheet as well as operational requirements, market conditions and interest rate risk management strategies. For instance, our liquidity portfolio grew materially during the second quarter as customer deposits increased and loan balances declined, reflecting consumers’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At June 30, 2020, our liquidity portfolio and undrawn credit facilities were $65.7 billion, which was $9.4 billion higher than the balance at December 31, 2019. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the average balance of our liquidity portfolio was $25.9 billion and $22.1 billion, respectively.
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
 
(dollars in millions)
Liquidity portfolio
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
$
14,262

 
$
6,406

Other short-term investments
2,549

 

Investment securities(2)
10,042

 
10,202

Total liquidity portfolio
26,853

 
16,608

Private asset-backed securitizations(3)
6,000

 
5,500

Primary liquidity sources
32,853

 
22,108

Federal Reserve discount window(3)
32,830

 
34,220

Total liquidity portfolio and undrawn credit facilities
$
65,683

 
$
56,328

 
 
 
 
(1)
Cash in the process of settlement and restricted cash are excluded from cash and cash equivalents for liquidity purposes.
(2)
Excludes $159 million and $121 million of U.S. Treasury securities that have been pledged as swap collateral in lieu of cash as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)
See "— Additional Funding Sources" for additional information.
Capital
Our primary sources of capital are the earnings generated by our businesses and the proceeds from issuances of capital securities. We seek to manage capital to a level and composition sufficient to support the growth and risks of our businesses and to meet regulatory requirements, rating agency targets and debt investor expectations. Within these constraints, we are focused on deploying capital in a manner that provides attractive returns to our stockholders. The level, composition and utilization of capital are influenced by changes in the economic environment, strategic initiatives, and legislative and regulatory developments.
Under regulatory capital requirements adopted by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, DFS, along with Discover Bank, must maintain minimum levels of capital. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in the initiation of certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could limit our business activities and have a direct material effect on our financial position and results. We must meet specific capital requirements that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items, as calculated under regulatory guidance and regulations. Current or future legislative or regulatory reforms, such as the implementation of CECL, may require us to hold more capital or adversely impact our capital level. We consider the potential impacts of these reforms in managing our capital position.
DFS and Discover Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements that became effective January 2015 under final rules issued by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC to implement the provisions under the Basel Committee's December 2010 framework ("Basel III rules"). The Basel III rules require DFS and Discover Bank to maintain minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios and define what constitutes capital for purposes of calculating those ratios. Under Basel III rules for regulatory capital, DFS and Discover Bank are classified as "Standardized Approach" entities, defined as U.S. banking

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organizations with consolidated total assets over $50 billion but not exceeding $250 billion and consolidated total on-balance sheet foreign exposures less than $10 billion.
As of January 1, 2019, thresholds within the Basel III rules were fully phased in with the exception of certain transition provisions that were frozen pursuant to regulation issued in November 2017. Pursuant to a final rule issued in July 2019, the transition provisions that were previously frozen have been replaced with new permanent thresholds as discussed below. Additionally, on March 27, 2020, federal bank regulatory agencies announced an interim final rule that allows banks that have implemented CECL the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period. For purposes of calculating regulatory capital, we have elected to defer recognition of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years in accordance with the interim final rule; after that period of deferral, the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital will be phased in over a three-year period beginning in 2022. We estimate that electing this option raises our Common Equity Tier 1 ("CET1") capital ratios in 2020. For additional information regarding the risk-based capital and leverage ratios, see Note 12: Capital Adequacy to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
On March 4, 2020, the Federal Reserve announced the SCB final rule, which would impose limitations on our capital distributions if we do not maintain our capital ratios above stated regulatory minimum ratios based on the results of supervisory stress tests. We participated in the CCAR supervisory stress test this year and received our preliminary SCB of 3.5%, which primarily reflects the difference between our actual CET1 ratio as of the fourth quarter of 2019 and our projected minimum CET1 ratio based on the Federal Reserve’s models in its nine-quarter Severely Adverse stress scenario. The SCB is expected to become effective October 1, 2020 and we will receive a final SCB by August 31, 2020. Under this rule, we will be required to assess if our planned capital actions are consistent with the effective capital distributions limitations that will apply on a pro-forma basis throughout the planning horizon. See "— Regulatory Environment and Developments — Banking — Capital Standards and Stress Testing" for additional information.
The Basel III rules provide for certain threshold-based deductions from and adjustments to CET1 to the extent that any one such category or all such categories in the aggregate exceed certain percentages of CET1. In July 2019, federal banking regulators issued a final rule that, among other things, revised certain capital requirements for Standardized Approach banks by raising the 10% of CET1 deduction threshold for certain items to 25% and eliminating the 15% combined deduction threshold applying to these items. These changes became effective for all Standardized Approach banking institutions in April 2020.
Basel III rules also require disclosures relating to market discipline. This series of disclosures is commonly referred to as "Pillar 3." The objective is to increase transparency of capital requirements for banking organizations. We are required to make prescribed regulatory disclosures on a quarterly basis regarding our capital structure, capital adequacy, risk exposures and risk-weighted assets. The Pillar 3 disclosures are made publicly available on our website in a report called "Basel III Regulatory Capital Disclosures."
At June 30, 2020, DFS and Discover Bank met the requirements for "well-capitalized" status under Regulation Y and the prompt corrective action rules, respectively, exceeding the regulatory minimums to which they were subject under the applicable rules. Additionally, we are subject to regulatory requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve as part of its stress testing framework and CCAR program. Refer to "- Regulatory Environment and Developments" for more information.
We disclose tangible common equity, which represents common equity less goodwill and intangibles. Management believes that common stockholders' equity excluding goodwill and intangibles is a meaningful measure to investors of our true net asset value. As of June 30, 2020, tangible common equity is not formally defined by U.S. GAAP or codified in the federal banking regulations and, as such, is considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure. Other financial services companies may also disclose this measure and definitions may vary, so we advise users of this information to exercise caution in comparing this measure for different companies.

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The following table provides a reconciliation of total common stockholders' equity (a U.S. GAAP financial measure) to tangible common equity (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Total common stockholders' equity(1)
$
8,587

 
$
11,296

Less: goodwill
(255
)
 
(255
)
Less: intangible assets, net
(96
)
 
(155
)
Tangible common equity
$
8,236

 
$
10,886

 
 
 
 
(1)
Total common stockholders' equity is calculated as total stockholders' equity less preferred stock.
For the period between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020, the Federal Reserve pre-approved capital distributions up to a maximum amount for each Category IV bank, including Discover. The Federal Reserve based these capital distribution limits on results from the 2018 supervisory stress test. Notwithstanding the pre-approval, we were still required to prepare in 2019 a capital plan to be approved by our Board of Directors and on April 6, 2020, we submitted to the Federal Reserve a new capital plan for the period July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, pursuant to the CCAR supervisory stress test. On June 25, 2020, we received the stress test results, which are discussed herein.
We recently declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock of $0.44 per share, payable on September 3, 2020 to holders of record on August 20, 2020, which is consistent with last quarter. In light of the current economic downturn, the Federal Reserve required all large banks participating in the CCAR supervisory stress test to cap common stock dividends at the average of a firm’s net income over the preceding four quarters. We also recently declared a semi-annual cash dividend on our preferred stock (Series C) of $2,750 per share, equal to $27.50 per depositary share, payable on October 30, 2020 to holders of record on October 15, 2020, which is consistent with the amount paid in the second quarter of 2020. On June 22, 2020, we opportunistically issued new perpetual preferred shares (Series D) with a liquidation amount of $500 million; these shares provide Tier 1 capital and we used the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The Series D preferred stock pays semi-annual dividends at a fixed annual rate of 6.125% until September 23, 2025, after which its dividend rate will reset every five years to a fixed annual rate equal to the 5-year Treasury rate plus 5.783%.
Our existing share repurchase program, which had $1.2 billion of remaining authorization expires on September 30, 2020. Having suspended share repurchases earlier this year in recognition of the pandemic-induced economic downturn, we repurchased no common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2020. We may reinstate our share repurchase program in the future, but the Federal Reserve has required all large banks participating in the CCAR supervisory stress test to suspend share repurchases for at least the third quarter. Thereafter, our decision to repurchase additional shares of common stock will depend on our financial results, prevailing and expected economic conditions, potential regulatory limitations, and other considerations. Share repurchases under the program may be made through a variety of methods, including open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or other purchases, including block trades, accelerated share repurchase transactions, or any combination of such methods.
The amount and size of any future dividends and share repurchases will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, capital levels, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors, such as the implementation of CECL. The declaration and payment of future dividends, as well as the amount thereof, are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. Holders of our shares of common stock are subject to the prior dividend rights of holders of our preferred stock or the depositary shares representing such preferred stock outstanding, and if full dividends have not been declared and paid on all outstanding shares of preferred stock in any dividend period, no dividend may be declared or paid or set aside for payment on our common stock. In addition, as noted above, banking laws and regulations and our banking regulators may limit our ability to pay dividends and make share repurchases, including limitations on the extent to which our banking subsidiaries can provide funds to us through dividends, loans or otherwise. Further, current or future regulatory reforms may require us to hold more capital or adversely impact our capital level. There can be no assurance that we will declare and pay any dividends or repurchase any shares of our common stock in the future.
Certain Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees
Guarantees are contracts or indemnification agreements that contingently require us to make payments to a guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying asset, liability, or equity security of a guaranteed party, rate or index. Also included in guarantees are contracts that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to a guaranteed party based on another

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entity's failure to perform under an agreement. Our guarantees relate to transactions processed on the Discover Network and certain transactions processed by PULSE and Diners Club. See Note 13: Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding our guarantees.
Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
In the normal course of business, we enter into various contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. Contractual obligations at June 30, 2020, which include deposits, long-term borrowings, operating lease obligations, interest payments on fixed-rate debt, purchase obligations and other liabilities were $104.7 billion. For a description of our contractual obligations, see our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments."
We extend credit for consumer loans, primarily arising from agreements with customers for unused lines of credit on certain credit cards and certain other loan products, provided there is no violation of conditions established in the related agreement. At June 30, 2020, our unused credit arrangements were approximately $214.0 billion. These arrangements, substantially all of which we can terminate at any time and which do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, are periodically reviewed based on account usage, customer creditworthiness and loan qualification. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, we guarantee payment on behalf of subsidiaries relating to contractual obligations with external parties. The activities of the subsidiaries covered by any such guarantees are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk refers to the risk that a change in the level of one or more market prices, rates, indices, correlations or other market factors will result in losses for an investment position or portfolio. We are exposed to market risk primarily from changes in interest rates.
Interest Rate Risk
We borrow money from a variety of depositors and institutions in order to provide loans to our customers, as well as invest in other assets and our business. These loans and other assets earn interest, which we use to pay interest on the money borrowed. Our net interest income and, therefore, earnings, will be reduced if the interest rate earned on assets increases at a slower pace than the interest rate paid on our borrowings. Changes in interest rates and our competitors' responses to those changes may influence customer payment rates, loan balances or deposit account activity. As a result, we may incur higher funding costs, which may decrease earnings.
Our interest rate risk management policies are designed to measure and manage the potential volatility of earnings that may arise from changes in interest rates by having a portfolio that reflects our mix of variable- and fixed-rate assets and liabilities. To the extent that the repricing characteristics of the assets and liabilities in a particular portfolio are not sufficiently matched, we may utilize interest rate derivative contracts, such as swap agreements, to achieve our objectives. Interest rate swap agreements effectively convert the underlying asset or liability from fixed- to floating-rate or from floating- to fixed-rate. See Note 16: Derivatives and Hedging Activities to our condensed consolidated financial statements for information on our derivatives activity.
We use an interest rate sensitivity simulation to assess our interest rate risk exposure. For purposes of presenting the possible earnings effect of a hypothetical, adverse change in interest rates over the 12-month period from our reporting date, we assume that all interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities will be impacted by a hypothetical, immediate 100 basis point change in interest rates relative to market consensus expectations as of the beginning of the period. The sensitivity is based upon the hypothetical assumption that all relevant types of interest rates would change instantaneously, simultaneously and to the same degree.
Our interest rate sensitive assets include our variable-rate loan receivables and the assets that make up our liquidity portfolio. We have limitations on our ability to mitigate interest rate risk by adjusting rates on existing balances and competitive actions may limit our ability to increase the rates that we charge to customers for new loans. At June 30, 2020, the majority of our credit card and student loans charge variable rates. Assets with rates that are fixed at period end but which will mature, or otherwise contractually reset to a market-based indexed rate or other fixed rate prior to the end of the 12-month period, are considered to be rate sensitive. The latter category includes certain revolving credit card loans that may be

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offered at below-market rates for an introductory period, such as balance transfers and special promotional programs, after which the loans will contractually reprice in accordance with our normal market-based pricing structure. For assets that have a fixed interest rate but contractually will, or are assumed to, reset to a market-based indexed rate or other fixed rate during the next 12 months, earnings sensitivity is measured from the expected repricing date. In addition, for all interest rate sensitive assets, earnings sensitivity is calculated net of expected credit losses, which for purposes of this analysis, are assumed to remain unchanged relative to our baseline expectations over the analysis horizon.
Interest rate sensitive liabilities are assumed to be those for which the stated interest rate is not contractually fixed for the next 12-month period. Thus, liabilities that vary with changes in a market-based index, such as the federal funds rate or London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), which will reset before the end of the 12-month period, or liabilities whose rates are fixed at the fiscal period end but will mature and are assumed to be replaced with a market-based indexed rate prior to the end of the 12-month period, are also considered to be rate sensitive. For these fixed-rate liabilities, earnings sensitivity is measured from the expected maturity date.
Net interest income sensitivity requires assumptions to be made regarding market conditions, consumer behavior, and overall growth and composition of the balance sheet. The degree to which our deposit rates change when benchmark interest rates change—our deposit “beta”—is one of the more significant of these assumptions. Our ALCO members review this assumption periodically and, in light of additional historical evidence, recently adopted a lower assumed deposit beta. All else equal, a lower deposit beta increases our modeled NII sensitivity to an interest rate shock, such that we would describe our current short-term interest rate risk position as being modestly asset sensitive. We believe this position is prudent given that benchmark interest rates are currently very near zero. Assumptions about deposit beta and other matters are inherently uncertain and, as a result, actual earnings may differ from the simulated earnings presented below. Our actual earnings depend on multiple factors including, but not limited to, the direction and timing of changes in interest rates, the movement of short-term versus long-term rates, balance sheet composition, competitor actions affecting pricing decisions in our loans and deposits, and strategic actions undertaken by management.
The following table shows the impacts to net interest income over the following 12-month period that we estimate would result from an immediate and parallel change in interest rates affecting all interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities (dollars in millions):
 
At June 30, 2020
 
At December 31, 2019
Basis point change
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
+100
$
142

 
1.42
 %
 
$
12

 
0.12
 %
-100
$
(3
)
 
(0.03
)%
 
$
(13
)
 
(0.13
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Glossary of Acronyms
ALCO: Asset and Liability Management Committee
AOCI: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
ASC: Accounting Standards Codification
ASU: Accounting Standards Update
CARES Act: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
CCAR: Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review
CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act
CECL: Current Expected Credit Loss
CET1: Common Equity Tier 1
CFPB: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019
DCENT: Discover Card Execution Note Trust
DCMT: Discover Card Master Trust
DFS: Discover Financial Services
EPS: Earnings Per Share
EWI: Early Warning Indicator
FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
GAAP: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
IRS: Internal Revenue Service
LIBOR: London Interbank Offered Rate
NPR: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
OCI: Other Comprehensive Income
OIS: Overnight Index Swap
PCD: Purchased Credit-Deteriorated
PCI: Purchased Credit-Impaired
SCB: Stress Capital Buffer
TDR: Troubled Debt Restructuring
VIE: Variable Interest Entity

77

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Part II.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
For a description of legal proceedings, see Note 14: Litigation and Regulatory Matters to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
In light of recent developments relating to the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, we are supplementing our risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following risk factor should be read in conjunction with the risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K.
The COVID-19 pandemic has and is expected to continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on a global scale. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to contain the pandemic, economic activity has declined both on a national and global level and unemployment has risen at a record pace. The depth and duration of this economic contraction is unknown and currently unpredictable. Federal and state governments and agencies have put in place programs to mitigate and respond to the impact of the pandemic. These programs are in their early stages and it is too early to tell how successful these measures will be. It is also unclear whether the measures employed to date are exhaustive, or whether federal and state governments and agencies may take additional action that could impact our business.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic contraction has impacted and is expected to continue to adversely impact our financial results. As consumers grow increasingly uncertain about the economy, lose their jobs or are unable to find work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of measures implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, they may become increasingly unable or unwilling to repay their loans on time. The duration of the pandemic and the measures to contain it and the long-term negative economic impact in relation to increased unemployment could lead to increased customer delinquencies and charge-offs, which would cause an increase to our allowance for credit losses, which would adversely affect our profitability. We have put various programs in place to assist affected borrowers during the pandemic. The programs generally provide borrowers with flexibility to make monthly payments, including allowing customers to skip payments without penalty, or in certain cases, accrual of interest. The terms and conditions of the programs are subject to change and enrollment levels may fluctuate based on those changes as well as the depth and duration of the economic contraction. Our regulators are increasingly focused on how these programs are being implemented. If we are unable to effectively implement these programs, we could be subject to regulatory criticism and reputational harm. As the number of loans enrolled in these programs increases, our financial results will be adversely impacted in the short term due to forgone interest. The impact on the U.S. economy and the consumer credit environment may continue after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided; the pace of recovery is uncertain and unpredictable. The resurgence of COVID-19 in areas where the pandemic previously appeared to have subsided or been contained only adds to the uncertainty and unpredictability of the pace of recovery. Additionally, in connection with the economic contraction due to COVID-19, we have decreased our marketing activities, which may adversely impact our ability to attract new customers and grow market share.
Given the nature of the crisis, our financial and economic models may be unable to accurately predict and respond to the impact of the economic contraction or lasting changes to consumer behaviors, which in turn may limit our ability to manage credit risk and avoid higher charge-off rates. Additionally, due to the nature and novelty of the crisis, our credit and economic models may not be able to adequately predict or forecast credit losses, sales, receivables or other financial metrics during and after the crisis, which could result in our reserves being too large or insufficient. For more information see the risk factor entitled "Our risk management framework and models for managing risks may not be effective in mitigating our risk of loss" in our annual report on Form 10-K year ended December 31, 2019.
As governments have put measures in place to contain the pandemic by requiring all non-essential businesses to close and/or their employees work from home and discouraging or prohibiting people generally from leaving their homes, our sales volume, credit card loan growth, interchange revenue and net-to-net volume have declined and may continue to do so. The economic contraction and associated slowdown in travel and transaction volume may have a material adverse impact on the financial condition of some of our Diners Club International ("Diners Club") franchises. In the past, we have extended financial support to franchises experiencing financial stress.

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Beginning March 13, 2020, we have transitioned nearly all of our employees and non-employee contractors to working from home. Previously, only a small portion of employees worked primarily from a location other than one of our offices. As we adapt to this new way of working, it may become less effective and as a result our ability to design and implement new products, services or features may be adversely impacted. Additionally, in the event that a meaningful portion of our call center agents become ill due to COVID-19 or otherwise are unable to work effectively, our ability to meet our internal measures for customer service may be adversely effected. The pandemic has required us and our third-party vendors to activate certain business continuity programs and make ongoing adjustments to operations. To the extent that these plans and back-up servicing and other strategies and adjustments are either not available, insufficient or cannot be implemented in whole or in part, we may be exposed to legal, regulatory, reputational, operational, information security or financial risk. For example, if we are unable to send our customers certain required statements or disclosures due to disruptions in staffing and personnel or our back-up servicing plans, we may be exposed to legal and regulatory scrutiny. Finally, as nearly all of our employees are working from home, we are increasingly reliant on a handful of vendors, including those we have no direct relationship with such as our employees' internet service providers, to maintain reliable high speed access to our internal network. Failure by such third-party providers would impact our operations. Efforts by us, our vendors and their vendors to continue to adapt operations to this new environment may introduce additional vulnerabilities to our operations and information security programs and systems in ways we have not previously contemplated or otherwise prepared for.
There are no comparable recent events that provide guidance as to the effect the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic may have, and, as a result, the ultimate impact of the outbreak and the economic recovery following the containment of the outbreak is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts on our business, our operations or the global economy as a whole. However, the effects have had and are expected to continue to have a material impact on our results of operations and heighten many of our known risks described in the risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth information regarding employee transactions that were made by us or on our behalf during the most recent quarter.
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
April 1 - 30, 2020
 
 
 
Employee transactions(1)
1,379

 
$
30.53

May 1 - 31, 2020
 
 
 
Employee transactions(1)
1,942

 
$
41.32

June 1 - 30, 2020
 
 
 
Employee transactions(1)
2,111

 
$
51.65

 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
Employee transactions(1)
5,432

 
$
42.60

 
 
 
 
(1)
Reflects shares withheld (under the terms of grants under employee stock compensation plans) to offset tax withholding obligations that occur upon the delivery of outstanding shares underlying restricted stock units or upon the exercise of stock options.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
None.

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Item 5.
Other Information
None.
Item 6.
Exhibits
See "Exhibit Index" for documents filed herewith and incorporated herein by reference.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Discover Financial Services (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Discover Financial Services’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 21, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Certificate of Elimination of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, of Discover Financial Services (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Discover Financial Services’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on June 26, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Discover Financial Services’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 16, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Discover Financial Services’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Certificate of Elimination of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Discover Financial Services’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series D (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Discover Financial Services’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Deposit Agreement, dated June 22, 2020 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Discover Financial Services’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Form of certificate representing the Fixed Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Discover Financial Services’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
 
 
 
101
 
Interactive Data File — the following financial statements from Discover Financial Services Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q formatted in inline XBRL: (1) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (2) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (3) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (4) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (5) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (6) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File — the cover page from Discover Financial Services Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q formatted in inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
 
 
 

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Signature
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.
 
Discover Financial Services
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ JOHN T. GREENE
 
 
 
John T. Greene
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 27, 2020

81
Exhibit


Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Roger C. Hochschild, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Discover Financial Services (the "registrant");
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: July 27, 2020
/s/ ROGER C. HOCHSCHILD
 
Roger C. Hochschild
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 


Exhibit


Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, John T. Greene, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Discover Financial Services (the "registrant");
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: July 27, 2020
/s/ JOHN T. GREENE
 
John T. Greene
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 


Exhibit


Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Discover Financial Services (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), each of Roger C. Hochschild, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, and John T. Greene, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: July 27, 2020
/s/ ROGER C. HOCHSCHILD
 
Roger C. Hochschild
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
Date: July 27, 2020
/s/ JOHN T. GREENE
 
John T. Greene
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 


v3.20.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jul. 22, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document type 10-Q  
Document quarterly report true  
Document period end date Jun. 30, 2020  
Document transition report false  
Entity file number 001-33378  
Entity registrant name DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Entity incorporation, state DE  
Entity tax identification number 36-2517428  
Entity address, address line one 2500 Lake Cook Road  
Entity address, city or town Riverwoods  
Entity address, state or province IL  
Entity address, postal zip code 60015  
Entity phone number, city area code 224  
Entity phone number, local phone number 405-0900  
Title of 12(b) security Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share  
Trading symbol DFS  
Security exchange name NYSE  
Entity current reporting status Yes  
Entity interactive data current Yes  
Entity filer category Large Accelerated Filer  
Smaller reporting company false  
Emerging growth company false  
Entity shell company false  
Entity common stock, shares outstanding   306,421,150
Entity central index key 0001393612  
Current fiscal year end date --12-31  
Document fiscal year focus 2020  
Document fiscal period focus Q2  
Amendment flag false  
v3.20.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,138 $ 6,924
Restricted cash 29 40
Other short-term investments 2,549 0
Investment securities (includes available-for-sale securities of $10,201 and $10,323 reported at fair value with associated amortized cost of $9,734 and $10,173 at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively) 10,485 10,595
Loan receivables    
Loan receivables 88,927 95,894
Allowance for credit losses [1],[2] (8,184) (3,383) [3]
Net loan receivables 80,743 92,511
Premises and equipment, net 1,115 1,057
Goodwill 255 255
Intangible assets, net 96 155
Other assets 3,382 2,459
Total assets 113,792 113,996
Deposits    
Interest-bearing deposit accounts 76,365 71,955
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts 999 791
Total deposits 77,364 72,746
Long-term borrowings 23,194 25,701
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 3,591 3,690
Total liabilities 104,149 102,137
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Notes 10, 13 and 14)
Stockholders' Equity    
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 2,000,000,000 shares authorized; 567,653,357 and 566,653,650 shares issued at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 6 6
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 10,700 and 5,700 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 1,056 563
Additional paid-in capital 4,216 4,206
Retained earnings 18,673 21,290
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 122 (119)
Treasury stock, at cost; 261,233,267 and 256,496,492 shares at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (14,430) (14,087)
Total stockholders' equity 9,643 11,859
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 113,792 113,996
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]    
Assets    
Restricted cash 29 40
Loan receivables    
Loan receivables 27,926 31,840
Allowance for credit losses [4] (1,972) (1,179)
Other assets 7 5
Deposits    
Long-term borrowings 12,766 14,284
Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 10 $ 15
[1]
Prior to adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[4]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] $ 10,201,000,000 $ 10,323,000,000
Available-for-sale investment securities, amortized cost [1] $ 9,734,000,000 $ 10,173,000,000
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 2,000,000,000 2,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 567,653,357 566,653,650
Preferred stock, par value per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized 200,000,000 200,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued 10,700 5,700
Preferred stock, shares outstanding 10,700 5,700
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars) $ 500,000,000 $ 570,000,000
Treasury stock, shares 261,233,267 256,496,492
[1]
Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value.
v3.20.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Interest income        
Credit card loans $ 2,173 $ 2,396 $ 4,589 $ 4,758
Other loans 439 460 923 917
Investment securities 55 39 113 67
Other interest income 5 82 29 172
Total interest income 2,672 2,977 5,654 5,914
Interest expense        
Deposits 340 401 713 787
Long-term borrowings 142 244 353 490
Total interest expense 482 645 1,066 1,277
Net interest income 2,190 2,332 4,588 4,637
Provision for credit losses [1] 2,046 787 [2] 3,853 [3] 1,596 [2],[3]
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 144 1,545 735 3,041
Other income        
Discount and interchange revenue, net 237 299 453 530
Protection products revenue 44 49 91 98
Loan fee income 85 102 204 206
Transaction processing revenue 49 48 93 94
Gains on equity investments 43 0 79 0
Other income 14 22 42 50
Total other income 472 520 962 978
Other expense        
Employee compensation and benefits 452 427 919 852
Marketing and business development 129 224 360 419
Information processing and communications 117 101 231 200
Professional fees 181 183 374 350
Premises and equipment 27 26 57 54
Other expense 171 117 295 227
Total other expense 1,077 1,078 2,236 2,102
(Loss) income before income taxes (461) 987 (539) 1,917
Income tax (benefit) expense (93) 234 (110) 438
Net (loss) income (368) 753 (429) 1,479
Net (loss) income allocated to common stockholders $ (369) $ 747 $ (446) $ 1,452
Basic (loss) earnings per common share $ (1.20) $ 2.32 $ (1.45) $ 4.46
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $ (1.20) $ 2.32 $ (1.45) $ 4.46
[1]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Net (loss) income $ (368) $ 753 $ (429) $ 1,479
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax        
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax (16) 71 240 102
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax 4 (18) 1 (30)
Unrealized pension and post-retirement plan gains, net of tax 0 0 0 1
Other comprehensive (loss) income (12) 53 241 73
Comprehensive (loss) income $ (380) $ 806 $ (188) $ 1,552
v3.20.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Preferred Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018   6,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018     564,852,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 11,130 $ 563 $ 6 $ 4,130 $ 18,906 $ (156) $ (12,319)  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Net (loss) income 1,479       1,479      
Other comprehensive income 73         73    
Purchases of treasury stock (948)           (948)  
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans (in shares)     51,000          
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans 3   $ 0 3        
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense (in shares)     1,116,000          
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense 34   $ 0 34        
Dividends — common stock (262)       (262)      
Dividends — preferred stock (16)             $ (16)
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019   6,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019     566,019,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2019 11,493 $ 563 $ 6 4,167 20,107 (83) (13,267)  
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019   6,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019     565,973,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2019 11,259 $ 563 $ 6 4,148 19,484 (136) (12,806)  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Net (loss) income 753       753      
Other comprehensive income 53         53    
Purchases of treasury stock (461)           (461)  
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans (in shares)     24,000          
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans 1   $ 0 1        
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense (in shares)     22,000          
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense 18   $ 0 18        
Dividends — common stock (130)       (130)      
Dividends — preferred stock 0              
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019   6,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019     566,019,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2019 $ 11,493 $ 563 $ 6 4,167 20,107 (83) (13,267)  
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 5,700 6,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019     566,654,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 11,859 $ 563 $ 6 4,206 21,290 (119) (14,087)  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption (1,902)       (1,902)      
Net (loss) income (429)       (429)      
Other comprehensive income 241         241    
Purchases of treasury stock (343)           (343)  
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans (in shares)     113,000          
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans 4   $ 0 4        
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense (in shares)     886,000          
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense 6   $ 0 6        
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues   5,000            
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues 493 $ 493            
Dividends — common stock (270)       (270)      
Dividends — preferred stock $ (16)             $ (16)
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020 10,700 11,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020     567,653,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2020 $ 9,643 $ 1,056 $ 6 4,216 18,673 122 (14,430)  
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020   6,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020     567,530,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at beginning of period at Mar. 31, 2020 9,665 $ 563 $ 6 4,217 19,175 134 (14,430)  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Net (loss) income (368)       (368)      
Other comprehensive income (12)         (12)    
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans (in shares)     49,000          
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans 2   $ 0 2        
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense (in shares)     74,000          
Common stock issued and stock-based compensation expense (3)   $ 0 (3)        
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues   5,000            
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues 493 $ 493            
Dividends — common stock (134)       (134)      
Dividends — preferred stock $ 0              
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020 10,700 11,000            
Common stock, shares outstanding, balance at end of period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020     567,653,000          
Stockholders' equity, balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2020 $ 9,643 $ 1,056 $ 6 $ 4,216 $ 18,673 $ 122 $ (14,430)  
v3.20.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]        
Dividends declared, common stock (dollars per share) $ 0.44 $ 0.4 $ 0.88 $ 0.8
Dividends declared, preferred stock (dollars per share) $ 0 $ 0 $ 2,750 $ 2,750
v3.20.2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities    
Net (loss) income $ (429) $ 1,479
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities    
Provision for credit losses [1],[2] 3,853 1,596 [3]
Deferred income taxes (531) (50)
Depreciation and amortization 246 202
Amortization of deferred revenues and accretion of accretable yield on acquired loans (165) (201)
Net (gain) loss on investments and other assets (51) 21
Other, net 68 39
Changes in assets and liabilities    
Decrease (increase) in other assets 388 (23)
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities (112) 850
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,267 3,913
Cash flows from investing activities    
Purchases of other short-term investments (2,548) (1,000)
Maturities of available-for-sale investment securities 438 70
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities 0 (4,115)
Maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities 18 12
Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities (30) (34)
Net principal repaid (disbursed) on loans originated for investment 5,614 (950)
Proceeds from sale of other investments 94 0
Purchases of other investments (40) (21)
Purchases of premises and equipment (153) (151)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities 3,393 (6,189)
Cash flows from financing activities    
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt 0 1,234
Maturities and repayment of securitized debt (1,666) (4,070)
Proceeds from issuance of other long-term borrowings 495 595
Maturities and repayment of other long-term borrowings (1,753) (7)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 5 4
Purchases of treasury stock (343) (948)
Net increase in deposits 4,601 1,955
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 493 0
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock (289) (279)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 1,543 (1,516)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 8,203 (3,792)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at beginning of period 6,964 15,145
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period 15,167 11,353
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash    
Cash and cash equivalents 15,138 10,313
Restricted cash $ 29 $ 1,040
[1]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Background and Basis of Presentation
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Background and Basis of Presentation
Background and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Discover Financial Services ("DFS" or the "Company") is a direct banking and payment services company. The Company is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 as well as a financial holding company under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and therefore is subject to oversight, regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve"). The Company provides direct banking products and services and payment services through its subsidiaries. The Company offers its customers credit card loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans and deposit products. The Company also operates the Discover Network, the PULSE network ("PULSE") and Diners Club International ("Diners Club"). The Discover Network processes transactions for Discover-branded credit and debit cards and provides payment transaction processing and settlement services. PULSE operates an electronic funds transfer network, providing financial institutions issuing debit cards on the PULSE network with access to ATMs domestically and internationally, as well as merchant acceptance throughout the U.S. for debit card transactions. Diners Club is a global payments network of licensees, which are generally financial institutions, that issue Diners Club branded charge cards and/or provide card acceptance services.
The Company's business activities are managed in two segments, Direct Banking and Payment Services, based on the products and services provided. For a detailed description of the operations of each segment, as well as the allocation conventions used in business segment reporting, see Note 17: Segment Disclosures.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of results for the interim period. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that the estimates used in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2019 audited consolidated financial statements filed with the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Not Yet Adopted)
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU addresses operational challenges resulting from the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other reference rates at the end of 2021. By providing optional practical expedients and exceptions to applying certain GAAP requirements, ASU No. 2020-04 provides temporary relief designed to ease the operational cost and burden of accounting for contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. In general, the optional expedients and exceptions allow eligible contracts that are modified due to reference rate reform to be accounted for prospectively as a continuation of those contracts, permit companies to preserve hedge accounting for hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform and enable companies to make a one-time election to transfer or sell certain held-to-maturity debt securities indexed to LIBOR or another reference rate that is expected to be discontinued. The temporary expedients and exceptions are elective and do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, with the exception of hedging relationships existing as of that date for which certain optional expedients have been elected and are expected to be retained through the end of the hedging relationships. The ASU is effective upon issuance and management is evaluating the impact the ASU will have on the Company’s financial statements as part of its overall evaluation of reference rate reform.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The FASB subsequently issued several additional ASUs that clarify the scope and application of the new credit loss guidance. Topic 326 replaced the incurred loss model with the current expected credit loss ("CECL") approach. For loans carried at amortized cost, the allowance for credit losses is now based on management's current estimate of all anticipated credit losses over the remaining expected life of the loans. Upon the origination of a loan, the Company records its estimate of all expected credit losses on that loan through an immediate charge to earnings. Updates to that estimate each period are recorded through provision expense. The CECL estimate is based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
As compared to prior GAAP, the CECL approach increases the Company's allowance for credit losses on loan receivables as a result of: (1) recording reserves for expected losses, not simply those deemed to be already incurred, (2) extending the loss estimate period over the entire life of the loan and (3) presenting the credit loss component of the purchased credit-impaired ("PCI") loan portfolio in the allowance for credit losses rather than embedding it within the loan carrying value. The allowance for credit losses on all loans carried at amortized cost, including loans previously referred to as PCI loans and loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") are measured under the CECL approach. Previous specialized measurement guidance for PCI loans, which are now referred to as purchased credit-deteriorated ("PCD"), and TDRs was eliminated, although certain separate disclosure guidance was retained.
Measurement of credit impairment of available-for-sale debt securities generally remains unchanged under the new rules, but any credit impairment is recorded through an allowance, rather than a direct write-down of the security. The Company invests in U.S. Treasury and residential mortgage-backed securities issued by government agencies, which have long histories with no credit losses and are explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government. Therefore, management has concluded that there is no expectation of non-payment on its investment securities and does not record an allowance for credit losses on these investments.
The ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 and required modified-retrospective application, meaning a cumulative-effect adjustment was recorded as of the effective date without adjusting comparative prior periods. This cumulative-effect adjustment did not reflect the economic disruption resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") since the global disruption occurred subsequent to January 1, 2020. As a result of adoption, the Company recorded:
A $2.5 billion increase to the allowance for credit losses on loan receivables primarily representing the adjustment for recording reserves for expected losses, not simply those deemed to be already incurred, and extending the loss estimate period over the entire life of the loan;
A $0.6 billion increase to other assets related to deferred tax assets on the larger allowance for credit losses;
An offsetting $1.9 billion decrease, net of tax, to the opening balance of retained earnings; and
Immaterial adjustments to the following:
The carrying value of PCD loans and related accrued interest reflected in other assets; and
Accrued expenses and other liabilities to record reserves for unfunded commitments.
As required by the ASU, financial statement results and balances prior to January 1, 2020 have not been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the amendments in ASU No. 2016-13. Therefore, current period results and balances are not comparable to prior period amounts, particularly with regard to the provision and allowance for credit losses (and their related subtotals).
v3.20.2
Investments
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Investments
Investments
The Company's other short-term investments and investment securities consist of the following (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
U.S. Treasury bills(1)
$
2,549

 
$

Total other short-term investments
$
2,549

 
$

 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities(2)
$
9,838

 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3)
647

 
689

Total investment securities
$
10,485

 
$
10,595

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes U.S. Treasury bills with maturity dates greater than 90 days but less than one year at the time of acquisition.
(2)
Includes $159 million and $121 million of U.S. Treasury securities pledged as swap collateral as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)
Consists of residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities are as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
At June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,385

 
$
453

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
349

 
14

 

 
363

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,734

 
$
467

 
$

 
$
10,201

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3)
$
284

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
293

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$
284

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,759

 
$
155

 
$
(8
)
 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
414

 
3

 

 
417

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
10,173

 
$
158

 
$
(8
)
 
$
10,323

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3) 
$
272

 
$
3

 
$
(1
)
 
$
274

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$
272

 
$
3

 
$
(1
)
 
$
274

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value.
(2)
Held-to-maturity investment securities are reported at amortized cost.
(3)
Amounts represent residential mortgage-backed securities that were classified as held-to-maturity as they were entered into as a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives.
The Company invests in U.S. Treasury and residential mortgage-backed securities issued by government agencies, which have long histories with no credit losses and are explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government. Therefore, management has concluded that there is no expectation of non-payment on its investment securities and does not record an allowance for credit losses on these investments.
The following table provides information about available-for-sale investment securities with aggregate gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in millions):
 
Number of Securities in a Loss Position
 
Less than 12 months
 
More than 12 months
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
11

 
$
1,402

 
$
(8
)
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There were no proceeds from sales or recognized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities during the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. See Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income for unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities and held-to-maturity debt securities are provided in the following table (dollars in millions):
At June 30, 2020
One Year
or
Less
 
After One
Year
Through
Five Years
 
After Five
Years
Through
Ten Years
 
After Ten
Years
 
Total
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities—Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,374

 
$
8,011

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,385

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)

 
64

 
285

 

 
349

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
1,374

 
$
8,075

 
$
285

 
$

 
$
9,734

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities—Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
284

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
284

Available-for-Sale Investment Securities—Fair Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,391

 
$
8,447

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)

 
66

 
297

 

 
363

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
1,391

 
$
8,513

 
$
297

 
$

 
$
10,201

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities—Fair Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
293

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities are reflective of the contractual maturities of the investment.
Other Investments
As a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives, the Company has made equity investments in certain limited partnerships and limited liability companies that finance the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing, as well as stimulate economic development in low to moderate income communities. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are recorded within other assets. The related commitment for future investments is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities within the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The portion of each investment's operating results allocable to the Company reduces the carrying value of the investments and is recorded in other expense within the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company further reduces the carrying value of the investments by recognizing any amounts that are in excess of future net tax benefits in other expense. The Company earns a return primarily through the receipt of tax credits allocated to the affordable housing projects and the community revitalization projects. These investments are not consolidated as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in the entities. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding investments in these entities of $335 million and $336 million, respectively, and related contingent liabilities of $63 million and $74 million, respectively. Of the above outstanding equity investments, the Company had $301 million and $298 million of investments related to affordable housing projects as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which had $47 million and $59 million related contingent liabilities, respectively.
The Company holds non-controlling equity positions in several payment services entities. Most of these investments are not subject to equity method accounting because the Company does not have significant influence over the investee. The common or preferred equity securities that the Company holds typically do not have readily determinable fair values. As a result, the majority of these investments are carried at cost minus impairment, if any. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the carrying value of these investments, which is recorded within other assets, was $25 million and $42 million, respectively.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Loan Receivables
Loan Receivables
The Company has two loan portfolio segments: credit card loans and other loans.
The Company's classes of receivables within the two portfolio segments are depicted in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Credit card loans(1)(2)
$
70,201

 
$
77,181

Other loans(3)
 
 
 
Private student loans(4)
9,730

 
9,653

Personal loans
7,316

 
7,687

Other
1,680

 
1,373

Total other loans
18,726

 
18,713

Total loan receivables
88,927

 
95,894

Allowance for credit losses(5)
(8,184
)
 
(3,383
)
Net loan receivables
$
80,743

 
$
92,511

 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts include carrying values of $16.6 billion and $18.9 billion underlying investors' interest in trust debt at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and $11.0 billion and $12.7 billion in seller's interest at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
(2)
Unbilled accrued interest receivable on credit card loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $379 million and $471 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)
Accrued interest receivable on private student, personal and other loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $494 million, $48 million and $6 million, respectively, at June 30, 2020 and $461 million, $53 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
(4)
Amounts include carrying values of $274 million and $292 million in loans pledged as collateral against the note issued from a student loan securitization trust at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
(5)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
Credit Quality Indicators
As part of credit risk management activities, on an ongoing basis, the Company reviews information related to the performance of a customer's account with the Company as well as information from credit bureaus, such as FICO or other credit scores, relating to the customer's broader credit performance. Key credit quality indicators that are actively monitored for credit card, private student and personal loans include FICO scores and delinquency status. These indicators are important to understand the overall credit performance of the Company's customers and their ability to repay.
FICO scores are generally obtained at origination of the account and are refreshed monthly or quarterly thereafter to assist in predicting customer behavior. Historically, the Company has noted that accounts with FICO scores below 660 have larger delinquencies and credit losses than those with higher credit scores.
The following table provides the distribution of the most recent FICO scores available for the Company's customers by the amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) for credit card, private student and personal loan receivables (dollars in millions):
 
Credit Risk Profile by FICO Score
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
660 and Above
 
Less than 660
or No Score
 
660 and Above
 
Less than 660
or No Score
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Credit card loans(1)
$
56,772

 
81
%
 
$
13,429

 
19
%
 
$
61,997

 
80
%
 
$
15,184

 
20
%
Private student loans by origination year(2)(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
321

 
98
%
 
$
8

 
2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
1,714

 
96
%
 
72

 
4
%
 
$
1,176

 
93
%
 
$
92

 
7
%
2018
1,437

 
95
%
 
72

 
5
%
 
1,518

 
95
%
 
79

 
5
%
2017
1,114

 
94
%
 
67

 
6
%
 
1,198

 
95
%
 
69

 
5
%
2016
850

 
94
%
 
57

 
6
%
 
934

 
94
%
 
58

 
6
%
Prior
3,749

 
93
%
 
269

 
7
%
 
4,229

 
93
%
 
300

 
7
%
Total private student loans
$
9,185

 
94
%
 
$
545

 
6
%
 
$
9,055

 
94
%
 
$
598

 
6
%
Personal loans by origination year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
1,454

 
99
%
 
$
9

 
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
2,840

 
97
%
 
91

 
3
%
 
$
3,529

 
98
%
 
$
62

 
2
%
2018
1,440

 
92
%
 
120

 
8
%
 
1,941

 
93
%
 
140

 
7
%
2017
821

 
89
%
 
98

 
11
%
 
1,167

 
90
%
 
136

 
10
%
2016
307

 
88
%
 
43

 
12
%
 
475

 
88
%
 
65

 
12
%
Prior
77

 
83
%
 
16

 
17
%
 
145

 
84
%
 
27

 
16
%
Total personal loans
$
6,939

 
95
%
 
$
377

 
5
%
 
$
7,257

 
94
%
 
$
430

 
6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts include $1.0 billion and $956 million of revolving line-of-credit arrangements that were converted to term loans as a result of a TDR program as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(2)
A majority of student loans originations occur in the third quarter and disbursements can span across multiple calendar years.
(3)
FICO score represents the higher credit score of the cosigner or borrower.
Delinquencies are an indicator of credit quality at a point in time. A loan balance is considered delinquent when contractual payments on the loan become 30 days past due.
The amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) of delinquent loans in the Company's loan portfolio is shown below for credit card, private student and personal loan receivables (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
  
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
 
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
Credit card loans
$
677

 
$
846

 
$
1,523

 
$
999

 
$
1,020

 
$
2,019

Private student loans by origination year(1)(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
1

 

 
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

2018
9

 
4

 
13

 
4

 
1

 
5

2017
12

 
5

 
17

 
11

 
2

 
13

2016
13

 
5

 
18

 
14

 
5

 
19

Prior
78

 
26

 
104

 
106

 
37

 
143

Total private student loans
$
113

 
$
40

 
$
153

 
$
136

 
$
45

 
$
181

Personal loans by origination year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
14

 
7

 
21

 
$
11

 
$
3

 
$
14

2018
17

 
9

 
26

 
27

 
11

 
38

2017
12

 
7

 
19

 
22

 
10

 
32

2016
5

 
3

 
8

 
10

 
5

 
15

Prior
2

 
1

 
3

 
4

 
2

 
6

Total personal loans
$
52

 
$
27

 
$
79

 
$
74

 
$
31

 
$
105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Student loans may include a deferment period, during which customers are not required to make payments while enrolled in school at least half time as determined by the school. During a deferment period, these loans do not advance into delinquency.
(2)
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
In response to the economic impact of COVID-19, the Company employed skip-a-pay programs as short-term offerings, which allow customers on a monthly or other periodic basis to request approval to skip their payment(s) for that month or period. Current accounts enrolled in these programs do not advance to delinquency, and delinquent accounts enrolled in these programs do not advance to the next delinquency cycle, or to charge-off.
In addition to the skip-a-pay programs, the Company has other modification programs that customers have utilized during the period. Due to provisions in the CARES Act or interagency guidance, some accounts in these programs do not constitute TDRs.



Allowance for Credit Losses
A detailed description of the Company's allowance for credit losses policy can be found under the sub-heading "— Significant Loan Receivables Accounting Policies — Allowance for Credit Losses" below.
The following tables provide changes in the Company's allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
5,306

 
$
765

 
$
807

 
$
35

 
$
6,913

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
1,873

 
49

 
114

 
2

 
2,038

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(852
)
 
(20
)
 
(78
)
 

 
(950
)
Recoveries
164

 
5

 
14

 

 
183

Net charge-offs
(688
)
 
(15
)
 
(64
)
 

 
(767
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2019(2)
$
2,622

 
$
168

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,134

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
692

 
15

 
80

 

 
787

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(789
)
 
(18
)
 
(91
)
 

 
(898
)
Recoveries
166

 
3

 
11

 

 
180

Net charge-offs(3)
(623
)
 
(15
)
 
(80
)
 

 
(718
)
Other(4)

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following tables provide changes in the Company's allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019(2)
$
2,883

 
$
148

 
$
348

 
$
4

 
$
3,383

Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption(5)
1,667

 
505

 
265

 
24

 
2,461

Balance at January 1, 2020
4,550

 
653

 
613

 
28

 
5,844

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
3,312

 
178

 
377

 
9

 
3,876

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,721
)
 
(42
)
 
(162
)
 

 
(1,925
)
Recoveries
350

 
10

 
29

 

 
389

Net charge-offs
(1,371
)
 
(32
)
 
(133
)
 

 
(1,536
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018(2)
$
2,528

 
$
169

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,041

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
1,402

 
30

 
164

 

 
1,596

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,563
)
 
(37
)
 
(185
)
 

 
(1,785
)
Recoveries
324

 
7

 
21

 

 
352

Net charge-offs(3)
(1,239
)
 
(30
)
 
(164
)
 

 
(1,433
)
Other(4)

 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Excludes an $8 million build and $23 million release of the liability for expected credit losses on unfunded commitments for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as the liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(2)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
(3)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, net charge-offs on PCD loans generally did not result in a charge to earnings.
(4)
Net change in reserves on PCD pools having no remaining non-accretable difference (prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020).
(5)
Represents the adjustment to allowance for credit losses as a result of adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.

The allowance for credit losses was $8.2 billion at June 30, 2020, which reflects a $1.3 billion build over the amount of the allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2020. The allowance build across all loan products primarily reflects an economic outlook with updated assumptions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In estimating the allowance at June 30, 2020, the Company used a macroeconomic forecast that assumes a peak unemployment rate of 16%, recovering to just under 11% at the end of 2020 with slow recovery over the next few years, and an annualized real Gross Domestic Product decline of approximately 30% quarter-over-quarter or down approximately 10% on a year-over-year basis. The estimate also contemplated the impact of government stimulus programs and company-initiated loan modification programs on borrower payment behavior. The impact of COVID-19 on the economy has led to uncertainty in assumptions surrounding factors such as the length and depth of economic stresses and borrower behavior, which required significant management judgment in estimating the allowance for credit losses.
Company-initiated loan modification programs include those offered specifically in response to COVID-19 as well as existing programs offered to customers experiencing difficulty making their payments. In addition to skip-a-pay programs, the Company has other modification programs that customers have utilized during the period related to the pandemic. The accounts using these modifications are generally excluded from TDR status either because the concessions are insignificant or they qualify for exemption pursuant to the CARES Act or interagency guidance. All modifications are considered as part of the process for determining the allowance for credit losses.
The allowance for credit losses was $8.2 billion at June 30, 2020, which reflects a $4.8 billion build over the amount of the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019. The allowance build across all loan products was due to (I) a
$2.5 billion cumulative-effect adjustment for the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, and (II) a $2.3 billion build that primarily reflects an economic outlook that included the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic stress.
At adoption of CECL and at June 30, 2020, the forecast period management deemed to be reasonable and supportable was 18 months. This period decreased to 12 months at March 31, 2020 due to the uncertainty caused by the rapidly changing economic environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second quarter, the reasonable and supportable period was 18 months based on the view that the present macroeconomic conditions will last for a longer period than previously expected. For both quarters, the reversion period was 12 months. Since adoption of CECL, a straight-line method was used to revert to appropriate historical information. During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the high degree of economic stress led the Company to apply a weighted reversion method for credit card loans that puts more emphasis on the loss forecast model rather than lower historical losses. At June 30, 2020, the reversion method remained straight-line for all other products.
The increase in net charge-offs on credit card loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 when compared to the same periods in 2019 was due to seasoning of recent years' loan growth.
Net charge-offs of principal are recorded against the allowance for credit losses, as shown in the preceding table. Information regarding net charge-offs of interest and fee revenues on credit card and other loans is as follows (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Interest and fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction of interest income)
$
136

 
$
128

 
$
279

 
$
255

Fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction to other income)
$
33

 
$
30

 
$
68

 
$
61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Delinquent and Non-Accruing Loans
The amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) of delinquent and non-accruing loans in the Company's loan portfolio is shown below by each class of loan receivables (dollars in millions):
  
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
and
Accruing
 
Total
Non-accruing(1)
At June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
677

 
$
846

 
$
1,523

 
$
782

 
$
221

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private student loans(2)
113

 
40

 
153

 
39

 
13

Personal loans
52

 
27

 
79

 
25

 
9

Other
5

 
3

 
8

 

 
10

Total other loans
170

 
70

 
240

 
64

 
32

Total loan receivables
$
847

 
$
916

 
$
1,763

 
$
846

 
$
253

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
999

 
$
1,020

 
$
2,019

 
$
940

 
$
237

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private student loans(2)
136

 
45

 
181

 
45

 
11

Personal loans
74

 
31

 
105

 
29

 
12

Other
5

 
2

 
7

 

 
6

Total other loans
215

 
78

 
293

 
74

 
29

Total loan receivables
$
1,214

 
$
1,098

 
$
2,312

 
$
1,014

 
$
266

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Company estimates that the gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of non-accruing credit card loans was $8 million and $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $18 million and $23 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company does not separately track the amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of loans. This amount was estimated based on customers' current balances and most recent interest rates.
(2)
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
The Company has internal loan modification programs that provide relief to credit card, student and personal loan borrowers who may be experiencing financial hardship. The Company considers a modified loan in which a concession has been granted to the borrower to be a TDR based on the cumulative length of the concession period and credit quality of the borrower. New programs are continually evaluated to determine which of them meet the definition of a TDR, including programs provided to customers for temporary relief due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak that may be subject to regulatory exclusion from TDR status. The internal loan modification programs include both temporary and permanent programs, which vary by product. External loan modification programs are also available for credit card and personal loans. For all temporary modification programs, including those created specifically in response to COVID-19, the accounts are reviewed for exclusion from being reported as a TDR in accordance with the CARES Act or interagency guidance. To the extent the accounts do not meet the requirements for exclusion, temporary and permanent modifications on credit card and personal loans, as well as temporary modifications on student loans and certain grants of student loan forbearance, result in the loans being classified as TDRs. In addition, loans that defaulted (see table on loans that defaulted from a TDR program that follows) or graduated from modification programs or forbearance continue to be classified as TDRs, except as noted below.
For credit card customers, the Company offers both temporary and permanent hardship programs. The temporary hardship programs consist of an interest rate reduction and in some cases a reduced minimum payment, both lasting for a period no longer than 12 months. Charging privileges on these loans are generally suspended while in the program and if certain criteria are met, may be reinstated following completion of the program. Beginning in 2020, credit card accounts of borrowers that have previously participated in a temporary interest rate reduction program and that have both demonstrated financial stability and had their charging privileges reinstated at a market-based interest rate, are excluded from the balance of TDRs.
The permanent modification program involves closing the account, changing the structure of the loan to a fixed payment loan with a maturity no longer than 60 months and reducing the interest rate on the loan. The permanent modification program does not normally provide for the forgiveness of unpaid principal, but may allow for the reversal of certain unpaid interest or fee assessments. The Company also makes permanent loan modifications for customers who request financial assistance through external sources, such as a consumer credit counseling agency program. These loans typically receive a reduced interest rate but continue to be subject to the original minimum payment terms and do not normally include waiver of unpaid principal, interest or fees. These loans remain in the population of TDRs until they are paid off or charged off.
At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were $5.6 billion of private student loans in repayment and $21 million and $46 million, respectively, in forbearance. To assist student loan borrowers who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties but are willing to resume making payments, the Company may offer hardship forbearance or programs that include payment deferral, temporary payment reduction, temporary interest rate reduction or extended terms. A modified loan typically meets the definition of a TDR based on the cumulative length of the concession period and a determination of financial distress based on an evaluation of the credit quality of the borrower using FICO scores.
For personal loan customers, in certain situations the Company offers various payment programs, including temporary and permanent programs. The temporary programs normally consist of a reduction of the minimum payment for a period of no longer than 12 months with the option of a final balloon payment required at the end of the loan term or an extension of the maturity date with the total term not exceeding nine years. Further, in certain circumstances the interest rate on the loan is reduced. The permanent programs involve changing the terms of the loan in order to pay off the outstanding balance over a longer term and in certain circumstances reducing the interest rate on the loan. Similar to the temporary programs, the total term may not exceed nine years. The Company also allows permanent loan modifications for customers who request financial assistance through external sources, similar to the credit card customers discussed above. Payments are modified based on the new terms agreed upon with the credit counseling agency. Personal loans included in temporary and permanent programs are classified as TDRs.
Borrower performance after using payment programs or forbearance is monitored and the Company believes the programs are useful in assisting customers experiencing financial difficulties and allowing them to make timely payments. In addition to helping customers with their credit needs, these programs are designed to maximize collections and ultimately the Company’s profitability. The Company plans to continue to use payment programs and forbearance as a means to provide relief to customers experiencing temporary financial difficulties and, as a result, expects to have additional loans classified as TDRs in the future.
In order to evaluate the primary financial effects that resulted from credit card loans entering into a TDR program during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company quantified the amount by which interest and fees were reduced during the periods. During the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company forgave approximately $18 million and $17 million, respectively, of interest and fees as a result of accounts entering into a credit card loan TDR program. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company forgave approximately $39 million and $34 million, respectively, of interest and fees as a result of accounts entering into a credit card loan TDR program. For all loan products, interest income on modified loans is recognized based on the modified contractual terms.

TDR program balances and number of accounts have been favorably impacted by customer usage of modifications that were subject to TDR exclusion in accordance with the CARES Act or interagency guidance and are lower than comparative periods as a result.
The following table provides information on loans that entered a TDR program during the period (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)
27,966

 
$
191

 
84,568

 
$
551

Private student loans
62

 
$
1

 
1,710

 
$
30

Personal loans
1,332

 
$
17

 
2,670

 
$
36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)
120,702

 
$
800

 
176,924

 
$
1,143

Private student loans
1,780

 
$
33

 
3,286

 
$
61

Personal loans
3,880

 
$
51

 
5,270

 
$
71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Accounts that entered a credit card TDR program include $176 million and $173 million that were converted from revolving line-of-credit arrangements to term loans during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $386 million and $336 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following table presents the carrying value of loans that experienced a payment default during the period that had been modified in a TDR during the 15 months preceding the end of each period (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
TDRs that subsequently defaulted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)(2)
11,841

 
$
66

 
16,220

 
$
95

Private student loans(3)
246

 
$
5

 
290

 
$
6

Personal loans(2)
622

 
$
9

 
946

 
$
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
TDRs that subsequently defaulted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)(2)
32,326

 
$
183

 
31,872

 
$
185

Private student loans(3)
604

 
$
12

 
570

 
$
11

Personal loans(2)
1,822

 
$
27

 
1,794

 
$
27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Terms revert back to the pre-modification terms for customers who default from a temporary program and charging privileges remain suspended in most cases.
(2)
For credit card loans and personal loans, a customer defaults from a TDR program after two consecutive missed payments. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
(3)
For student loans, defaults have been defined as loans that are 60 or more days delinquent. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
Of the account balances that defaulted as shown above for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, approximately 61% and 39%, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, approximately 48% and 39%, respectively, of the total balances were charged off at the end of the month in which they defaulted from a TDR program.
Significant Loan Receivables Accounting Policies
With the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, certain significant accounting policies have changed since disclosed in Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 1: Background and Basis of Presentation for details on adoption of the standard. Impacts on all significant loan receivables accounting policies are summarized as follows:
The loan receivables policy was updated to reflect the removal of PCI loans as a separate loan portfolio segment.
The relevance of the PCI loan policy was eliminated by CECL and therefore it was removed as a significant accounting policy.
The delinquent loans and charge-offs policy did not change.
The allowance for credit losses policy was updated to reflect the CECL approach for estimating credit losses.
The loan interest and fee income policy, which includes certain accounting policy elections related to accrued interest, did not materially change.
The policies below represent those with significant updates resulting from adoption of ASU 2016-13 and are reflective of those updates. Policies that did not materially change can be found at Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Loan Receivables
Loan receivables consist of credit card receivables and other loans. Loan receivables also include unamortized net deferred loan origination fees and costs. Credit card loan receivables are reported at their principal amounts outstanding and include uncollected billed interest and fees and are reduced for unearned revenue related to balance transfer fees. Other loans consist of student loans, personal loans and other loans and are reported at their principal amounts outstanding. For student loans, principal amounts outstanding also include accrued interest that has been capitalized. The Company's loan receivables are deemed to be held for investment at origination or acquisition because management has the intent and ability to hold them for the foreseeable future. Cash flows associated with loans originated or acquired for investment are classified as cash flows from investing activities, regardless of a subsequent change in intent.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level that is appropriate to absorb credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables as of the balance sheet date. The estimate of expected credit losses considers uncollectible principal, interest and fees associated with the Company's loan receivables existing as of the balance sheet date. Additionally, the estimate includes expected recoveries of amounts that were either previously charged off or are expected to be charged off. The allowance is evaluated quarterly for appropriateness and is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for credit losses. Charge-offs of principal amounts of loans outstanding are deducted from the allowance and subsequent recoveries of such amounts increase the allowance. Charge-offs of loan balances representing unpaid interest and fees result in a reversal of interest and fee income, respectively, which is effectively a reclassification of the provision for credit losses.
The Company calculates its allowance for credit losses by estimating expected credit losses separately for classes of the loan portfolio with similar risk characteristics, which results in segmenting the portfolio by loan product type. The allowance for credit losses for each loan product type is based on: 1) a reasonable and supportable forecast period, 2) a reversion period and 3) a post-reversion period based on historical information covering the remaining life of the loan, all of which is netted with expected recoveries. The lengths of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods can vary and are subject to a quarterly assessment that considers the economic outlook and level of variability among macroeconomic forecasts. Generally, a straight-line method is used to revert from the reasonable and supportable forecast period to the post-reversion period, but in certain stressed scenarios, a weighted approach may be deemed more appropriate.
Several analyses are used to help estimate credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables as of the balance sheet date. The Company's estimation process includes models that predict customer losses based on risk characteristics and portfolio attributes, macroeconomic variables, and historical data and analysis. There is a significant amount of judgment applied in selecting inputs and analyzing the results produced by the models to determine the allowance.
For credit card loans, the Company uses a modeling framework that includes the following components for estimating expected credit losses:
Probability of default: this model estimates the probability of charge-off at different points in time over the life of each loan.
Exposure at default: this model estimates the portion of the balance sheet date balance remaining at any given time of charge-off for each loan. Given that there is no stated life of a receivable balance on a revolving credit card account, the Company applies a percentage of expected payments to estimate the portion of the balance that would remain at the time of charge-off.
Loss given default: this model estimates the percentage of exposure (i.e. net loss) at time of charge-off that cannot be recovered, with the offsetting forecast recoveries being the driver of this estimate.
Recoveries from previously charged-off accounts are estimated separately and are netted as part of the aggregation of all of the components of the card loss modeling framework.
For student loans and personal loans, the Company uses vintage-based models that estimate expected credit losses over the life of the loan, net of recovery estimates, impacted mainly by time elapsed since origination, credit quality of origination vintages and macroeconomic forecasts.
The models described above for credit card, student and personal loans are developed utilizing historical data and applicable macroeconomic variable inputs based on statistical analysis and behavioral relationships with credit performance. Expected recoveries from loans charged off as of the balance sheet date are modeled separately and included in the allowance estimate. The Company leverages these models and recent macroeconomic forecasts for the portion of the estimate associated with the reasonable and supportable forecast period. To estimate expected credit losses for the remainder of the life of the credit card loans, the Company reverts to historical experience of credit card loans with characteristics similar to those as of the balance sheet date and observed over various phases of a credit cycle. To estimate expected credit losses for the remainder of the life of student and personal loans, the Company reverts to use of average macroeconomic variables over an appropriate historical period.
The considerations in these models include past and current loan performance, loan growth and seasoning, risk management practices, account collection strategies, economic conditions, bankruptcy filings, policy changes and forecasting uncertainties. Consideration of past and current loan performance includes the post-modification performance of loans modified in a TDR. For the credit card loan portfolio, the Company estimates its credit losses on a loan-level basis, which includes loans that are delinquent and/or no longer accruing interest and/or loans that have been modified under a TDR. For the remainder of its portfolio, including student, personal and other loans, the Company estimates its credit losses on a pooled basis. For all loan types, recoveries are estimated at a pooled level based on estimates of future cash flows derived using historical experience.
Interest on credit card loans is included in the estimate of expected credit losses once billed to the customer (i.e., once the interest becomes part of the loan balance). An allowance for credit losses is measured for accrued interest on all other loans and is presented as part of allowance for credit losses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company records a liability for expected credit losses for unfunded commitments on all other loans, which is presented as part of accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. This liability is evaluated quarterly for appropriateness and is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for credit losses. No liability for expected credit losses is required for unused lines of credit on the Company’s credit card loans because they are unconditionally cancellable.
v3.20.2
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities
The Company's securitizations are accounted for as secured borrowings and the related trusts are treated as consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. For a description of the Company's principles of consolidation with respect to VIEs, see Note 1: Background and Basis of Presentation to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Credit Card Securitization Activities
The Company accesses the term asset securitization market through the Discover Card Master Trust I ("DCMT") and the Discover Card Execution Note Trust ("DCENT"). Credit card loan receivables are transferred into DCMT and beneficial interests in DCMT are transferred into DCENT. DCENT issues debt securities to investors that are reported in long-term borrowings.
The DCENT debt structure consists of four classes of securities (DiscoverSeries Class A, B, C and D notes), with the most senior class generally receiving a triple-A rating. In order to issue senior, higher rated classes of notes, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate amount of credit enhancement, generally through the issuance of junior, lower rated or more highly subordinated classes of notes. The subordinated classes are held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Discover Bank. The Company is exposed to credit-related risk of loss associated with trust assets as of the balance sheet date through the retention of these subordinated interests. The estimated loss is included in the allowance for credit losses estimate.
The Company's retained interests in the assets of the trusts, consisting of investments in DCENT notes held by subsidiaries of Discover Bank, constitute intercompany positions, which are eliminated in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Upon transfer of credit card loan receivables to the trust, the receivables and certain cash flows derived from them become restricted for use in meeting obligations to the trusts' creditors. Further, the transferred credit card loan receivables are owned by the trust and are not available to third-party creditors of the Company. The trusts have ownership of cash balances, the amounts of which are reported in restricted cash. With the exception of the seller's interest in trust receivables, the Company's interests in trust assets are generally subordinate to the interests of third-party investors and, as such, may not be realized by the Company if needed to absorb deficiencies in cash flows that are allocated to the investors in the trusts' debt. Apart from the restricted assets related to securitization activities, the investors and the securitization trusts have no recourse to the Company's other assets or the Company's general credit for a shortage in cash flows.
The carrying values of these restricted assets, which are presented on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as relating to securitization activities, are shown in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Restricted cash
$
19

 
$
28

 
 
 
 
Investors' interests held by third-party investors
12,450

 
14,100

Investors' interests held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Discover Bank
4,184

 
4,796

Seller's interest
11,018

 
12,652

Loan receivables(1)
27,652

 
31,548

Allowance for credit losses allocated to securitized loan receivables(1)(2)
(1,972
)
 
(1,179
)
Net loan receivables
25,680

 
30,369

Other
5

 
5

Carrying value of assets of consolidated variable interest entities
$
25,704

 
$
30,402

 
 
 
 

(1)
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at an amount sufficient to absorb expected losses inherent in all loan receivables, which includes all loan receivables in the trusts. Therefore, credit risk associated with the transferred receivables is fully reflected on the Company's balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.
(2)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
The debt securities issued by the consolidated trusts are subject to credit, payment and interest rate risks on the transferred credit card loan receivables. To protect investors in the securities, there are certain features or triggering events that could cause an early amortization of the debt securities, including triggers related to the impact of the performance of the trust receivables on the availability and adequacy of cash flows to meet contractual requirements. As of June 30, 2020, no economic or other early amortization events have occurred.
The Company continues to own and service the accounts that generate the loan receivables held by the trusts. Discover Bank receives servicing fees from the trusts based on a percentage of the monthly investor principal balance outstanding. Although the fee income to Discover Bank offsets the fee expense to the trusts and thus is eliminated in consolidation, failure to service the transferred loan receivables in accordance with contractual requirements could lead to a termination of the servicing rights and the loss of future servicing income, net of related expenses.
Student Loan Securitization Activities
Student loan trust receivables are recorded in private student loans and the related debt issued by the trusts is reported in long-term borrowings. The assets of the trusts are restricted from being sold or pledged as collateral for other borrowings and the cash flows from these restricted assets may be used only to pay obligations of the trusts. With the exception of the trusts' restricted assets, the trusts and investors have no recourse to the Company's other assets or the Company's general credit for a shortage in cash flows.
Securities issued to investors are outstanding from only one of the two remaining student loan securitization trusts. Principal payments on the long-term secured borrowings are made as cash is collected on the underlying loans that are used as collateral on the secured borrowings. The Company does not have access to cash collected by the securitization trust until cash is released in accordance with the trust indenture agreement. Similar to the credit card securitizations, the Company continues to own and service the accounts that generate the student loan receivables held by the trust and receives servicing fees from the trust based on a percentage of the principal balance outstanding. Although the servicing fee income offsets the fee expense related to the trust and thus is eliminated in consolidation, failure to service the transferred loan receivables in accordance with contractual requirements could lead to a termination of the servicing rights and the loss of future servicing income, net of related expenses.
Under terms of the trust arrangement, the Company has the option, but not the obligation, to provide financial support to the trust, but has never provided such support. A substantial portion of the credit risk associated with the securitized loans has been transferred to a third party under an indemnification arrangement.
The carrying values of these restricted assets, which are presented on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as relating to securitization activities, are shown in the following table (dollars in millions): 
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Restricted cash
$
10

 
$
12

Student loan receivables
274

 
292

Carrying value of assets of consolidated variable interest entities
$
284

 
$
304

 
 
 
 

v3.20.2
Intangible Assets (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Intangible Assets [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Intangible Assets
In connection with the preparation of the financial statements for this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the Company identified a triggering event due to changes in the international travel and entertainment businesses that continue to persist and a declining revenue outlook for the foreseeable future resulting from COVID-19. As a result, the Company conducted an interim impairment test on its Diners Club trade names and international transaction processing rights non-amortizable intangible assets.
The valuation methodology used to value the trade names and international transaction processing rights was based on a discounted cash flow method, consistent with the methodology used for annual impairment testing. As a result of this analysis, the Company made the determination that the trade names and international transaction processing rights were impaired and recognized a charge in its Payment Services segment of $36 million and $23 million, respectively. The impairment was recorded in other expense.
The trade names have a remaining net book value of $92 million and the international transaction processing rights have no remaining net book value.
v3.20.2
Deposits
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Deposits [Abstract]  
Deposits
Deposits
The Company offers its deposit products to customers through two channels: (i) through direct marketing, internet origination and affinity relationships ("direct-to-consumer deposits"); and (ii) indirectly through contractual arrangements with securities brokerage firms ("brokered deposits"). Direct-to-consumer deposits include online savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRA certificates of deposit and checking accounts, while brokered deposits include certificates of deposit and sweep accounts.
The following table provides a summary of interest-bearing deposit accounts (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Certificates of deposit in amounts less than $100,000
$
22,974

 
$
25,113

Certificates of deposit in amounts $100,000 or greater(1)
10,392

 
9,268

Savings deposits, including money market deposit accounts
42,999

 
37,574

Total interest-bearing deposits
$
76,365

 
$
71,955

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes $3.0 billion and $2.6 billion in certificates of deposit equal to or greater than $250,000, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
The following table summarizes certificates of deposit in amounts of $100,000 or greater by contractual maturity (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
Three months or less
$
1,954

Over three months through six months
1,639

Over six months through twelve months
3,941

Over twelve months
2,858

Total
$
10,392

 
 

The following table summarizes certificates of deposit maturing over the remainder of this year, over each of the next four years, and thereafter (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
2020
$
9,868

2021
13,767

2022
4,092

2023
2,148

2024
1,346

Thereafter
2,145

Total
$
33,366

 
 

v3.20.2
Long-Term Borrowings
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-Term Borrowings
Long-Term Borrowings
Long-term borrowings consist of borrowings having original maturities of one year or more. The following table provides a summary of the Company's long-term borrowings and weighted-average interest rates on outstanding balances (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Maturity
 
Interest
Rate
 
Weighted-Average Interest Rate
 
Outstanding Amount
 
Outstanding Amount
Securitized Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate asset-backed securities(1)
2020-2024
 
1.85%-3.32%
 
2.56%
 
$
7,955

 
$
8,609

Floating-rate asset-backed securities(2)
2021-2024
 
0.41%-0.78%
 
0.58%
 
4,667

 
5,515

Total Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,622

 
14,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floating-rate asset-backed security(3)(4)
2031
 
4.25%
 
4.25%
 
144

 
160

Total student loan securitization trust
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

 
160

Total long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,766

 
14,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services (Parent Company)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate senior notes
2022-2027
 
3.75%-5.20%
 
4.16%
 
3,316

 
3,296

Fixed-rate retail notes
2021-2031
 
2.85%-4.60%
 
3.73%
 
337

 
340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate senior bank notes(1)
2021-2030
 
2.45%-4.65%
 
3.89%
 
6,255

 
6,785

Fixed-rate subordinated bank notes
2028-2028
 
4.68%-4.68%
 
4.68%
 
520

 
996

Total long-term borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
23,194

 
$
25,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge portions of these long-term borrowings against changes in fair value attributable to changes in LIBOR or Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") Rate. Use of these interest rate swaps impacts carrying value of the debt. See Note 16: Derivatives and Hedging Activities.
(2)
Discover Card Execution Note Trust floating-rate asset-backed securities include issuances with the following interest rate terms: 1-month LIBOR + 23 to 60 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
(3)
The student loan securitization trust floating-rate asset-backed security includes an issuance with the following interest rate term: Prime rate + 100 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
(4)
Repayment of this debt is dependent upon the timing of principal and interest payments on the underlying student loans. The date shown represents final maturity date.
The following table summarizes long-term borrowings maturing over the remainder of this year, over each of the next four years, and thereafter (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
2020
$
1,854

2021
4,246

2022
5,208

2023
3,421

2024
2,635

Thereafter
5,830

Total
$
23,194

 
 

The Company has access to committed borrowing capacity through private securitizations to support the funding of its credit card loan receivables. As of June 30, 2020, the total commitment of secured credit facilities through private providers was $6.0 billion, none of which was drawn as of June 30, 2020. Access to the unused portions of the secured credit facilities is subject to the terms of the agreements with each of the providers, which have various expirations in calendar years 2021 through 2022. Borrowings outstanding under each facility bear interest at a margin above LIBOR or the asset-backed commercial paper costs of each individual conduit provider. The terms of each agreement provide for a commitment fee to be paid on the unused capacity and include various affirmative and negative covenants, including performance metrics and legal requirements similar to those required to issue any term securitization transaction.
v3.20.2
Preferred Stock (Notes)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]  
Preferred Stock [Text Block]
Preferred Stock
On June 22, 2020, the Company issued and sold 5,000 shares of 6.125% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D (the “preferred stock”), with a par value of $0.01 per share. Each share of preferred stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 and is represented by 100 depositary shares. Proceeds, net of underwriting discount and estimated expenses, received from the preferred stock issuance totaled approximately $493 million. The preferred stock is redeemable at the Company’s option, subject to regulatory approval, either (1) in whole or in part during the three-month period prior to, and including, each reset date (as defined in the certificate of designations for the preferred stock) or (2) in whole but not in part, at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital event (as defined in the certificate of designations for the preferred stock), in each case at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share of preferred stock plus declared and unpaid dividends. Any dividends declared on the preferred stock will be payable semi-annually in arrears at a rate of 6.125% per annum until September 23, 2025, after which the dividend rate will reset every five years to a fixed annual rate equal to the 5-year Treasury rate plus 5.783%. For more information on the Company's preferred stock, see Note 12: Common and Preferred Stock to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
v3.20.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Investment Securities, Net of Tax
 
(Losses) Gains on Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax
 
Losses on Pension Plan, Net of Tax
 
AOCI
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
368

 
$
(20
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
134

Net change
(16
)
 
4

 

 
(12
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
352


$
(16
)

$
(214
)

$
122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2019
$
41

 
$
10

 
$
(187
)
 
$
(136
)
Net change
71

 
(18
)
 

 
53

Balance at June 30, 2019
$
112

 
$
(8
)
 
$
(187
)
 
$
(83
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
112

 
$
(17
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
(119
)
Net change
240

 
1

 

 
241

Balance at June 30, 2020
$
352

 
$
(16
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
10

 
$
22

 
$
(188
)
 
$
(156
)
Net change
102

 
(30
)
 
1

 
73

Balance at June 30, 2019
$
112

 
$
(8
)
 
$
(187
)
 
$
(83
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table presents each component of other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") before reclassifications and amounts reclassified from AOCI for each component of OCI before- and after-tax (dollars in millions):
 
Before Tax
 
Tax Benefit (Expense)
 
Net of Tax
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding losses arising during the period
$
(20
)
 
$
4

 
$
(16
)
Net change
$
(20
)
 
$
4

 
$
(16
)
Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains arising during the period
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
5

 
(2
)
 
3

Net change
$
5

 
$
(1
)
 
$
4

Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
94

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

Net change
$
94

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(22
)
 
$
6

 
$
(16
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Net change
$
(24
)
 
$
6

 
$
(18
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
317

 
$
(77
)
 
$
240

Net change
$
317

 
$
(77
)
 
$
240

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(7
)
 
$
3

 
$
(4
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
7

 
(2
)
 
5

Net change
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
134

 
$
(32
)
 
$
102

Net change
$
134

 
$
(32
)
 
$
102

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(35
)
 
$
9

 
$
(26
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(5
)
 
1

 
(4
)
Net change
$
(40
)
 
$
10

 
$
(30
)
Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains arising during the period
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

Net change
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 

v3.20.2
Income Taxes
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The following table presents the calculation of the Company's effective income tax rate (dollars in millions, except effective income tax rate):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(461
)
 
$
987

 
$
(539
)
 
$
1,917

Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(93
)
 
$
234

 
$
(110
)
 
$
438

Effective income tax rate
20.2
%
 
23.8
%
 
20.4
%
 
22.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The income tax expense decreased $327 million and $548 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2019 due to pretax losses for the current periods. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 is lower due to a lower projected pretax income for the full year. The Company calculates its provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year to pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequent occurring discrete items. The Company is projecting a lower pretax income for the full year, therefore the effective tax rate for the full year is lower from the historical annual effective tax rate.
The Company is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and tax authorities in various state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments or settlements in each of the taxing jurisdictions resulting from these and subsequent years' examinations. The years 2011-2015 are currently under review by the IRS Office of Appeals. At this time, the potential change in unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to be significant over the next 12 months. The Company believes that its reserves are sufficient to cover any tax, penalties and interest that would result from such examinations.
v3.20.2
Earnings Per Share
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(368
)
 
$
753

 
$
(429
)
 
$
1,479

Preferred stock dividends

 

 
(16
)
 
(16
)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders
(368
)
 
753

 
(445
)
 
1,463

Income allocated to participating securities
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
Net (loss) income allocated to common stockholders
$
(369
)
 
$
747

 
$
(446
)
 
$
1,452

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
306

 
322

 
307

 
325

Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents

 
1

 

 
1

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents
306

 
323

 
307

 
326

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Anti-dilutive securities were not material and had no impact on the computation of diluted EPS for the three or six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
v3.20.2
Capital Adequacy
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Broker-Dealer, Net Capital Requirement, SEC Regulation [Abstract]  
Capital Adequacy
Capital Adequacy
The Company is subject to the capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve, and Discover Bank, the Company's main banking subsidiary, is subject to various regulatory capital requirements as administered by the FDIC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in the initiation of certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial position and results of the Company and Discover Bank. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Discover Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items, as calculated under regulatory guidelines. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
The Company and Discover Bank are subject to regulatory and capital rules issued by the Federal Reserve and FDIC, respectively, under the Basel Committee's December 2010 framework ("Basel III rules"). The Basel III rules, which became effective for the Company January 2015, were subject to phase-in periods through the end of 2018, based on the Company being classified as a "Standardized Approach" entity. As of January 1, 2019, the Basel III rules subject to transition have all been fully phased in with the exception of certain transition provisions that were frozen pursuant to regulation issued in November 2017. Pursuant to a final rule issued in July 2019, the transition provisions that were previously frozen have been replaced with new permanent rules effective in April 2020. Additionally, on March 27, 2020, federal bank regulatory agencies announced an interim final rule that allows banks that have implemented CECL the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period. For purposes of calculating regulatory capital, the Company has elected to defer recognition of the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years in accordance with the interim final rule adopted by federal bank regulatory agencies on March 27, 2020. Pursuant to the interim final rule, the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital will be phased in over a three-year period beginning in 2022.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company and Discover Bank met all Basel III minimum capital ratio requirements to which they were subject. The Company and Discover Bank also met the requirements to be considered "well-capitalized" under Regulation Y and prompt corrective action regulations, respectively, and there have been no conditions or events that management believes have changed the Company's or Discover Bank's category. To be categorized as "well-capitalized," the Company and Discover Bank must maintain minimum capital ratios as set forth in the table below.
The following table shows the actual capital amounts and ratios of the Company and Discover Bank and comparisons of each to the regulatory minimum and "well-capitalized" requirements (dollars in millions): 
 
Actual
 
Minimum Capital
Requirements
 
Capital Requirements
To Be Classified as
Well-Capitalized
 
Amount
 
Ratio(1)
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount(2)
 
Ratio(2)
June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
13,367

 
14.7
%
 
$
7,252

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,065

 
≥10.0%
Discover Bank
$
13,029

 
14.5
%
 
$
7,167

 
≥8.0%
 
$
8,958

 
≥10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,665

 
12.9
%
 
$
5,439

 
≥6.0%
 
$
5,439

 
≥6.0%
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
12.2
%
 
$
5,375

 
≥6.0%
 
$
7,167

 
≥8.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,665

 
10.0
%
 
$
4,645

 
≥4.0%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
9.5
%
 
$
4,597

 
≥4.0%
 
$
5,746

 
≥5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
10,609

 
11.7
%
 
$
4,079

 
≥4.5%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
12.2
%
 
$
4,031

 
≥4.5%
 
$
5,823

 
≥6.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
13,250

 
13.5
%
 
$
7,860

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,825

 
≥10.0%
Discover Bank
$
13,441

 
13.8
%
 
$
7,776

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,720

 
≥10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,595

 
11.8
%
 
$
5,895

 
≥6.0%
 
$
5,895

 
≥6.0%
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
11.5
%
 
$
5,832

 
≥6.0%
 
$
7,776

 
≥8.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,595

 
10.3
%
 
$
4,482

 
≥4.0%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
10.1
%
 
$
4,435

 
≥4.0%
 
$
5,544

 
≥5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,032

 
11.2
%
 
$
4,421

 
≥4.5%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
11.5
%
 
$
4,374

 
≥4.5%
 
$
6,318

 
≥6.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, including CECL transition provisions.
(2)
The Basel III rules do not establish well-capitalized thresholds for these measures for bank holding companies. Existing well-capitalized thresholds established in the Federal Reserve's Regulation Y have been included where available.
v3.20.2
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]  
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into a number of off-balance sheet commitments, transactions and obligations under guarantee arrangements that expose the Company to varying degrees of risk. The Company's commitments, contingencies and guarantee relationships are described below.
Commitments
Unused Credit Arrangements
At June 30, 2020, the Company had unused credit arrangements for loans of approximately $214.0 billion. Such arrangements arise primarily from agreements with customers for unused lines of credit on certain credit cards and certain other loan products, provided there is no violation of conditions in the related agreements. These arrangements, substantially all of which the Company can terminate at any time and which do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, are periodically reviewed based on account usage, customer creditworthiness and loan qualification.
Contingencies
See Note 14: Litigation and Regulatory Matters for a description of potential liability arising from pending litigation or regulatory proceedings involving the Company.
Guarantees
The Company has obligations under certain guarantee arrangements, including contracts, indemnification agreements, and representations and warranties, which contingently require the Company to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying asset, liability or equity security of a guaranteed party, rate or index. Also included as guarantees are contracts that contingently require the Company to make payments to a guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to perform under an agreement. The Company's use of guarantees is disclosed below by type of guarantee.
Securitizations Representations and Warranties
As part of the Company's financing activities, the Company provides representations and warranties that certain assets pledged as collateral in secured borrowing arrangements conform to specified guidelines. Due diligence is performed by the Company, which is intended to ensure that asset guideline qualifications are met. If the assets pledged as collateral do not meet certain conforming guidelines, the Company may be required to replace, repurchase or sell such assets. In its credit card securitization activities, the Company would replace nonconforming receivables through the allocation of excess seller's interest or from additional transfers from the unrestricted pool of receivables. If the Company could not add enough receivables to satisfy the requirement, an early amortization (or repayment) of investors' interests would be triggered. In its student loan securitizations, the Company would generally repurchase the loans from the trust at the outstanding principal amount plus interest.
The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make would be equal to the current outstanding balances of third-party investor interests in credit card asset-backed securities, and the principal amount of any student loan secured borrowings, plus any unpaid interest for the corresponding secured borrowings. The Company has recorded substantially all of the maximum potential amount of future payments in long-term borrowings on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company has not recorded any incremental contingent liability associated with its secured borrowing representations and warranties. Management believes that the probability of having to replace, repurchase or sell assets pledged as collateral under secured borrowing arrangements, including an early amortization event, is low.
Counterparty Settlement Guarantees
Diners Club and DFS Services LLC (on behalf of PULSE) have various counterparty exposures, which are listed below.
Merchant Guarantee. Diners Club has entered into contractual relationships with certain international merchants, which generally include travel-related businesses, for the benefit of all Diners Club licensees. The licensees hold the primary liability to settle the transactions of their customers with these merchants. However, Diners Club retains a counterparty exposure if a licensee fails to meet its financial payment obligation to one of these merchants.
ATM Guarantee. PULSE entered into contractual relationships with certain international ATM acquirers in which DFS Services LLC retains counterparty exposure if an issuer fails to fulfill its settlement obligation.
Network Alliance Guarantee. Discover Network, Diners Club and PULSE have entered into contractual relationships with certain international payment networks in which DFS Services LLC retains the counterparty exposure if a network fails to fulfill its settlement obligation.
The maximum potential amount of future payments related to such contingent obligations is dependent upon the transaction volume processed between the time a potential counterparty defaults on its settlement and the time at which the Company disables the settlement of any further transactions for the defaulting party. The Company has some contractual remedies to offset these counterparty settlement exposures (such as letters of credit or pledged deposits), however, there is no limitation on the maximum amount the Company may be liable to pay.
The actual amount of the potential exposure cannot be quantified as the Company cannot determine whether particular counterparties will fail to meet their settlement obligations. In the event that all licensees and/or issuers were to become
unable to settle their transactions, the Company estimates its maximum potential counterparty exposures to these settlement guarantees would be approximately $50 million as of June 30, 2020.
The Company believes that the estimated amounts of maximum potential future payments are not representative of the Company's actual potential loss exposure given Diners Club's and PULSE's insignificant historical losses from these counterparty exposures. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had not recorded any material contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements for these counterparty exposures and management believes that the probability of any payments under these arrangements is low.
Discover Network Merchant Chargeback Guarantees
The Company operates the Discover Network, issues payment cards and permits third parties to issue payment cards. The Company is contingently liable for certain transactions processed on the Discover Network in the event of a dispute between the payment card customer and a merchant. The contingent liability arises if the disputed transaction involves a merchant or merchant acquirer with whom the Discover Network has a direct relationship. If a dispute is resolved in the customer's favor, the Discover Network will credit or refund the disputed amount to the Discover Network card issuer, who in turn credits its customer's account. The Discover Network will then charge back the disputed amount of the payment card transaction to the merchant or merchant acquirer, where permitted by the applicable agreement, to seek recovery of amounts already paid to the merchant for payment card transactions. If the Discover Network is unable to collect the amount subject to dispute from the merchant or merchant acquirer (e.g., in the event of merchant default or dissolution or after expiration of the time period for chargebacks in the applicable agreement), the Discover Network will bear the loss for the amount credited or refunded to the customer. In most instances, a loss by the Discover Network is unlikely to arise in connection with payments on card transactions because most products or services are delivered when purchased and credits are issued by merchants on returned items in a timely fashion, thus minimizing the likelihood of cardholder disputes with respect to amounts paid by the Discover Network. However, where the product or service is not scheduled to be provided to the customer until a later date following the purchase, the likelihood of a contingent payment obligation by the Discover Network increases. Losses related to merchant chargebacks were not material for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
The maximum potential amount of obligations of the Discover Network arising as a result of such contingent obligations is estimated to be the portion of the total Discover Network transaction volume processed to date for which timely and valid disputes may be raised under applicable law and relevant issuer and customer agreements. There is no limitation on the maximum amount the Company may be liable to pay to issuers. However, the Company believes that such amount is not representative of the Company's actual potential loss exposure based on the Company's historical experience. The actual amount of the potential exposure cannot be quantified as the Company cannot determine whether the current or cumulative transaction volumes may include or result in disputed transactions.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding merchant chargeback guarantees (in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Aggregate sales transaction volume(1)
$
38,123

 
$
42,831

 
$
79,086

 
$
81,590

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Represents transactions processed on the Discover Network for which a potential liability exists that, in aggregate, can differ from credit card sales volume.
The Company did not record any material contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements for merchant chargeback guarantees as of June 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019. The Company mitigates the risk of potential loss exposure by withholding settlement from merchants, obtaining third-party guarantees, or obtaining escrow deposits or letters of credit from certain merchant acquirers or merchants that are considered higher risk due to various factors such as time delays in the delivery of products or services. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had escrow deposits and settlement withholdings of $34 million and $8 million, respectively, which are recorded in interest-bearing deposit accounts and accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
v3.20.2
Litigation and Regulatory Matters
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Loss Contingency [Abstract]  
Litigation and Regulatory Matters
Litigation and Regulatory Matters
In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company has been named as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with its activities. Certain of the actual or threatened legal actions include claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages or claims for indeterminate
amounts of damages. The litigation process is not predictable and can lead to unexpected results. The Company contests liability and/or the amount of damages as appropriate in each pending matter.
The Company has historically offered its customers an arbitration clause in its customer agreements. The arbitration clause allows the Company and its customers to quickly and economically resolve disputes. Additionally, the arbitration clause has in some instances limited the costs of, and the Company's exposure to, litigation. Future legal and regulatory challenges and prohibitions may cause the Company to discontinue its offering and use of such clauses. From time to time, the Company is involved in legal actions challenging its arbitration clause. Bills may be periodically introduced in Congress to directly or indirectly prohibit the use of pre-dispute arbitration clauses.
The Company is also involved, from time to time, in other reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental agencies regarding the Company's business including, among other matters, consumer regulatory, accounting, tax and other operational matters, some of which may result in significant adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions, decreases in regulatory ratings, customer restitution or other relief, which could materially impact the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements, increase its cost of operations, or limit its ability to execute its business strategies and engage in certain business activities. Certain subsidiaries of the Company are subject to a consent order with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") regarding certain student loan servicing practices, as described below. Pursuant to powers granted under federal banking laws, regulatory agencies have broad and sweeping discretion, and may assess civil money penalties, require changes to certain business practices or require customer restitution at any time.
In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes an accrued liability for legal and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. Litigation and regulatory settlement related expense was not material for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
There may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. The Company believes the estimate of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses (meaning those losses the likelihood of which is more than remote but less than likely) in excess of the amounts that the Company has accrued for legal and regulatory proceedings is up to $165 million. This estimated range of reasonably possible losses is based upon currently available information for those proceedings in which the Company is involved, takes into account the Company's best estimate of such losses for those matters for which an estimate can be made, and does not represent the Company's maximum potential loss exposure. Various aspects of the legal proceedings underlying the estimated range will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from the estimate.
The Company's estimated range above involves significant judgment, given the varying stages of the proceedings, the existence of numerous yet to be resolved issues, the breadth of the claims (often spanning multiple years and, in some cases, a wide range of business activities), unspecified damages and/or the novelty of the legal issues presented. The outcome of pending matters could be material to the Company's condensed consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows for a particular future period, depending on, among other things, the level of the Company's income for such period, and could adversely affect the Company's reputation.
On July 22, 2015, the Company announced that its subsidiaries, Discover Bank, The Student Loan Corporation and Discover Products Inc. (the "Discover Subsidiaries"), agreed to a consent order with the CFPB resolving the agency's investigation with respect to certain student loan servicing practices. The order required the Discover Subsidiaries to provide redress of approximately $16 million to consumers who may have been affected by the activities described in the order related to certain collection calls, overstatements of minimum payment due amounts in billing statements and provision of interest paid information to consumers, and provide regulatory disclosures with respect to loans acquired in default. In addition, the Discover Subsidiaries were required to pay a $2.5 million civil money penalty to the CFPB. As required by the consent order, on October 19, 2015, the Discover Subsidiaries submitted to the CFPB a redress plan and a compliance plan designed to ensure that the Discover Subsidiaries provide redress and otherwise comply with the terms of the order. The CFPB is currently investigating Discover Bank's compliance with the order and certain student loan servicing practices. Discover Bank is cooperating with the CFPB in connection with the investigation. Discover Bank is enhancing the compliance plan submitted to the CFPB in 2015. The investigation could lead to a supervisory action, which may result in legal fees, penalties, fines and remediation expenses, and could require Discover Bank to change certain business practices.
On March 8, 2016, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company, other credit card networks, other issuing banks, and EMVCo in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (B&R Supermarket, Inc., d/b/a Milam's Market, et al. v. Visa, Inc. et al.) alleging a conspiracy by defendants to shift fraud liability to merchants with the migration to
the EMV security standard and chip technology. Plaintiffs assert joint and several liability among the defendants and seek unspecified damages, including treble damages, attorneys' fees, costs and injunctive relief. In May 2017, the Court entered an order transferring the entire action to a federal court in New York that is presiding over certain related claims that are pending in the actions consolidated as MDL 1720. On March 11, 2018, the Court entered an order denying the plaintiffs' motion for class certification without prejudice to filing a renewed motion. Plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification on July 16, 2018. Defendants filed their Opposition to Class Certification on March 15, 2019; a hearing date is yet to be scheduled. The Company is not in a position at this time to assess the likely outcome or its exposure, if any, with respect to this matter, but will seek to vigorously defend against all claims asserted by the plaintiffs.
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, provides a three-level hierarchy for classifying financial instruments, which is based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of each financial instrument are observable or unobservable. It also requires certain disclosures about those measurements. The three-level valuation hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1: Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs are defined as those that utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2: Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs are those that utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active or inactive markets, quoted prices for the identical assets in an inactive market, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. The Company evaluates factors such as the frequency of transactions, the size of the bid-ask spread and the significance of adjustments made when considering transactions involving similar assets or liabilities to assess the relevance of those observed prices. If relevant and observable prices are available, the fair values of the related assets or liabilities would be classified as Level 2.
Level 3: Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are those based on unobservable inputs and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability being valued. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety is classified is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company may utilize both observable and unobservable inputs in determining the fair values of financial instruments classified within the Level 3 category.
The determination of classification of its financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy is performed at least quarterly by the Company. For transfers in and out of the levels of the fair value hierarchy, the Company discloses the fair value measurement based on the value immediately preceding the transfer.
The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and involves consideration of factors specific to the asset or liability. Furthermore, certain techniques used to measure fair value involve some degree of judgment and, as a result, are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Quoted Price in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets 
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs 
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,838

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency

 
363

 

 
363

Available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,838

 
$
363

 
$

 
$
10,201

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - cash flow hedges(1)
$

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - fair value hedges(1)
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,906

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency

 
417

 

 
417

Available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,906

 
$
417

 
$

 
$
10,323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - cash flow hedges(1)
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - fair value hedges(1)
$

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

Derivative financial instruments - foreign exchange forward contracts(1)
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Derivative instrument carrying values in an asset or liability position are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
Investment securities classified as available-for-sale consist of U.S. Treasury securities and residential mortgage-backed securities. The fair value estimates of investment securities classified as Level 1, consisting of U.S. Treasury securities, are determined based on quoted market prices for the same securities. The Company classifies residential mortgage-backed securities as Level 2, the fair value estimates of which are based on the best information available. This data may consist of observed market prices, broker quotes or discounted cash flow models that incorporate assumptions such as benchmark yields, issuer spreads, prepayment speeds, credit ratings and losses, the priority of which may vary based on availability of information.
The Company validates the fair value estimates provided by pricing services primarily by comparison to valuations obtained through other pricing sources. The Company evaluates pricing variances amongst different pricing sources to ensure that the valuations utilized are reasonable. The Company also corroborates the reasonableness of the fair value estimates with analysis of trends of significant inputs, such as market interest rate curves. The Company further performs due diligence in understanding the procedures and techniques performed by the pricing services to derive fair value estimates.
At June 30, 2020, amounts reported in residential mortgage-backed securities reflect government-rated obligations issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae with a par value of $345 million, a weighted-average coupon of 2.81% and a weighted-average remaining maturity of three years.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company's derivative financial instruments consist of interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts. These instruments are classified as Level 2 as their fair values are estimated using proprietary pricing models, containing certain assumptions based on readily observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, option volatility and foreign currency forward and spot rates. In determining fair values, the pricing models use widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and the observable market-based inputs. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from the observable market interest rate curves. The Company considers collateral and master netting agreements that mitigate credit exposure to counterparties in determining the counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment. The fair values of the currency instruments are valued comparing the contracted forward exchange rate pertaining to the specific contract maturities to the current market exchange rate.
The Company validates the fair value estimates of interest rate swaps primarily through comparison to the fair value estimates computed by the counterparties to each of the derivative transactions. The Company evaluates pricing variances amongst different pricing sources to ensure that the valuations utilized are reasonable. The Company also corroborates the reasonableness of the fair value estimates with analysis of trends of significant inputs, such as market interest rate curves. The Company performs due diligence in understanding the impact to any changes to the valuation techniques performed by proprietary pricing models prior to implementation, working closely with the third-party valuation service and reviews the control objectives of the service at least annually. The Company corroborates the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts through independent calculation of the fair value estimates.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company also has assets that under certain conditions are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets include those associated with acquired businesses, including goodwill and other intangible assets. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to the initial recognition of the assets is applicable if one or more of the assets is determined to be impaired. The Company had $59 million of impairments related to these assets during the three months ended June 30, 2020. See Note 5: Intangible Assets for more information on the impact of COVID-19 on intangible assets.
Financial Instruments Measured at Other Than Fair Value
The following tables disclose the estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value (dollars in millions):
Balance at June 30, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Carrying
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
$

 
$
293

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
284

Held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$
293

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan receivables
$

 
$

 
$
88,833

 
$
88,833

 
$
80,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,138

 
$

 
$

 
$
15,138

 
$
15,138

Restricted cash
$
29

 
$

 
$

 
$
29

 
$
29

Other short-term investments
$
2,549

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,549

 
$
2,549

Accrued interest receivables(2)
$

 
$
977

 
$

 
$
977

 
$
977

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(3)
$

 
$
34,303

 
$

 
$
34,303

 
$
33,366

Short-term borrowings
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
$

 
$
12,701

 
$
144

 
$
12,845

 
$
12,766

Other long-term borrowings

 
11,157

 

 
11,157

 
10,428

Long-term borrowings
$

 
$
23,858

 
$
144

 
$
24,002

 
$
23,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payables(2)
$

 
$
255

 
$

 
$
255

 
$
255

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the nature of their liquidity (i.e., due or payable in less than one year).
(2) Accrued interest receivable and payable carrying values are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's
         condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(3) Excludes deposits without contractually defined maturities for all periods presented.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following tables disclose the estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value (dollars in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Carrying
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
$

 
$
274

 
$

 
$
274

 
$
272

Held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$
274

 
$

 
$
274

 
$
272

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan receivables
$

 
$

 
$
96,094

 
$
96,094

 
$
92,511

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,924

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,924

 
$
6,924

Restricted cash
$
40

 
$

 
$

 
$
40

 
$
40

Accrued interest receivables(2)
$

 
$
1,044

 
$

 
$
1,044

 
$
1,044

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(3)
$

 
$
34,910

 
$

 
$
34,910

 
$
34,381

Short-term borrowings
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
$

 
$
14,211

 
$
172

 
$
14,383

 
$
14,284

Other long-term borrowings

 
12,189

 

 
12,189

 
11,417

Long-term borrowings
$

 
$
26,400

 
$
172

 
$
26,572

 
$
25,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payables(2)
$

 
$
283

 
$

 
$
283

 
$
283

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the nature of their liquidity (i.e., due or payable in less than one year).
(2)
Accrued interest receivable and payable carrying values are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(3)
Excludes deposits without contractually defined maturities for all periods presented.
v3.20.2
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company uses derivatives to manage its exposure to various financial risks. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Certain derivatives used to manage the Company's exposure to foreign currency are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting.
Derivatives may give rise to counterparty credit risk, which generally is addressed through collateral arrangements as described under the sub-heading "— Collateral Requirements and Credit-Risk Related Contingency Features." The Company enters into derivative transactions with established dealers that meet minimum credit criteria established by the Company. All counterparties must be pre-approved prior to engaging in any transaction with the Company. Counterparties are monitored on a regular basis by the Company to ensure compliance with the Company's risk policies and limits. In determining the counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment for the fair values of derivatives, the Company considers collateral and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate credit exposure to related counterparties.
All derivatives are recorded in other assets at their gross positive fair values and in accrued expenses and other liabilities at their gross negative fair values. See Note 15: Fair Value Measurements for a description of the valuation methodologies of derivatives. Cash collateral amounts associated with derivative positions that are cleared through an exchange are legally characterized as settlement of the derivative positions. Such collateral amounts are reflected as offsets to the associated derivatives balances recorded in other assets or in accrued expenses and other liabilities. Other cash collateral posted and held balances are recorded in other assets and deposits, respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of
financial condition. Collateral amounts recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition are based on the net collateral posted or held position for each applicable legal entity's master netting arrangement with each counterparty.
Derivatives Designated as Hedges
Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows arising from changes in interest rates, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates related to future cash flows resulting from interest payments on credit card securitized debt and deposits. The Company's outstanding cash flow hedges are for an initial maximum period of seven years for deposits. The derivatives are designated as hedges of the risk of changes in cash flows on the Company's Federal Funds rate-based interest payments, and qualify for hedge accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815").
The change in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recorded in OCI and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted cash flows affect earnings. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives at June 30, 2020 will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are accrued on certain of the Company's floating-rate securitized debt and deposits. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates it will reclassify $7 million of pretax expense to interest expense related to its derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company is exposed to changes in fair value of its fixed-rate debt obligations due to changes in interest rates. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value of certain fixed-rate long-term borrowings, including securitized debt and bank notes, attributable to changes in LIBOR or OIS rate, benchmark interest rates as defined by ASC 815. These interest rate swaps qualify as fair value hedges in accordance with ASC 815. Changes in both (i) the fair values of the derivatives and (ii) the hedged long-term borrowings and deposits relating to the risk being hedged are recorded in interest expense. The changes generally provide substantial offset to one another, with any difference in interest expense.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
The Company has foreign exchange forward contracts that are economic hedges and are not designated as accounting hedges. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage foreign currency risk. Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded in other income.
Derivatives Cleared Through an Exchange
The legal characterization of cash variation margin payments on derivatives cleared through an exchange are legally considered settlement payments and are accounted for with corresponding derivative positions as one unit of account and not separately as collateral. With settlement payments on derivative positions cleared through this exchange reflected as offsets to the associated derivative asset and liability balances, the fair values of derivative instruments and collateral balances shown are generally reduced.
Derivatives Activity
The following table summarizes the fair value (including accrued interest) and outstanding notional amounts of derivative instruments and related collateral balances (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Notional
Amount
 
Number of Outstanding Derivative Contracts
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional
Amount
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps—cash flow hedge
$
900

 
3

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
900

 
$

 
$
2

Interest rate swaps—fair value hedge
$
13,475

 
17

 

 
2

 
$
14,275

 

 
4

Derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts(1)
$
23

 
6

 

 

 
$
38

 

 
1

Total gross derivative assets/liabilities(2)
 
 
 
 

 
7

 
 
 

 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: collateral held/posted(3)
 
 
 
 

 
(7
)
 
 
 

 
(7
)
Total net derivative assets/liabilities
 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The foreign exchange forward contracts have notional amounts of EUR 6 million, GBP 6 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of June 30, 2020 and notional amounts of EUR 9 million, GBP 14 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of December 31, 2019.
(2)
In addition to the derivatives disclosed in the table, the Company enters into forward contracts to purchase when-issued mortgage-backed securities as part of its community reinvestment initiatives. At June 30, 2020, the Company had one outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $13 million and immaterial fair value. At December 31, 2019, the Company had two outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $42 million and immaterial fair value.
(3)
Collateral amounts, which consist of both cash and investment securities, are limited to the related derivative asset/liability balance and do not include excess collateral received/pledged.
The following amounts were recorded on the statements of financial condition related to cumulative basis adjustment for fair value hedges (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increasing (Decreasing) the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increasing (Decreasing) the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
Long-term borrowings
$
13,836

 
$
398

 
$
14,244

 
$
13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table summarizes the impact of the derivative instruments on income and indicates where within the condensed consolidated financial statements such impact is reported (dollars in millions):
 
Location and Amount of (Losses) Gains Recognized in Income
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
Deposits
 
Long-Term Borrowings
 
Other Income
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(340
)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
(4
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on hedged items
$

 
$
11

 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
38

 

Total gains on fair value hedges
$

 
$
49

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(401
)
 
$
(244
)
 
$
22

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(85
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
74

 

Total losses on fair value hedges
$

 
$
(11
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the impact of the derivative instruments on income and indicates where within the condensed consolidated financial statements such impact is reported (dollars in millions):
 
Location and Amount of (Losses) Gains Recognized in Income
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
Deposits
 
Long-Term Borrowings
 
Other Income
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(713
)
 
$
(353
)
 
$
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
(5
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(385
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
443

 

Total gains on fair value hedges
$

 
$
58

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on derivatives not designated as hedges
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(787
)
 
$
(490
)
 
$
50

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
2

 
$
3

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(140
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
116

 

Total losses on fair value hedges
$

 
$
(24
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 

For the impact of the derivative instruments on OCI, see Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
Collateral Requirements and Credit-Risk Related Contingency Features
The Company has master netting arrangements and minimum collateral posting thresholds with its counterparties for its fair value and cash flow hedge interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts. The Company has not sought a legal opinion in relation to the enforceability of its master netting arrangements and, as such, does not report any of these positions on a net basis. Collateral is required by either the Company or its subsidiaries or the counterparty depending on the net fair value position of these derivatives held with that counterparty. The Company may also be required to post collateral with a counterparty for its fair value and cash flow hedge interest rate swaps depending on the credit rating it or Discover Bank receives from specified major credit rating agencies. These collateral receivable or payable amounts are generally not offset against the fair value of these derivatives, but are recorded separately in other assets or deposits. Most of the Company's cash collateral amounts relate to positions cleared through an exchange and are reflected as offsets to the associated derivatives balances recorded in other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities.
At June 30, 2020, Discover Bank's credit rating met specified thresholds set by its counterparties. However, if its credit rating is reduced below investment grade, Discover Bank would be required to post additional collateral. The amount of
additional collateral as of June 30, 2020 would have been $20 million. DFS (Parent Company) had no outstanding derivatives as of June 30, 2020, and therefore, no collateral was required.
The Company also has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.
v3.20.2
Segment Disclosures
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Disclosures
Segment Disclosures
The Company's business activities are managed in two segments: Direct Banking and Payment Services.
Direct Banking: The Direct Banking segment includes Discover-branded credit cards issued to individuals on the Discover Network and other consumer products and services, including private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, and other consumer lending and deposit products. The majority of Direct Banking revenues relate to interest income earned on the segment's loan products. Additionally, the Company's credit card products generate substantially all revenues related to discount and interchange, protection products and loan fee income.
Payment Services: The Payment Services segment includes PULSE, an automated teller machine, debit and electronic funds transfer network; Diners Club, a global payments network; and the Company's Network Partners business, which provides payment transaction processing and settlement services on the Discover Network. The majority of Payment Services revenues relate to transaction processing revenue from PULSE and royalty and licensee revenue from Diners Club.
The business segment reporting provided to and used by the Company's chief operating decision maker is prepared using the following principles and allocation conventions:
The Company aggregates operating segments when determining reportable segments.
Corporate overhead is not allocated between segments; all corporate overhead is included in the Direct Banking segment.
Through its operation of the Discover Network, the Direct Banking segment incurs fixed marketing, servicing and infrastructure costs that are not specifically allocated among the segments, with the exception of an allocation of direct and incremental costs driven by the Company's Payment Services segment.
The assets of the Company are not allocated among the operating segments in the information reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker.
The revenues of each segment are derived from external sources. The segments do not earn revenue from intercompany sources.
Income taxes are not specifically allocated between the operating segments in the information reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker.
The following table presents segment data (dollars in millions):
 
Direct
Banking
 
Payment
Services
 
Total
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
2,173

 
$

 
$
2,173

Private student loans
182

 

 
182

Personal loans
231

 

 
231

Other
86

 

 
86

Total interest income
2,672

 

 
2,672

Interest expense
482

 

 
482

Net interest income
2,190

 

 
2,190

Provision for credit losses
2,046

 

 
2,046

Other income
354

 
118

 
472

Other expense
982

 
95

 
1,077

(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(484
)
 
$
23

 
$
(461
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
2,396

 
$

 
$
2,396

Private student loans
203

 

 
203

Personal loans
241

 

 
241

Other
136

 
1

 
137

Total interest income
2,976

 
1

 
2,977

Interest expense
645

 

 
645

Net interest income
2,331

 
1

 
2,332

Provision for credit losses(1)
787

 

 
787

Other income
436

 
84

 
520

Other expense
1,039

 
39

 
1,078

Income before income taxes
$
941

 
$
46

 
$
987

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table presents segment data (dollars in millions):
 
Direct
Banking
 
Payment
Services
 
Total
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
4,589

 
$

 
$
4,589

Private student loans
387

 

 
387

Personal loans
485

 

 
485

Other
193

 

 
193

Total interest income
5,654

 

 
5,654

Interest expense
1,066

 

 
1,066

Net interest income
4,588

 

 
4,588

Provision for credit losses
3,853

 

 
3,853

Other income
720

 
242

 
962

Other expense
2,100

 
136

 
2,236

(Loss) income before income tax expense
$
(645
)
 
$
106

 
$
(539
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
4,758

 
$

 
$
4,758

Private student loans
408

 

 
408

Personal loans
478

 

 
478

Other
269

 
1

 
270

Total interest income
5,913

 
1

 
5,914

Interest expense
1,277

 

 
1,277

Net interest income
4,636

 
1

 
4,637

Provision for credit losses(1)
1,596

 

 
1,596

Other income
808

 
170

 
978

Other expense
2,028

 
74

 
2,102

Income before income tax expense
$
1,820

 
$
97

 
$
1,917

 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), generally applies to the sales of any good or service for which no other specific accounting guidance is provided. ASC 606 defines a principles-based model under which revenue from a contract is allocated to the distinct performance obligations within the contract and recognized in income as each performance obligation is satisfied. The Company's revenue that is subject to this model includes discount and interchange, protection products fees, transaction processing revenue and amounts classified as other income.
The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by business segment and reconciles revenue from contracts with customers to total other income (dollars in millions):
 
Direct Banking
 
Payment Services
 
Total
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
222

 
$
15

 
$
237

Protection products revenue
44

 

 
44

Transaction processing revenue

 
49

 
49

Other income
3

 
11

 
14

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
269

 
75

 
344

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
85

 

 
85

Gains on equity investments

 
43

 
43

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
85

 
43

 
128

Total other income by operating segment
$
354

 
$
118

 
$
472

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
283

 
$
16

 
$
299

Protection products revenue
49

 

 
49

Transaction processing revenue

 
48

 
48

Other income
2

 
20

 
22

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
334

 
84

 
418

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 

Loan fee income
102

 

 
102

Gains on equity investments

 

 

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
102

 

 
102

Total other income by operating segment
$
436

 
$
84

 
$
520

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $385 million and $460 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)
Excludes $1 million and $1 million of deposit product fees that are reported within net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by business segment and reconciles revenue from contracts with customers to total other income (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Banking
 
Payment Services
 
Total
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
419

 
$
34

 
$
453

Protection products revenue
91

 

 
91

Transaction processing revenue

 
93

 
93

Other income
6

 
36

 
42

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
516

 
163

 
679

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
204

 

 
204

Gains on equity investments

 
79

 
79

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
204

 
79

 
283

Total other income by operating segment
$
720

 
$
242

 
$
962

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
500

 
$
30

 
$
530

Protection products revenue
98

 

 
98

Transaction processing revenue

 
94

 
94

Other income
4

 
46

 
50

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
602

 
170

 
772

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
206

 

 
206

Gains on equity investments

 

 

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
206

 

 
206

Total other income by operating segment
$
808

 
$
170

 
$
978

 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $863 million and $906 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)
Excludes $1 million and $2 million of deposit product fees that are reported within net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
For a detailed description of the Company's significant revenue recognition accounting policies, see Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
v3.20.2
Subsequent Events
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated events and transactions that have occurred subsequent to June 30, 2020 and determined that there were no subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
v3.20.2
Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of results for the interim period. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that the estimates used in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables Loan Receivables (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Loan Receivables Policy
Loan Receivables
Loan receivables consist of credit card receivables and other loans. Loan receivables also include unamortized net deferred loan origination fees and costs. Credit card loan receivables are reported at their principal amounts outstanding and include uncollected billed interest and fees and are reduced for unearned revenue related to balance transfer fees. Other loans consist of student loans, personal loans and other loans and are reported at their principal amounts outstanding. For student loans, principal amounts outstanding also include accrued interest that has been capitalized. The Company's loan receivables are deemed to be held for investment at origination or acquisition because management has the intent and ability to hold them for the foreseeable future. Cash flows associated with loans originated or acquired for investment are classified as cash flows from investing activities, regardless of a subsequent change in intent.
Allowance for Credit Losses Policy
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level that is appropriate to absorb credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables as of the balance sheet date. The estimate of expected credit losses considers uncollectible principal, interest and fees associated with the Company's loan receivables existing as of the balance sheet date. Additionally, the estimate includes expected recoveries of amounts that were either previously charged off or are expected to be charged off. The allowance is evaluated quarterly for appropriateness and is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for credit losses. Charge-offs of principal amounts of loans outstanding are deducted from the allowance and subsequent recoveries of such amounts increase the allowance. Charge-offs of loan balances representing unpaid interest and fees result in a reversal of interest and fee income, respectively, which is effectively a reclassification of the provision for credit losses.
The Company calculates its allowance for credit losses by estimating expected credit losses separately for classes of the loan portfolio with similar risk characteristics, which results in segmenting the portfolio by loan product type. The allowance for credit losses for each loan product type is based on: 1) a reasonable and supportable forecast period, 2) a reversion period and 3) a post-reversion period based on historical information covering the remaining life of the loan, all of which is netted with expected recoveries. The lengths of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods can vary and are subject to a quarterly assessment that considers the economic outlook and level of variability among macroeconomic forecasts. Generally, a straight-line method is used to revert from the reasonable and supportable forecast period to the post-reversion period, but in certain stressed scenarios, a weighted approach may be deemed more appropriate.
Several analyses are used to help estimate credit losses anticipated over the remaining expected life of loan receivables as of the balance sheet date. The Company's estimation process includes models that predict customer losses based on risk characteristics and portfolio attributes, macroeconomic variables, and historical data and analysis. There is a significant amount of judgment applied in selecting inputs and analyzing the results produced by the models to determine the allowance.
For credit card loans, the Company uses a modeling framework that includes the following components for estimating expected credit losses:
Probability of default: this model estimates the probability of charge-off at different points in time over the life of each loan.
Exposure at default: this model estimates the portion of the balance sheet date balance remaining at any given time of charge-off for each loan. Given that there is no stated life of a receivable balance on a revolving credit card account, the Company applies a percentage of expected payments to estimate the portion of the balance that would remain at the time of charge-off.
Loss given default: this model estimates the percentage of exposure (i.e. net loss) at time of charge-off that cannot be recovered, with the offsetting forecast recoveries being the driver of this estimate.
Recoveries from previously charged-off accounts are estimated separately and are netted as part of the aggregation of all of the components of the card loss modeling framework.
For student loans and personal loans, the Company uses vintage-based models that estimate expected credit losses over the life of the loan, net of recovery estimates, impacted mainly by time elapsed since origination, credit quality of origination vintages and macroeconomic forecasts.
The models described above for credit card, student and personal loans are developed utilizing historical data and applicable macroeconomic variable inputs based on statistical analysis and behavioral relationships with credit performance. Expected recoveries from loans charged off as of the balance sheet date are modeled separately and included in the allowance estimate. The Company leverages these models and recent macroeconomic forecasts for the portion of the estimate associated with the reasonable and supportable forecast period. To estimate expected credit losses for the remainder of the life of the credit card loans, the Company reverts to historical experience of credit card loans with characteristics similar to those as of the balance sheet date and observed over various phases of a credit cycle. To estimate expected credit losses for the remainder of the life of student and personal loans, the Company reverts to use of average macroeconomic variables over an appropriate historical period.
The considerations in these models include past and current loan performance, loan growth and seasoning, risk management practices, account collection strategies, economic conditions, bankruptcy filings, policy changes and forecasting uncertainties. Consideration of past and current loan performance includes the post-modification performance of loans modified in a TDR. For the credit card loan portfolio, the Company estimates its credit losses on a loan-level basis, which includes loans that are delinquent and/or no longer accruing interest and/or loans that have been modified under a TDR. For the remainder of its portfolio, including student, personal and other loans, the Company estimates its credit losses on a pooled basis. For all loan types, recoveries are estimated at a pooled level based on estimates of future cash flows derived using historical experience.
Interest on credit card loans is included in the estimate of expected credit losses once billed to the customer (i.e., once the interest becomes part of the loan balance). An allowance for credit losses is measured for accrued interest on all other loans and is presented as part of allowance for credit losses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company records a liability for expected credit losses for unfunded commitments on all other loans, which is presented as part of accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. This liability is evaluated quarterly for appropriateness and is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for credit losses. No liability for expected credit losses is required for unused lines of credit on the Company’s credit card loans because they are unconditionally cancellable.
v3.20.2
Investments (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Investment Securities
The Company's other short-term investments and investment securities consist of the following (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
U.S. Treasury bills(1)
$
2,549

 
$

Total other short-term investments
$
2,549

 
$

 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities(2)
$
9,838

 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3)
647

 
689

Total investment securities
$
10,485

 
$
10,595

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes U.S. Treasury bills with maturity dates greater than 90 days but less than one year at the time of acquisition.
(2)
Includes $159 million and $121 million of U.S. Treasury securities pledged as swap collateral as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)
Consists of residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.
Schedule of Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities are as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
At June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,385

 
$
453

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
349

 
14

 

 
363

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,734

 
$
467

 
$

 
$
10,201

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3)
$
284

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
293

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$
284

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,759

 
$
155

 
$
(8
)
 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
414

 
3

 

 
417

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
10,173

 
$
158

 
$
(8
)
 
$
10,323

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(3) 
$
272

 
$
3

 
$
(1
)
 
$
274

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$
272

 
$
3

 
$
(1
)
 
$
274

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value.
(2)
Held-to-maturity investment securities are reported at amortized cost.
(3)
Amounts represent residential mortgage-backed securities that were classified as held-to-maturity as they were entered into as a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives.
Schedule of Fair Value of Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months and More Than 12 Months
The following table provides information about available-for-sale investment securities with aggregate gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in millions):
 
Number of Securities in a Loss Position
 
Less than 12 months
 
More than 12 months
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
11

 
$
1,402

 
$
(8
)
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule of Maturities of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities and Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities and held-to-maturity debt securities are provided in the following table (dollars in millions):
At June 30, 2020
One Year
or
Less
 
After One
Year
Through
Five Years
 
After Five
Years
Through
Ten Years
 
After Ten
Years
 
Total
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities—Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,374

 
$
8,011

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,385

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)

 
64

 
285

 

 
349

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
1,374

 
$
8,075

 
$
285

 
$

 
$
9,734

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities—Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
284

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
284

Available-for-Sale Investment Securities—Fair Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,391

 
$
8,447

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)

 
66

 
297

 

 
363

Total available-for-sale investment securities
$
1,391

 
$
8,513

 
$
297

 
$

 
$
10,201

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities—Fair Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency(1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
293

Total held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
293

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities are reflective of the contractual maturities of the investment.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]  
Schedule of Loan Receivables
The Company's classes of receivables within the two portfolio segments are depicted in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Credit card loans(1)(2)
$
70,201

 
$
77,181

Other loans(3)
 
 
 
Private student loans(4)
9,730

 
9,653

Personal loans
7,316

 
7,687

Other
1,680

 
1,373

Total other loans
18,726

 
18,713

Total loan receivables
88,927

 
95,894

Allowance for credit losses(5)
(8,184
)
 
(3,383
)
Net loan receivables
$
80,743

 
$
92,511

 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts include carrying values of $16.6 billion and $18.9 billion underlying investors' interest in trust debt at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and $11.0 billion and $12.7 billion in seller's interest at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
(2)
Unbilled accrued interest receivable on credit card loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $379 million and $471 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(3)
Accrued interest receivable on private student, personal and other loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $494 million, $48 million and $6 million, respectively, at June 30, 2020 and $461 million, $53 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
(4)
Amounts include carrying values of $274 million and $292 million in loans pledged as collateral against the note issued from a student loan securitization trust at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
(5)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
Schedule of Credit Risk Profile by FICO Score and Origination Year
The following table provides the distribution of the most recent FICO scores available for the Company's customers by the amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) for credit card, private student and personal loan receivables (dollars in millions):
 
Credit Risk Profile by FICO Score
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
660 and Above
 
Less than 660
or No Score
 
660 and Above
 
Less than 660
or No Score
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Credit card loans(1)
$
56,772

 
81
%
 
$
13,429

 
19
%
 
$
61,997

 
80
%
 
$
15,184

 
20
%
Private student loans by origination year(2)(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
321

 
98
%
 
$
8

 
2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
1,714

 
96
%
 
72

 
4
%
 
$
1,176

 
93
%
 
$
92

 
7
%
2018
1,437

 
95
%
 
72

 
5
%
 
1,518

 
95
%
 
79

 
5
%
2017
1,114

 
94
%
 
67

 
6
%
 
1,198

 
95
%
 
69

 
5
%
2016
850

 
94
%
 
57

 
6
%
 
934

 
94
%
 
58

 
6
%
Prior
3,749

 
93
%
 
269

 
7
%
 
4,229

 
93
%
 
300

 
7
%
Total private student loans
$
9,185

 
94
%
 
$
545

 
6
%
 
$
9,055

 
94
%
 
$
598

 
6
%
Personal loans by origination year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
1,454

 
99
%
 
$
9

 
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
2,840

 
97
%
 
91

 
3
%
 
$
3,529

 
98
%
 
$
62

 
2
%
2018
1,440

 
92
%
 
120

 
8
%
 
1,941

 
93
%
 
140

 
7
%
2017
821

 
89
%
 
98

 
11
%
 
1,167

 
90
%
 
136

 
10
%
2016
307

 
88
%
 
43

 
12
%
 
475

 
88
%
 
65

 
12
%
Prior
77

 
83
%
 
16

 
17
%
 
145

 
84
%
 
27

 
16
%
Total personal loans
$
6,939

 
95
%
 
$
377

 
5
%
 
$
7,257

 
94
%
 
$
430

 
6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts include $1.0 billion and $956 million of revolving line-of-credit arrangements that were converted to term loans as a result of a TDR program as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
(2)
A majority of student loans originations occur in the third quarter and disbursements can span across multiple calendar years.
(3)
FICO score represents the higher credit score of the cosigner or borrower.
Schedule of Delinquent Loans by Origination Year
The amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) of delinquent loans in the Company's loan portfolio is shown below for credit card, private student and personal loan receivables (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
  
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
 
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
Credit card loans
$
677

 
$
846

 
$
1,523

 
$
999

 
$
1,020

 
$
2,019

Private student loans by origination year(1)(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
1

 

 
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

2018
9

 
4

 
13

 
4

 
1

 
5

2017
12

 
5

 
17

 
11

 
2

 
13

2016
13

 
5

 
18

 
14

 
5

 
19

Prior
78

 
26

 
104

 
106

 
37

 
143

Total private student loans
$
113

 
$
40

 
$
153

 
$
136

 
$
45

 
$
181

Personal loans by origination year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
14

 
7

 
21

 
$
11

 
$
3

 
$
14

2018
17

 
9

 
26

 
27

 
11

 
38

2017
12

 
7

 
19

 
22

 
10

 
32

2016
5

 
3

 
8

 
10

 
5

 
15

Prior
2

 
1

 
3

 
4

 
2

 
6

Total personal loans
$
52

 
$
27

 
$
79

 
$
74

 
$
31

 
$
105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Student loans may include a deferment period, during which customers are not required to make payments while enrolled in school at least half time as determined by the school. During a deferment period, these loans do not advance into delinquency.
(2)
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
Schedule of Changes in the Allowance for Credit Losses
The following tables provide changes in the Company's allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
5,306

 
$
765

 
$
807

 
$
35

 
$
6,913

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
1,873

 
49

 
114

 
2

 
2,038

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(852
)
 
(20
)
 
(78
)
 

 
(950
)
Recoveries
164

 
5

 
14

 

 
183

Net charge-offs
(688
)
 
(15
)
 
(64
)
 

 
(767
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2019(2)
$
2,622

 
$
168

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,134

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
692

 
15

 
80

 

 
787

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(789
)
 
(18
)
 
(91
)
 

 
(898
)
Recoveries
166

 
3

 
11

 

 
180

Net charge-offs(3)
(623
)
 
(15
)
 
(80
)
 

 
(718
)
Other(4)

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following tables provide changes in the Company's allowance for credit losses (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2019(2)
$
2,883

 
$
148

 
$
348

 
$
4

 
$
3,383

Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption(5)
1,667

 
505

 
265

 
24

 
2,461

Balance at January 1, 2020
4,550

 
653

 
613

 
28

 
5,844

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(1)
3,312

 
178

 
377

 
9

 
3,876

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,721
)
 
(42
)
 
(162
)
 

 
(1,925
)
Recoveries
350

 
10

 
29

 

 
389

Net charge-offs
(1,371
)
 
(32
)
 
(133
)
 

 
(1,536
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
6,491

 
$
799

 
$
857

 
$
37

 
$
8,184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Credit Card
 
Student Loans
 
Personal Loans
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018(2)
$
2,528

 
$
169

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,041

Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses(2)
1,402

 
30

 
164

 

 
1,596

Deductions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(1,563
)
 
(37
)
 
(185
)
 

 
(1,785
)
Recoveries
324

 
7

 
21

 

 
352

Net charge-offs(3)
(1,239
)
 
(30
)
 
(164
)
 

 
(1,433
)
Other(4)

 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Balance at June 30, 2019(2)
$
2,691

 
$
167

 
$
338

 
$
6

 
$
3,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Excludes an $8 million build and $23 million release of the liability for expected credit losses on unfunded commitments for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as the liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(2)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
(3)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, net charge-offs on PCD loans generally did not result in a charge to earnings.
(4)
Net change in reserves on PCD pools having no remaining non-accretable difference (prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020).
(5)
Represents the adjustment to allowance for credit losses as a result of adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.
Schedule of Net Charge-offs of Interest and Fee Revenues on Loan Receivables
Net charge-offs of principal are recorded against the allowance for credit losses, as shown in the preceding table. Information regarding net charge-offs of interest and fee revenues on credit card and other loans is as follows (dollars in millions): 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Interest and fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction of interest income)
$
136

 
$
128

 
$
279

 
$
255

Fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction to other income)
$
33

 
$
30

 
$
68

 
$
61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule of Delinquent and Non-Accruing Loans
The amortized cost basis (excluding accrued interest receivable presented in other assets) of delinquent and non-accruing loans in the Company's loan portfolio is shown below by each class of loan receivables (dollars in millions):
  
30-89 Days
Delinquent
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
 
Total Past
Due
 
90 or
More Days
Delinquent
and
Accruing
 
Total
Non-accruing(1)
At June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
677

 
$
846

 
$
1,523

 
$
782

 
$
221

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private student loans(2)
113

 
40

 
153

 
39

 
13

Personal loans
52

 
27

 
79

 
25

 
9

Other
5

 
3

 
8

 

 
10

Total other loans
170

 
70

 
240

 
64

 
32

Total loan receivables
$
847

 
$
916

 
$
1,763

 
$
846

 
$
253

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
999

 
$
1,020

 
$
2,019

 
$
940

 
$
237

Other loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private student loans(2)
136

 
45

 
181

 
45

 
11

Personal loans
74

 
31

 
105

 
29

 
12

Other
5

 
2

 
7

 

 
6

Total other loans
215

 
78

 
293

 
74

 
29

Total loan receivables
$
1,214

 
$
1,098

 
$
2,312

 
$
1,014

 
$
266

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Company estimates that the gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of non-accruing credit card loans was $8 million and $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $18 million and $23 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company does not separately track the amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of loans. This amount was estimated based on customers' current balances and most recent interest rates.
(2)
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
Schedule of Loans That Entered a Modification Program During the Period
The following table provides information on loans that entered a TDR program during the period (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)
27,966

 
$
191

 
84,568

 
$
551

Private student loans
62

 
$
1

 
1,710

 
$
30

Personal loans
1,332

 
$
17

 
2,670

 
$
36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
 
Number of Accounts
 
Balances
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)
120,702

 
$
800

 
176,924

 
$
1,143

Private student loans
1,780

 
$
33

 
3,286

 
$
61

Personal loans
3,880

 
$
51

 
5,270

 
$
71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Accounts that entered a credit card TDR program include $176 million and $173 million that were converted from revolving line-of-credit arrangements to term loans during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $386 million and $336 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively
Schedule of Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted
The following table presents the carrying value of loans that experienced a payment default during the period that had been modified in a TDR during the 15 months preceding the end of each period (dollars in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
TDRs that subsequently defaulted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)(2)
11,841

 
$
66

 
16,220

 
$
95

Private student loans(3)
246

 
$
5

 
290

 
$
6

Personal loans(2)
622

 
$
9

 
946

 
$
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
 
Number of Accounts
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
TDRs that subsequently defaulted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans(1)(2)
32,326

 
$
183

 
31,872

 
$
185

Private student loans(3)
604

 
$
12

 
570

 
$
11

Personal loans(2)
1,822

 
$
27

 
1,794

 
$
27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Terms revert back to the pre-modification terms for customers who default from a temporary program and charging privileges remain suspended in most cases.
(2)
For credit card loans and personal loans, a customer defaults from a TDR program after two consecutive missed payments. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
(3)
For student loans, defaults have been defined as loans that are 60 or more days delinquent. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
v3.20.2
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Restricted Credit Card Securitized Assets [Text Block]
The carrying values of these restricted assets, which are presented on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as relating to securitization activities, are shown in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Restricted cash
$
19

 
$
28

 
 
 
 
Investors' interests held by third-party investors
12,450

 
14,100

Investors' interests held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Discover Bank
4,184

 
4,796

Seller's interest
11,018

 
12,652

Loan receivables(1)
27,652

 
31,548

Allowance for credit losses allocated to securitized loan receivables(1)(2)
(1,972
)
 
(1,179
)
Net loan receivables
25,680

 
30,369

Other
5

 
5

Carrying value of assets of consolidated variable interest entities
$
25,704

 
$
30,402

 
 
 
 

(1)
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at an amount sufficient to absorb expected losses inherent in all loan receivables, which includes all loan receivables in the trusts. Therefore, credit risk associated with the transferred receivables is fully reflected on the Company's balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.
(2)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
Schedule of Restricted Student Loan Securitized Assets [Text Block]
The carrying values of these restricted assets, which are presented on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as relating to securitization activities, are shown in the following table (dollars in millions): 
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Restricted cash
$
10

 
$
12

Student loan receivables
274

 
292

Carrying value of assets of consolidated variable interest entities
$
284

 
$
304

 
 
 
 

v3.20.2
Deposits (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Deposits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Interest Bearing Deposit Accounts
The following table provides a summary of interest-bearing deposit accounts (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
 
December 31,
2019
Certificates of deposit in amounts less than $100,000
$
22,974

 
$
25,113

Certificates of deposit in amounts $100,000 or greater(1)
10,392

 
9,268

Savings deposits, including money market deposit accounts
42,999

 
37,574

Total interest-bearing deposits
$
76,365

 
$
71,955

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes $3.0 billion and $2.6 billion in certificates of deposit equal to or greater than $250,000, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Schedule of $100,000 or More Certificates of Deposit Maturities
The following table summarizes certificates of deposit in amounts of $100,000 or greater by contractual maturity (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
Three months or less
$
1,954

Over three months through six months
1,639

Over six months through twelve months
3,941

Over twelve months
2,858

Total
$
10,392

 
 

Schedule of Certificates of Deposit Maturities
The following table summarizes certificates of deposit maturing over the remainder of this year, over each of the next four years, and thereafter (dollars in millions):
 
June 30,
2020
2020
$
9,868

2021
13,767

2022
4,092

2023
2,148

2024
1,346

Thereafter
2,145

Total
$
33,366

 
 

v3.20.2
Long-Term Borrowings (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-Term Borrowings and Weighted Average Interest Rates
Long-term borrowings consist of borrowings having original maturities of one year or more. The following table provides a summary of the Company's long-term borrowings and weighted-average interest rates on outstanding balances (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Maturity
 
Interest
Rate
 
Weighted-Average Interest Rate
 
Outstanding Amount
 
Outstanding Amount
Securitized Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate asset-backed securities(1)
2020-2024
 
1.85%-3.32%
 
2.56%
 
$
7,955

 
$
8,609

Floating-rate asset-backed securities(2)
2021-2024
 
0.41%-0.78%
 
0.58%
 
4,667

 
5,515

Total Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,622

 
14,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floating-rate asset-backed security(3)(4)
2031
 
4.25%
 
4.25%
 
144

 
160

Total student loan securitization trust
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

 
160

Total long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
 
 
 
 
 
 
12,766

 
14,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services (Parent Company)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate senior notes
2022-2027
 
3.75%-5.20%
 
4.16%
 
3,316

 
3,296

Fixed-rate retail notes
2021-2031
 
2.85%-4.60%
 
3.73%
 
337

 
340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-rate senior bank notes(1)
2021-2030
 
2.45%-4.65%
 
3.89%
 
6,255

 
6,785

Fixed-rate subordinated bank notes
2028-2028
 
4.68%-4.68%
 
4.68%
 
520

 
996

Total long-term borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
23,194

 
$
25,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge portions of these long-term borrowings against changes in fair value attributable to changes in LIBOR or Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") Rate. Use of these interest rate swaps impacts carrying value of the debt. See Note 16: Derivatives and Hedging Activities.
(2)
Discover Card Execution Note Trust floating-rate asset-backed securities include issuances with the following interest rate terms: 1-month LIBOR + 23 to 60 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
(3)
The student loan securitization trust floating-rate asset-backed security includes an issuance with the following interest rate term: Prime rate + 100 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
(4)
Repayment of this debt is dependent upon the timing of principal and interest payments on the underlying student loans. The date shown represents final maturity date.
Schedule of Long-Term Borrowings Maturities
The following table summarizes long-term borrowings maturing over the remainder of this year, over each of the next four years, and thereafter (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
2020
$
1,854

2021
4,246

2022
5,208

2023
3,421

2024
2,635

Thereafter
5,830

Total
$
23,194

 
 

v3.20.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") were as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Investment Securities, Net of Tax
 
(Losses) Gains on Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax
 
Losses on Pension Plan, Net of Tax
 
AOCI
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2020
$
368

 
$
(20
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
134

Net change
(16
)
 
4

 

 
(12
)
Balance at June 30, 2020
$
352


$
(16
)

$
(214
)

$
122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2019
$
41

 
$
10

 
$
(187
)
 
$
(136
)
Net change
71

 
(18
)
 

 
53

Balance at June 30, 2019
$
112

 
$
(8
)
 
$
(187
)
 
$
(83
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
$
112

 
$
(17
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
(119
)
Net change
240

 
1

 

 
241

Balance at June 30, 2020
$
352

 
$
(16
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
10

 
$
22

 
$
(188
)
 
$
(156
)
Net change
102

 
(30
)
 
1

 
73

Balance at June 30, 2019
$
112

 
$
(8
)
 
$
(187
)
 
$
(83
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications and Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
The following table presents each component of other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") before reclassifications and amounts reclassified from AOCI for each component of OCI before- and after-tax (dollars in millions):
 
Before Tax
 
Tax Benefit (Expense)
 
Net of Tax
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding losses arising during the period
$
(20
)
 
$
4

 
$
(16
)
Net change
$
(20
)
 
$
4

 
$
(16
)
Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains arising during the period
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
5

 
(2
)
 
3

Net change
$
5

 
$
(1
)
 
$
4

Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
94

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

Net change
$
94

 
$
(23
)
 
$
71

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(22
)
 
$
6

 
$
(16
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Net change
$
(24
)
 
$
6

 
$
(18
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
317

 
$
(77
)
 
$
240

Net change
$
317

 
$
(77
)
 
$
240

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(7
)
 
$
3

 
$
(4
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
7

 
(2
)
 
5

Net change
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
$
134

 
$
(32
)
 
$
102

Net change
$
134

 
$
(32
)
 
$
102

Cash Flow Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses arising during the period
$
(35
)
 
$
9

 
$
(26
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(5
)
 
1

 
(4
)
Net change
$
(40
)
 
$
10

 
$
(30
)
Pension Plan
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains arising during the period
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

Net change
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 

v3.20.2
Income Taxes (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Calculation
The following table presents the calculation of the Company's effective income tax rate (dollars in millions, except effective income tax rate):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(461
)
 
$
987

 
$
(539
)
 
$
1,917

Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(93
)
 
$
234

 
$
(110
)
 
$
438

Effective income tax rate
20.2
%
 
23.8
%
 
20.4
%
 
22.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

v3.20.2
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Basic and Diluted EPS
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(368
)
 
$
753

 
$
(429
)
 
$
1,479

Preferred stock dividends

 

 
(16
)
 
(16
)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders
(368
)
 
753

 
(445
)
 
1,463

Income allocated to participating securities
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
Net (loss) income allocated to common stockholders
$
(369
)
 
$
747

 
$
(446
)
 
$
1,452

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
306

 
322

 
307

 
325

Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents

 
1

 

 
1

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents
306

 
323

 
307

 
326

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
$
(1.20
)
 
$
2.32

 
$
(1.45
)
 
$
4.46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

v3.20.2
Capital Adequacy (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Broker-Dealer, Net Capital Requirement, SEC Regulation [Abstract]  
Schedule of Minimum and Well-Capitalized Requirements
The following table shows the actual capital amounts and ratios of the Company and Discover Bank and comparisons of each to the regulatory minimum and "well-capitalized" requirements (dollars in millions): 
 
Actual
 
Minimum Capital
Requirements
 
Capital Requirements
To Be Classified as
Well-Capitalized
 
Amount
 
Ratio(1)
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount(2)
 
Ratio(2)
June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
13,367

 
14.7
%
 
$
7,252

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,065

 
≥10.0%
Discover Bank
$
13,029

 
14.5
%
 
$
7,167

 
≥8.0%
 
$
8,958

 
≥10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,665

 
12.9
%
 
$
5,439

 
≥6.0%
 
$
5,439

 
≥6.0%
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
12.2
%
 
$
5,375

 
≥6.0%
 
$
7,167

 
≥8.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,665

 
10.0
%
 
$
4,645

 
≥4.0%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
9.5
%
 
$
4,597

 
≥4.0%
 
$
5,746

 
≥5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
10,609

 
11.7
%
 
$
4,079

 
≥4.5%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
10,941

 
12.2
%
 
$
4,031

 
≥4.5%
 
$
5,823

 
≥6.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
13,250

 
13.5
%
 
$
7,860

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,825

 
≥10.0%
Discover Bank
$
13,441

 
13.8
%
 
$
7,776

 
≥8.0%
 
$
9,720

 
≥10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,595

 
11.8
%
 
$
5,895

 
≥6.0%
 
$
5,895

 
≥6.0%
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
11.5
%
 
$
5,832

 
≥6.0%
 
$
7,776

 
≥8.0%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,595

 
10.3
%
 
$
4,482

 
≥4.0%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
10.1
%
 
$
4,435

 
≥4.0%
 
$
5,544

 
≥5.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discover Financial Services
$
11,032

 
11.2
%
 
$
4,421

 
≥4.5%
 
N/A

 
N/A
Discover Bank
$
11,203

 
11.5
%
 
$
4,374

 
≥4.5%
 
$
6,318

 
≥6.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, including CECL transition provisions.
(2)
The Basel III rules do not establish well-capitalized thresholds for these measures for bank holding companies. Existing well-capitalized thresholds established in the Federal Reserve's Regulation Y have been included where available.
v3.20.2
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Merchant Chargeback Guarantees [Member]  
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]  
Schedule of Maximum Potential Counterparty Exposures Related to Settlement Guarantees and Merchant Chargeback Guarantee
The following table summarizes certain information regarding merchant chargeback guarantees (in millions):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2020
 
2019
 
2020
 
2019
Aggregate sales transaction volume(1)
$
38,123

 
$
42,831

 
$
79,086

 
$
81,590

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Represents transactions processed on the Discover Network for which a potential liability exists that, in aggregate, can differ from credit card sales volume.
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (dollars in millions):
 
Quoted Price in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets 
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs 
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,838

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,838

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency

 
363

 

 
363

Available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,838

 
$
363

 
$

 
$
10,201

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - cash flow hedges(1)
$

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - fair value hedges(1)
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
9,906

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,906

Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency

 
417

 

 
417

Available-for-sale investment securities
$
9,906

 
$
417

 
$

 
$
10,323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - OCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - cash flow hedges(1)
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value - Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments - fair value hedges(1)
$

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

Derivative financial instruments - foreign exchange forward contracts(1)
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Derivative instrument carrying values in an asset or liability position are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Schedule of Financial Instruments Measured at Other Than Fair Value
The following tables disclose the estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value (dollars in millions):
Balance at June 30, 2020
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Carrying
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
$

 
$
293

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
284

Held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$
293

 
$

 
$
293

 
$
284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan receivables
$

 
$

 
$
88,833

 
$
88,833

 
$
80,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,138

 
$

 
$

 
$
15,138

 
$
15,138

Restricted cash
$
29

 
$

 
$

 
$
29

 
$
29

Other short-term investments
$
2,549

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,549

 
$
2,549

Accrued interest receivables(2)
$

 
$
977

 
$

 
$
977

 
$
977

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(3)
$

 
$
34,303

 
$

 
$
34,303

 
$
33,366

Short-term borrowings
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
$

 
$
12,701

 
$
144

 
$
12,845

 
$
12,766

Other long-term borrowings

 
11,157

 

 
11,157

 
10,428

Long-term borrowings
$

 
$
23,858

 
$
144

 
$
24,002

 
$
23,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payables(2)
$

 
$
255

 
$

 
$
255

 
$
255

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the nature of their liquidity (i.e., due or payable in less than one year).
(2) Accrued interest receivable and payable carrying values are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's
         condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(3) Excludes deposits without contractually defined maturities for all periods presented.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following tables disclose the estimated fair value of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value (dollars in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Carrying
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities - Agency
$

 
$
274

 
$

 
$
274

 
$
272

Held-to-maturity investment securities
$

 
$
274

 
$

 
$
274

 
$
272

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan receivables
$

 
$

 
$
96,094

 
$
96,094

 
$
92,511

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,924

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,924

 
$
6,924

Restricted cash
$
40

 
$

 
$

 
$
40

 
$
40

Accrued interest receivables(2)
$

 
$
1,044

 
$

 
$
1,044

 
$
1,044

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(3)
$

 
$
34,910

 
$

 
$
34,910

 
$
34,381

Short-term borrowings
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings - owed to securitization investors
$

 
$
14,211

 
$
172

 
$
14,383

 
$
14,284

Other long-term borrowings

 
12,189

 

 
12,189

 
11,417

Long-term borrowings
$

 
$
26,400

 
$
172

 
$
26,572

 
$
25,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value approximates fair value(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payables(2)
$

 
$
283

 
$

 
$
283

 
$
283

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the nature of their liquidity (i.e., due or payable in less than one year).
(2)
Accrued interest receivable and payable carrying values are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
(3)
Excludes deposits without contractually defined maturities for all periods presented.
v3.20.2
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value and Outstanding Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Related Collateral Balances
The following table summarizes the fair value (including accrued interest) and outstanding notional amounts of derivative instruments and related collateral balances (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Notional
Amount
 
Number of Outstanding Derivative Contracts
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Notional
Amount
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps—cash flow hedge
$
900

 
3

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
900

 
$

 
$
2

Interest rate swaps—fair value hedge
$
13,475

 
17

 

 
2

 
$
14,275

 

 
4

Derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts(1)
$
23

 
6

 

 

 
$
38

 

 
1

Total gross derivative assets/liabilities(2)
 
 
 
 

 
7

 
 
 

 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: collateral held/posted(3)
 
 
 
 

 
(7
)
 
 
 

 
(7
)
Total net derivative assets/liabilities
 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The foreign exchange forward contracts have notional amounts of EUR 6 million, GBP 6 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of June 30, 2020 and notional amounts of EUR 9 million, GBP 14 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of December 31, 2019.
(2)
In addition to the derivatives disclosed in the table, the Company enters into forward contracts to purchase when-issued mortgage-backed securities as part of its community reinvestment initiatives. At June 30, 2020, the Company had one outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $13 million and immaterial fair value. At December 31, 2019, the Company had two outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $42 million and immaterial fair value.
(3)
Collateral amounts, which consist of both cash and investment securities, are limited to the related derivative asset/liability balance and do not include excess collateral received/pledged.
Schedule of Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationship
The following amounts were recorded on the statements of financial condition related to cumulative basis adjustment for fair value hedges (dollars in millions):
 
June 30, 2020
 
December 31, 2019
 
Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increasing (Decreasing) the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increasing (Decreasing) the Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/Liabilities
Long-term borrowings
$
13,836

 
$
398

 
$
14,244

 
$
13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule of Impact of the Derivative Instruments on Income
The following table summarizes the impact of the derivative instruments on income and indicates where within the condensed consolidated financial statements such impact is reported (dollars in millions):
 
Location and Amount of (Losses) Gains Recognized in Income
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
Deposits
 
Long-Term Borrowings
 
Other Income
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(340
)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
(4
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on hedged items
$

 
$
11

 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
38

 

Total gains on fair value hedges
$

 
$
49

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(401
)
 
$
(244
)
 
$
22

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
1

 
$
1

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(85
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
74

 

Total losses on fair value hedges
$

 
$
(11
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the impact of the derivative instruments on income and indicates where within the condensed consolidated financial statements such impact is reported (dollars in millions):
 
Location and Amount of (Losses) Gains Recognized in Income
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
Deposits
 
Long-Term Borrowings
 
Other Income
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(713
)
 
$
(353
)
 
$
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
(5
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(385
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
443

 

Total gains on fair value hedges
$

 
$
58

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on derivatives not designated as hedges
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded
$
(787
)
 
$
(490
)
 
$
50

 
 
 
 
 
 
The effects of cash flow and fair value hedging
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on cash flow hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings
$
2

 
$
3

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on fair value hedging relationship
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on hedged items
$

 
$
(140
)
 
$

Gains on interest rate swaps

 
116

 

Total losses on fair value hedges
$

 
$
(24
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 

v3.20.2
Segment Disclosures (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Disclosures
The following table presents segment data (dollars in millions):
 
Direct
Banking
 
Payment
Services
 
Total
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
2,173

 
$

 
$
2,173

Private student loans
182

 

 
182

Personal loans
231

 

 
231

Other
86

 

 
86

Total interest income
2,672

 

 
2,672

Interest expense
482

 

 
482

Net interest income
2,190

 

 
2,190

Provision for credit losses
2,046

 

 
2,046

Other income
354

 
118

 
472

Other expense
982

 
95

 
1,077

(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(484
)
 
$
23

 
$
(461
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
2,396

 
$

 
$
2,396

Private student loans
203

 

 
203

Personal loans
241

 

 
241

Other
136

 
1

 
137

Total interest income
2,976

 
1

 
2,977

Interest expense
645

 

 
645

Net interest income
2,331

 
1

 
2,332

Provision for credit losses(1)
787

 

 
787

Other income
436

 
84

 
520

Other expense
1,039

 
39

 
1,078

Income before income taxes
$
941

 
$
46

 
$
987

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table presents segment data (dollars in millions):
 
Direct
Banking
 
Payment
Services
 
Total
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
4,589

 
$

 
$
4,589

Private student loans
387

 

 
387

Personal loans
485

 

 
485

Other
193

 

 
193

Total interest income
5,654

 

 
5,654

Interest expense
1,066

 

 
1,066

Net interest income
4,588

 

 
4,588

Provision for credit losses
3,853

 

 
3,853

Other income
720

 
242

 
962

Other expense
2,100

 
136

 
2,236

(Loss) income before income tax expense
$
(645
)
 
$
106

 
$
(539
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans
$
4,758

 
$

 
$
4,758

Private student loans
408

 

 
408

Personal loans
478

 

 
478

Other
269

 
1

 
270

Total interest income
5,913

 
1

 
5,914

Interest expense
1,277

 

 
1,277

Net interest income
4,636

 
1

 
4,637

Provision for credit losses(1)
1,596

 

 
1,596

Other income
808

 
170

 
978

Other expense
2,028

 
74

 
2,102

Income before income tax expense
$
1,820

 
$
97

 
$
1,917

 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]
The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by business segment and reconciles revenue from contracts with customers to total other income (dollars in millions):
 
Direct Banking
 
Payment Services
 
Total
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
222

 
$
15

 
$
237

Protection products revenue
44

 

 
44

Transaction processing revenue

 
49

 
49

Other income
3

 
11

 
14

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
269

 
75

 
344

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
85

 

 
85

Gains on equity investments

 
43

 
43

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
85

 
43

 
128

Total other income by operating segment
$
354

 
$
118

 
$
472

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
283

 
$
16

 
$
299

Protection products revenue
49

 

 
49

Transaction processing revenue

 
48

 
48

Other income
2

 
20

 
22

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
334

 
84

 
418

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 

Loan fee income
102

 

 
102

Gains on equity investments

 

 

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
102

 

 
102

Total other income by operating segment
$
436

 
$
84

 
$
520

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $385 million and $460 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)
Excludes $1 million and $1 million of deposit product fees that are reported within net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by business segment and reconciles revenue from contracts with customers to total other income (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Banking
 
Payment Services
 
Total
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
419

 
$
34

 
$
453

Protection products revenue
91

 

 
91

Transaction processing revenue

 
93

 
93

Other income
6

 
36

 
42

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
516

 
163

 
679

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
204

 

 
204

Gains on equity investments

 
79

 
79

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
204

 
79

 
283

Total other income by operating segment
$
720

 
$
242

 
$
962

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Other income subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Discount and interchange revenue, net(1)
$
500

 
$
30

 
$
530

Protection products revenue
98

 

 
98

Transaction processing revenue

 
94

 
94

Other income
4

 
46

 
50

Total other income subject to ASC 606(2)
602

 
170

 
772

Other income not subject to ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
Loan fee income
206

 

 
206

Gains on equity investments

 

 

Total other income not subject to ASC 606
206

 

 
206

Total other income by operating segment
$
808

 
$
170

 
$
978

 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $863 million and $906 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)
Excludes $1 million and $2 million of deposit product fees that are reported within net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
v3.20.2
Background and Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
segment
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
[3]
Mar. 31, 2019
USD ($)
[3]
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
[3]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]              
Number of reportable segments (in number of segments) | segment 2            
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
Allowance for credit losses $ 8,184 [1],[2] $ 6,913 $ 5,844 $ 3,383 [1],[2],[3] $ 3,202 $ 3,134 $ 3,041
Other assets 3,382     2,459      
Retained earnings $ 18,673     $ 21,290      
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]              
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
Allowance for credit losses     2,500        
Other assets     600        
Retained earnings     $ (1,900)        
[1]
Prior to adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Investment Holdings [Line Items]          
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
Recognized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities 0 $ 0 0 $ 0  
Affordable housing project equity method investments 301   301   $ 298
Contingent liabilities related to affordable housing project equity method investments 47   47   59
Payment Services [Member]          
Investment Holdings [Line Items]          
Equity securities without readily determinable fair value 25   25   42
Other Assets [Member] | Community Reinvestment Act [Member]          
Investment Holdings [Line Items]          
Equity method investments 335   335   336
Other Liabilities [Member] | Community Reinvestment Act [Member]          
Investment Holdings [Line Items]          
Contingent liabilities related to equity method investments $ 63   $ 63   $ 74
v3.20.2
Investments (Schedule of Investment Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Other short-term investments $ 2,549 $ 0
Investment securities 10,485 10,595
US Treasury Bill Securities [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Other short-term investments [1] 2,549 0
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Investment securities [2] 9,838 9,906
Derivative collateral 159 121
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Investment securities [3] $ 647 $ 689
[1]
Includes U.S. Treasury bills with maturity dates greater than 90 days but less than one year at the time of acquisition.
[2] Includes $159 million and $121 million of U.S. Treasury securities pledged as swap collateral as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
[3]
Consists of residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.
v3.20.2
Investments (Schedule of Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, amortized cost [1] $ 9,734 $ 10,173
Available-for-sale investment securities, gross unrealized gains [1] 467 158
Available-for-sale investment securities, gross unrealized losses [1] 0 (8)
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 10,201 10,323
Held-to-maturity investment securities, amortized cost [2] 284 272
Held-to-maturity investment securities, gross unrealized gains [2] 9 3
Held-to-maturity investment securities, gross unrealized losses [2] 0 (1)
Held-to-maturity investment securities, fair value [2] 293 274
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, amortized cost [1] 9,385 9,759
Available-for-sale investment securities, gross unrealized gains [1] 453 155
Available-for-sale investment securities, gross unrealized losses [1] 0 (8)
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 9,838 9,906
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, amortized cost [1] 349 [3] 414
Available-for-sale investment securities, gross unrealized gains [1] 14 3
Available-for-sale investment securities, gross unrealized losses [1] 0 0
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 363 [3] 417
Held-to-maturity investment securities, amortized cost [2],[4] 284 [3] 272
Held-to-maturity investment securities, gross unrealized gains [2],[4] 9 3
Held-to-maturity investment securities, gross unrealized losses [2],[4] 0 (1)
Held-to-maturity investment securities, fair value [2],[4] $ 293 [3] $ 274
[1]
Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value.
[2]
Held-to-maturity investment securities are reported at amortized cost.
[3]
Maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities are reflective of the contractual maturities of the investment.
[4]
Amounts represent residential mortgage-backed securities that were classified as held-to-maturity as they were entered into as a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives.
v3.20.2
Investments (Schedule of Fair Value of Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position for Less Than 12 Months and More Than 12 Months) (Details) - U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]  
Available-for-sale investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, number of securities | securities 11
Available-for-sale investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, fair value $ 1,402
Available-for-sale investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, less than 12 months, unrealized losses (8)
Available-for-sale investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, more than 12 months, fair value 0
Available-for-sale investment securities, continuous unrealized loss position, more than 12 months, unrealized losses $ 0
v3.20.2
Investments (Schedule of Maturities of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities and Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, amortized cost $ 1,374  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, amortized cost 8,075  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, amortized cost 285  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, amortized cost 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, amortized cost [1] 9,734 $ 10,173
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, amortized cost 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, amortized cost 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, amortized cost 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, amortized cost 284  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, amortized cost [2] 284 272
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, fair value 1,391  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, fair value 8,513  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, fair value 297  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, fair value 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 10,201 10,323
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, fair value 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, fair value 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, fair value 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, fair value 293  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, fair value [2] 293 274
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, amortized cost 1,374  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, amortized cost 8,011  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, amortized cost 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, amortized cost 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, amortized cost [1] 9,385 9,759
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, fair value 1,391  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, fair value 8,447  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, fair value 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, fair value 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 9,838 9,906
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, amortized cost [3] 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, amortized cost [3] 64  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, amortized cost [3] 285  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, amortized cost [3] 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, amortized cost [1] 349 [3] 414
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, amortized cost [3] 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, amortized cost [3] 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, amortized cost [3] 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, amortized cost [3] 284  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, amortized cost [2],[4] 284 [3] 272
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, fair value [3] 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, fair value [3] 66  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, fair value [3] 297  
Available-for-sale investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, fair value [3] 0  
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 363 [3] 417
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, one year or less, fair value [3] 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after one year through five years, fair value [3] 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after five years through ten years, fair value [3] 0  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, debt maturities, after ten years, fair value [3] 293  
Held-to-maturity investment securities, fair value [2],[4] $ 293 [3] $ 274
[1]
Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value.
[2]
Held-to-maturity investment securities are reported at amortized cost.
[3]
Maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities are reflective of the contractual maturities of the investment.
[4]
Amounts represent residential mortgage-backed securities that were classified as held-to-maturity as they were entered into as a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
segment
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2019
USD ($)
[3]
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
[3]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]                    
Number of loan portfolio segments (in segments) | segment         2          
Allowance for credit losses $ 6,913 $ 5,844 $ 8,184 [1],[2] $ 3,202 [3] $ 8,184 [1],[2] $ 8,184 [1],[2] $ 3,202 [3] $ 3,383 [1],[2],[3] $ 3,134 $ 3,041
Allowance for credit losses, period increase (decrease)     $ 1,300   $ 4,800 $ 2,300        
Expected Future Unemployment Rate     16.00%   16.00% 16.00%        
Expected Future Unemployment Rate Recovery     11.00%   11.00% 11.00%        
Expected Future Decline in GDP     30.00%   30.00% 30.00%        
ExpectedAnnualFutureDeclineInGDP     10.00%   10.00% 10.00%        
Reasonable and supportable forecast period   18 months                
Reversion period 12 months 12 months                
Private student loans in repayment     $ 5,600   $ 5,600 $ 5,600   5,600    
Private student loans in forbearance     $ 21   $ 21 21   46    
Percentage of defaulted loans that were charged off at the end of the month in which they defaulted (in percent)     61.00% 39.00% 48.00%   39.00%      
Personal Loans [Member]                    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]                    
Maximum period of payment reduction for the temporary reduced payment program (in months)         12 months          
Maximum repayment term for temporary modification programs (in years)         9 years          
Maximum repayment term for permanent modification programs (in years)         9 years          
Credit Card Loans [Member]                    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]                    
Allowance for credit losses $ 5,306 $ 4,550 $ 6,491 $ 2,691 [3] $ 6,491 $ 6,491 $ 2,691 [3] $ 2,883 [3] $ 2,622 $ 2,528
Maximum period of payment reduction for the temporary reduced payment program (in months)         12 months          
Permanent workout program maturity (in months)         60 months          
Interest and fees forgiven due to credit card loan modification program     $ 18 $ 17 $ 39   $ 34      
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]                    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]                    
Allowance for credit losses   2,500                
Allowance for credit losses, period increase (decrease)   $ 2,500                
[1]
Prior to adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Loan Receivables) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Jan. 01, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
[3]
Mar. 31, 2019
[3]
Dec. 31, 2018
[3]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables $ 88,927     $ 95,894      
Allowance for credit losses (8,184) [1],[2] $ (6,913) $ (5,844) (3,383) [1],[2],[3] $ (3,202) $ (3,134) $ (3,041)
Net loan receivables 80,743     92,511      
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables 27,926     31,840      
Allowance for credit losses [4] (1,972)     (1,179)      
Credit Card Securitization Trusts [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables [5] 27,652     31,548      
Allowance for credit losses [5],[6] (1,972)     (1,179)      
Net loan receivables 25,680     30,369      
Seller's interest 11,018     12,652      
Student Loan Securitization Trusts [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables 274     292      
Credit Card Loans [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables [7],[8] 70,201     77,181      
Allowance for credit losses (6,491) (5,306) (4,550) (2,883) [3] (2,691) (2,622) (2,528)
Accrued interest receivable 379     471      
Credit Card Loans [Member] | Credit Card Securitization Trusts [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Investors' interest 16,600     18,900      
Seller's interest 11,000     12,700      
Total Other Loans [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables [9] 18,726     18,713      
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables [9],[10] 9,730     9,653      
Allowance for credit losses (799) (765) (653) (148) [3] (167) (168) (169)
Accrued interest receivable 494     461      
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member] | Student Loan Securitization Trusts [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loans pledged as collateral 274     292      
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables [9] 7,316     7,687      
Allowance for credit losses (857) (807) (613) (348) [3] (338) (338) (338)
Accrued interest receivable 48     53      
Total Other Loans [Member] | Other Loans [Member]              
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]              
Loan receivables [9] 1,680     1,373      
Allowance for credit losses (37) $ (35) $ (28) (4) [3] $ (6) $ (6) $ (6)
Accrued interest receivable $ 6     $ 4      
[1]
Prior to adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[4]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[5]
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at an amount sufficient to absorb expected losses inherent in all loan receivables, which includes all loan receivables in the trusts. Therefore, credit risk associated with the transferred receivables is fully reflected on the Company's balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.
[6]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[7]
Amounts include carrying values of $16.6 billion and $18.9 billion underlying investors' interest in trust debt at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and $11.0 billion and $12.7 billion in seller's interest at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
[8]
Unbilled accrued interest receivable on credit card loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $379 million and $471 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
[9]
Accrued interest receivable on private student, personal and other loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $494 million, $48 million and $6 million, respectively, at June 30, 2020 and $461 million, $53 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
[10]
Amounts include carrying values of $274 million and $292 million in loans pledged as collateral against the note issued from a student loan securitization trust at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Credit Risk Profile by FICO Score and Origination Year) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables $ 88,927 $ 95,894
Credit Card Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [1],[2] 70,201 77,181
Revolving line-of-credit arrangements that were converted to term loans as a result of a TDR program, ending balance 1,000 956
Credit Card Loans [Member] | FICO Score, 660 and Above [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, credit card [3] $ 56,772 $ 61,997
FICO distribution %, credit card [3] 81.00% 80.00%
Credit Card Loans [Member] | FICO Score, Less Than 660 Or No Score [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, credit card [3] $ 13,429 $ 15,184
FICO distribution %, credit card [3] 19.00% 20.00%
Total Other Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [4] $ 18,726 $ 18,713
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [4],[5] 9,730 9,653
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member] | FICO Score, 660 and Above [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 [6],[7] $ 321  
FICO distribution %, originated in 2020 [6],[7] 98.00%  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 [6],[7] $ 1,714 $ 1,176
FICO distribution %, originated in 2019 [6],[7] 96.00% 93.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 [6],[7] $ 1,437 $ 1,518
FICO distribution %, originated in 2018 [6],[7] 95.00% 95.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 [6],[7] $ 1,114 $ 1,198
FICO distribution %, originated in 2017 [6],[7] 94.00% 95.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 [6],[7] $ 850 $ 934
FICO distribution %, originated in 2016 [6],[7] 94.00% 94.00%
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 [6],[7] $ 3,749 $ 4,229
FICO distribution %, originated prior to 2016 [6],[7] 93.00% 93.00%
Loan receivables [6],[7] $ 9,185 $ 9,055
FICO distribution %, loan receivables [6],[7] 94.00% 94.00%
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member] | FICO Score, Less Than 660 Or No Score [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 [6],[7] $ 8  
FICO distribution %, originated in 2020 [6],[7] 2.00%  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 [6],[7] $ 72 $ 92
FICO distribution %, originated in 2019 [6],[7] 4.00% 7.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 [6],[7] $ 72 $ 79
FICO distribution %, originated in 2018 [6],[7] 5.00% 5.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 [6],[7] $ 67 $ 69
FICO distribution %, originated in 2017 [6],[7] 6.00% 5.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 [6],[7] $ 57 $ 58
FICO distribution %, originated in 2016 [6],[7] 6.00% 6.00%
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 [6],[7] $ 269 $ 300
FICO distribution %, originated prior to 2016 [6],[7] 7.00% 7.00%
Loan receivables [6],[7] $ 545 $ 598
FICO distribution %, loan receivables [6],[7] 6.00% 6.00%
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [4] $ 7,316 $ 7,687
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member] | FICO Score, 660 and Above [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 $ 1,454  
FICO distribution %, originated in 2020 99.00%  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 $ 2,840 $ 3,529
FICO distribution %, originated in 2019 97.00% 98.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 $ 1,440 $ 1,941
FICO distribution %, originated in 2018 92.00% 93.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 $ 821 $ 1,167
FICO distribution %, originated in 2017 89.00% 90.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 $ 307 $ 475
FICO distribution %, originated in 2016 88.00% 88.00%
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 $ 77 $ 145
FICO distribution %, originated prior to 2016 83.00% 84.00%
Loan receivables $ 6,939 $ 7,257
FICO distribution %, loan receivables 95.00% 94.00%
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member] | FICO Score, Less Than 660 Or No Score [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 $ 9  
FICO distribution %, originated in 2020 1.00%  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 $ 91 $ 62
FICO distribution %, originated in 2019 3.00% 2.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 $ 120 $ 140
FICO distribution %, originated in 2018 8.00% 7.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 $ 98 $ 136
FICO distribution %, originated in 2017 11.00% 10.00%
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 $ 43 $ 65
FICO distribution %, originated in 2016 12.00% 12.00%
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 $ 16 $ 27
FICO distribution %, originated prior to 2016 17.00% 16.00%
Loan receivables $ 377 $ 430
FICO distribution %, loan receivables 5.00% 6.00%
[1]
Amounts include carrying values of $16.6 billion and $18.9 billion underlying investors' interest in trust debt at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and $11.0 billion and $12.7 billion in seller's interest at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
[2]
Unbilled accrued interest receivable on credit card loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $379 million and $471 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
[3]
Amounts include $1.0 billion and $956 million of revolving line-of-credit arrangements that were converted to term loans as a result of a TDR program as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
[4]
Accrued interest receivable on private student, personal and other loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $494 million, $48 million and $6 million, respectively, at June 30, 2020 and $461 million, $53 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
[5]
Amounts include carrying values of $274 million and $292 million in loans pledged as collateral against the note issued from a student loan securitization trust at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
[6]
A majority of student loans originations occur in the third quarter and disbursements can span across multiple calendar years.
[7]
FICO score represents the higher credit score of the cosigner or borrower.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Delinquent Loans by Origination Year) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables $ 88,927 $ 95,894
Credit Card Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [1],[2] 70,201 77,181
Total Other Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [3] 18,726 18,713
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [3],[4] 9,730 9,653
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables [3] 7,316 7,687
30-89 Days Delinquent [Member] | Credit Card Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, credit card 677 999
30-89 Days Delinquent [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 [5],[6] 0  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 [5],[6] 1 1
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 [5],[6] 9 4
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 [5],[6] 12 11
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 [5],[6] 13 14
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 [5],[6] 78 106
Loan receivables [5],[6] 113 136
30-89 Days Delinquent [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 2  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 14 11
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 17 27
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 12 22
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 5 10
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 2 4
Loan receivables 52 74
90 or More Days Delinquent [Member] | Credit Card Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, credit card 846 1,020
90 or More Days Delinquent [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 [5],[6] 0  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 [5],[6] 0 0
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 [5],[6] 4 1
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 [5],[6] 5 2
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 [5],[6] 5 5
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 [5],[6] 26 37
Loan receivables [5],[6] 40 45
90 or More Days Delinquent [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 0  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 7 3
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 9 11
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 7 10
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 3 5
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 1 2
Loan receivables 27 31
30 or More Days Delinquent [Member] | Credit Card Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, credit card 1,523 2,019
30 or More Days Delinquent [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 [5],[6] 0  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 [5],[6] 1 1
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 [5],[6] 13 5
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 [5],[6] 17 13
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 [5],[6] 18 19
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 [5],[6] 104 143
Loan receivables [5],[6] 153 181
30 or More Days Delinquent [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]    
Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]    
Loan receivables, originated in 2020 2  
Loan receivables, originated in 2019 21 14
Loan receivables, originated in 2018 26 38
Loan receivables, originated in 2017 19 32
Loan receivables, originated in 2016 8 15
Loan receivables, originated prior to 2016 3 6
Loan receivables $ 79 $ 105
[1]
Amounts include carrying values of $16.6 billion and $18.9 billion underlying investors' interest in trust debt at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and $11.0 billion and $12.7 billion in seller's interest at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
[2]
Unbilled accrued interest receivable on credit card loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $379 million and $471 million at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
[3]
Accrued interest receivable on private student, personal and other loans, which is presented as part of other assets in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, was $494 million, $48 million and $6 million, respectively, at June 30, 2020 and $461 million, $53 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
[4]
Amounts include carrying values of $274 million and $292 million in loans pledged as collateral against the note issued from a student loan securitization trust at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See Note 4: Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities for additional information.
[5]
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
[6]
Student loans may include a deferment period, during which customers are not required to make payments while enrolled in school at least half time as determined by the school. During a deferment period, these loans do not advance into delinquency.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Changes in the Allowance for Credit Losses) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]          
Allowance for credit losses, balance at beginning of period $ 3,383 [1],[2],[3] $ 6,913 $ 3,134 [1] $ 3,383 [1],[2],[3] $ 3,041 [1]
Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption 2,461 [4]     (1,902)  
Provision for credit losses   2,038 [5] 787 [1] 3,876 [5] 1,596 [1]
Charge-offs   (950) (898) (1,925) (1,785)
Recoveries   183 180 389 352
Net charge-offs   (767) (718) [6] (1,536) (1,433) [6]
Other [7]     (1)   (2)
Allowance for credit losses, balance at end of period 5,844 8,184 [2],[3] 3,202 [1] 8,184 [2],[3] 3,202 [1]
Credit loss build (release) on unfunded commitments [1]   8   (23)  
Credit Card Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]          
Allowance for credit losses, balance at beginning of period 2,883 [1] 5,306 2,622 [1] 2,883 [1] 2,528 [1]
Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption [4] 1,667        
Provision for credit losses   1,873 [5] 692 [1] 3,312 [6] 1,402 [1]
Charge-offs   (852) (789) (1,721) (1,563)
Recoveries   164 166 350 324
Net charge-offs   (688) (623) [6] (1,371) (1,239) [6]
Other     0   0
Allowance for credit losses, balance at end of period 4,550 6,491 2,691 [1] 6,491 2,691 [1]
Total Other Loans [Member] | Student Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]          
Allowance for credit losses, balance at beginning of period 148 [1] 765 168 [1] 148 [1] 169 [1]
Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption [4] 505        
Provision for credit losses   49 [5] 15 [1] 178 [5] 30 [1]
Charge-offs   (20) (18) (42) (37)
Recoveries   5 3 10 7
Net charge-offs   (15) (15) [6] (32) (30) [6]
Other [7]     (1)   (2)
Allowance for credit losses, balance at end of period 653 799 167 [1] 799 167 [1]
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]          
Allowance for credit losses, balance at beginning of period 348 [1] 807 338 [1] 348 [1] 338 [1]
Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption [4] 265        
Provision for credit losses   114 [5] 80 [1] 377 [5] 164 [1]
Charge-offs   (78) (91) (162) (185)
Recoveries   14 11 29 21
Net charge-offs   (64) (80) [6] (133) (164) [6]
Other     0   0
Allowance for credit losses, balance at end of period 613 857 338 [1] 857 338 [1]
Total Other Loans [Member] | Other Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]          
Allowance for credit losses, balance at beginning of period 4 [1] 35 6 [1] 4 [1] 6 [1]
Cumulative effect of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption [4] 24        
Provision for credit losses   2 [5] 0 9 [5] 0
Charge-offs   0 0 0 0
Recoveries   0 0 0 0
Net charge-offs   0 0 0 0
Other     0   0
Allowance for credit losses, balance at end of period $ 28 $ 37 $ 6 [1] $ 37 $ 6 [1]
[1]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[4]
Represents the adjustment to allowance for credit losses as a result of adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.
[5]
Excludes an $8 million build and $23 million release of the liability for expected credit losses on unfunded commitments for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, as the liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
[6]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, net charge-offs on PCD loans generally did not result in a charge to earnings.
[7]
Net change in reserves on PCD pools having no remaining non-accretable difference (prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020).
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Net Charge-offs of Interest and Fee Revenues on Loan Receivables) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]        
Interest and fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction of interest income) $ 136 $ 128 $ 279 $ 255
Fees accrued subsequently charged off, net of recoveries (recorded as a reduction to other income) $ 33 $ 30 $ 68 $ 61
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Delinquent and Non-Accruing Loans) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due $ 1,763   $ 1,763   $ 2,312
Loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing 846   846   1,014
Loan receivables, total non-accruing [1] 253   253   266
30-89 Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 847   847   1,214
90 or More Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 916   916   1,098
Credit Card Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 1,523   1,523   2,019
Loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing 782   782   940
Loan receivables, total non-accruing [1] 221   221   237
Estimated gross interest income that would have been recorded based on original terms 8 $ 11 18 $ 23  
Credit Card Loans [Member] | 30-89 Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 677   677   999
Credit Card Loans [Member] | 90 or More Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 846   846   1,020
Total Other Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 240   240   293
Loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing 64   64   74
Loan receivables, total non-accruing [1] 32   32   29
Total Other Loans [Member] | 30-89 Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 170   170   215
Total Other Loans [Member] | 90 or More Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 70   70   78
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due [2] 153   153   181
Loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing [2] 39   39   45
Loan receivables, total non-accruing [1],[2] 13   13   11
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member] | 30-89 Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due [2] 113   113   136
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member] | 90 or More Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due [2] 40   40   45
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 79   79   105
Loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing 25   25   29
Loan receivables, total non-accruing [1] 9   9   12
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member] | 30-89 Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 52   52   74
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member] | 90 or More Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 27   27   31
Total Other Loans [Member] | Other Loans [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 8   8   7
Loan receivables, 90 or more days delinquent and accruing 0   0   0
Loan receivables, total non-accruing [1] 10   10   6
Total Other Loans [Member] | Other Loans [Member] | 30-89 Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due 5   5   5
Total Other Loans [Member] | Other Loans [Member] | 90 or More Days Delinquent [Member]          
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]          
Loan receivables, past due $ 3   $ 3   $ 2
[1]
The Company estimates that the gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of non-accruing credit card loans was $8 million and $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $18 million and $23 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company does not separately track the amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of loans. This amount was estimated based on customers' current balances and most recent interest rates.
[2]
Includes PCD loans for all periods presented.
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Loans That Entered a Modification Program During the Period) (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
accounts
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
accounts
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
accounts
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
accounts
Credit Card Loans [Member]        
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]        
Estimated Gross Interest Income Based on Original Terms $ 8 $ 11 $ 18 $ 23
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period, number of accounts (in accounts) | accounts [1] 27,966 84,568 120,702 176,924
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period, balances [1] $ 191 $ 551 $ 800 $ 1,143
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period and were converted from revolving line-of-credit arrangements to term loans, balances $ 176 $ 173 $ 386 $ 336
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]        
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]        
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period, number of accounts (in accounts) | accounts 62 1,710 1,780 3,286
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period, balances $ 1 $ 30 $ 33 $ 61
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]        
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]        
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period, number of accounts (in accounts) | accounts 1,332 2,670 3,880 5,270
Accounts that entered a TDR program during the period, balances $ 17 $ 36 $ 51 $ 71
[1] Accounts that entered a credit card TDR program include $176 million and $173 million that were converted from revolving line-of-credit arrangements to term loans during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $386 million and $336 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively
v3.20.2
Loan Receivables (Schedule of Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted) (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
accounts
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
accounts
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
accounts
missed_payments
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
accounts
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]        
Amount of missed payments after which a customer defaults from a TDR program (in payments) | missed_payments     2  
Credit Card Loans [Member]        
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]        
Financing Receivables Modifications Entering Program, Converted from Revolving Line-of-Credit Arrangement to Term Loan $ 176 $ 173 $ 386 $ 336
Interest and fees forgiven due to loan modification program $ 18 $ 17 $ 39 $ 34
TDRs that subsequently defaulted, number of accounts (in accounts) | accounts [1],[2] 11,841 16,220 32,326 31,872
TDRs that subsequently defaulted, aggregated outstanding balances upon default [1],[2] $ 66 $ 95 $ 183 $ 185
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]        
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]        
TDRs that subsequently defaulted, number of accounts (in accounts) | accounts [3] 246 290 604 570
TDRs that subsequently defaulted, aggregated outstanding balances upon default [3] $ 5 $ 6 $ 12 $ 11
Delinquency days to default (in days)     60 days  
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]        
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]        
TDRs that subsequently defaulted, number of accounts (in accounts) | accounts [2] 622 946 1,822 1,794
TDRs that subsequently defaulted, aggregated outstanding balances upon default [2] $ 9 $ 14 $ 27 $ 27
[1]
Terms revert back to the pre-modification terms for customers who default from a temporary program and charging privileges remain suspended in most cases.
[2] For credit card loans and personal loans, a customer defaults from a TDR program after two consecutive missed payments. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
[3] For student loans, defaults have been defined as loans that are 60 or more days delinquent. The outstanding balance upon default is generally the loan balance at the end of the month prior to default.
v3.20.2
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities (Narrative) (Details) - Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
classes
trust
Student Loan Securitization Trusts [Member]  
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]  
Number of trusts issuing securities 1
Number of trusts 2
Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Credit Card Securitization Trusts [Member]  
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]  
Number of classes of securities in debt structure (in classes) | classes 4
v3.20.2
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities (Schedule of Restricted Credit Card Securitized Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Mar. 31, 2020
Jan. 01, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
[3]
Dec. 31, 2018
[3]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]              
Restricted cash $ 29     $ 40 $ 1,040    
Loan receivables 88,927     95,894      
Allowance for credit losses allocated to securitized loan receivables (8,184) [1],[2] $ (6,913) $ (5,844) (3,383) [1],[2],[3] $ (3,202) [3] $ (3,134) $ (3,041)
Net loan receivables 80,743     92,511      
Other 3,382     2,459      
Total assets 113,792     113,996      
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]              
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]              
Restricted cash 29     40      
Loan receivables 27,926     31,840      
Allowance for credit losses allocated to securitized loan receivables [4] (1,972)     (1,179)      
Other 7     5      
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Credit Card Securitization Trusts [Member]              
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]              
Restricted cash 19     28      
Investors' interests held by third-party investors 12,450     14,100      
Investors' interests held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Discover Bank 4,184     4,796      
Seller's interest 11,018     12,652      
Loan receivables [5] 27,652     31,548      
Allowance for credit losses allocated to securitized loan receivables [5],[6] (1,972)     (1,179)      
Net loan receivables 25,680     30,369      
Other 5     5      
Total assets $ 25,704     $ 30,402      
[1]
Prior to adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[4]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[5]
The Company maintains its allowance for credit losses at an amount sufficient to absorb expected losses inherent in all loan receivables, which includes all loan receivables in the trusts. Therefore, credit risk associated with the transferred receivables is fully reflected on the Company's balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.
[6]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Credit Card and Student Loan Securitization Activities (Schedule of Restricted Student Loan Securitized Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]      
Restricted cash $ 29 $ 40 $ 1,040
Loan receivables 88,927 95,894  
Total assets 113,792 113,996  
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]      
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]      
Restricted cash 29 40  
Loan receivables 27,926 31,840  
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Student Loan Securitization Trusts [Member]      
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]      
Restricted cash 10 12  
Loan receivables 274 292  
Total assets $ 284 $ 304  
v3.20.2
Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Intangible assets, net $ 96,000,000 $ 155,000,000
Trade Names [Member]    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired 36,000,000  
Intangible assets, net 92,000,000  
International Transaction Processing Rights [Member]    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired 23,000,000  
Intangible assets, net $ 0  
v3.20.2
Deposits (Narrative) (Details)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
channels
Deposits [Abstract]  
Deposits source channels (in number of channels) 2
v3.20.2
Deposits (Schedule of Interest Bearing Deposit Accounts) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Deposits [Abstract]    
Certificates of deposit in amounts less than $100,000 $ 22,974 $ 25,113
Certificates of deposit in amounts $100,000 or greater [1] 10,392 9,268
Savings deposits, including money market deposit accounts 42,999 37,574
Total interest-bearing deposits 76,365 71,955
Certificates of deposit equal to or greater than $250,000 $ 3,000 $ 2,600
[1]
Includes $3.0 billion and $2.6 billion in certificates of deposit equal to or greater than $250,000, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
v3.20.2
Deposits (Schedule of $100,000 or More Certificates of Deposit Maturities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Deposits [Abstract]    
Three months or less $ 1,954  
Over three months through six months 1,639  
Over six months through twelve months 3,941  
Over twelve months 2,858  
Total [1] $ 10,392 $ 9,268
[1]
Includes $3.0 billion and $2.6 billion in certificates of deposit equal to or greater than $250,000, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
v3.20.2
Deposits (Schedule of Certificates of Deposit Maturities) (Details)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Deposits [Abstract]  
2020 $ 9,868
2021 13,767
2022 4,092
2023 2,148
2024 1,346
Thereafter 2,145
Total $ 33,366
v3.20.2
Long-Term Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) - Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] - Securitized Debt [Member]
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Total commitment of secured credit facilities $ 6,000
Total used commitment of secured credit facilities $ 0
v3.20.2
Long-Term Borrowings (Schedule of Long-Term Borrowings and Weighted Average Interest Rates) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) $ 23,194 $ 25,701
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) 12,766 14,284
Securitized Debt [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) 12,766 14,284
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) $ 12,622 14,124
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Fixed-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted-average interest rate 2.56%  
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) [1] $ 7,955 8,609
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Fixed-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 1.85%  
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Fixed-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 3.32%  
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted-average interest rate 0.58%  
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) [2] $ 4,667 5,515
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 0.41%  
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 0.78%  
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | 1-Month LIBOR [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate terms 1-month LIBOR + 23 to 60 basis points  
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | 1-Month LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 0.23%  
Securitized Debt [Member] | Discover Card Master Trust I and Discover Card Execution Note Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | 1-Month LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 0.60%  
Securitized Debt [Member] | Student Loan Trust [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) $ 144 160
Securitized Debt [Member] | Student Loan Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 4.25%  
Weighted-average interest rate 4.25%  
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) [3],[4] $ 144 160
Securitized Debt [Member] | Student Loan Trust [Member] | Floating-Rate Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate terms Prime rate + 100 basis points  
Basis spread on variable rate 1.00%  
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Fixed-Rate Senior Notes [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted-average interest rate 4.16%  
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) $ 3,316 3,296
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Fixed-Rate Senior Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 3.75%  
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Fixed-Rate Senior Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 5.20%  
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Fixed-Rate Retail Notes [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted-average interest rate 3.73%  
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) $ 337 340
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Fixed-Rate Retail Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 2.85%  
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Fixed-Rate Retail Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 4.60%  
Senior Notes [Member] | Discover Bank [Member] | Fixed-Rate Senior Bank Notes [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted-average interest rate 3.89%  
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) [1] $ 6,255 6,785
Senior Notes [Member] | Discover Bank [Member] | Fixed-Rate Senior Bank Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 2.45%  
Senior Notes [Member] | Discover Bank [Member] | Fixed-Rate Senior Bank Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 4.65%  
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Discover Bank [Member] | Fixed-Rate Subordinated Bank Notes [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted-average interest rate 4.68%  
Long-term borrowings (in dollars) $ 520 $ 996
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Discover Bank [Member] | Fixed-Rate Subordinated Bank Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 4.68%  
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Discover Bank [Member] | Fixed-Rate Subordinated Bank Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 4.68%  
[1] The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge portions of these long-term borrowings against changes in fair value attributable to changes in LIBOR or Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") Rate. Use of these interest rate swaps impacts carrying value of the debt. See Note 16: Derivatives and Hedging Activities.
[2]
Discover Card Execution Note Trust floating-rate asset-backed securities include issuances with the following interest rate terms: 1-month LIBOR + 23 to 60 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
[3]
Repayment of this debt is dependent upon the timing of principal and interest payments on the underlying student loans. The date shown represents final maturity date.
[4]
The student loan securitization trust floating-rate asset-backed security includes an issuance with the following interest rate term: Prime rate + 100 basis points as of June 30, 2020.
v3.20.2
Long-Term Borrowings (Schedule of Long-Term Borrowings Maturities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
2020 $ 1,854  
2021 4,246  
2022 5,208  
2023 3,421  
2024 2,635  
Thereafter 5,830  
Total $ 23,194 $ 25,701
v3.20.2
Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 22, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share   $ 0.01 $ 0.01   $ 0.01
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock     $ 493 $ 0  
Preferred Stock [Member]          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues 5,000 5,000 5,000    
PreferredStockRatePercentage 6.125%        
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share $ 0.01        
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share $ 1,000        
Depositary Shares Represented by One Preferred Share 100        
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock $ 493        
DividendRateReset 5 years        
Preferred Stock Dividend Payment Rate Variable, Rate To Be Used in Future Periods 5.783%        
v3.20.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at beginning of period     $ (119)  
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ (12) $ 53 241 $ 73
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at end of period 122   122  
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investment Securities, Net of Tax [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at beginning of period 368 41 112 10
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (16) 71 240 102
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at end of period 352 112 352 112
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at beginning of period (20) 10 (17) 22
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 4 (18) 1 (30)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at end of period (16) (8) (16) (8)
Gains (Losses) on Pension Plan, Net of Tax [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at beginning of period (214) (187) (214) (188)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 0 0 0 1
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at end of period (214) (187) (214) (187)
AOCI        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]        
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at beginning of period 134 (136) (119) (156)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (12) 53 241 73
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, balance at end of period $ 122 $ (83) $ 122 $ (83)
v3.20.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications and Amounts Reclassified from AOCI) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Available-for-sale investment securities, net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, before tax $ (20) $ 94 $ 317 $ 134
Available-for-sale investment securities, net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, tax benefit (expense) 4 (23) (77) (32)
Available-for-sale investment securities, net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax (16) 71 240 102
Available-for-sale investment securities, net change, before tax (20) 94 317 134
Available-for-sale investment securities, net change, tax benefit (expense) 4 (23) (77) (32)
Available-for-sale investment securities, net change, net of tax (16) 71 240 102
Cash flow hedges, net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, before tax 0 (22) (7) (35)
Cash flow hedges, net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, tax benefit (expense) 1 6 3 9
Cash flow hedges, net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax 1 (16) (4) (26)
Cash flow hedges, amounts reclassified from AOCI, before tax 5 (2) 7 (5)
Cash flow hedges, amounts reclassified from AOCI, tax benefit (expense) (2) 0 (2) 1
Cash flow hedges, amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax 3 (2) 5 (4)
Cash flow hedges, net change, before tax 5 (24) 0 (40)
Cash flow hedges, net change, tax benefit (expense) (1) 6 1 10
Cash flow hedges, net change, net of tax $ 4 $ (18) $ 1 (30)
Pension plan, unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, before tax       1
Pension plan, unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, tax benefit (expense)       0
Pension plan, unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax       1
Pension plan, net change, before tax       1
Pension plan, net change, tax benefit (expense)       0
Pension plan, net change, net of tax       $ 1
v3.20.2
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Increase (decrease) in income tax expense/benefit, amount $ (327) $ (548)
v3.20.2
Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Calculation) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]        
(Loss) income before income taxes $ (461) $ 987 $ (539) $ 1,917
Income tax (benefit) expense $ (93) $ 234 $ (110) $ 438
Effective income tax rate (in percent) 20.20% 23.80% 20.40% 22.90%
v3.20.2
Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Basic and Diluted EPS ) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Numerator:        
Net (loss) income $ (368) $ 753 $ (429) $ 1,479
Preferred stock dividends 0 0 (16) (16)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders (368) 753 (445) 1,463
Income allocated to participating securities (1) (6) (1) (11)
Net (loss) income allocated to common stockholders (369) 747 $ (446) $ 1,452
Income allocated to participating securities, diluted (1) (6)    
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders, diluted $ (369) $ 747    
Denominator:        
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding 306 322 307 325
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment 0 1 0 1
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding and common stock equivalents 306 323 307 326
Basic (loss) earnings per common share (in dollars per share) $ (1.20) $ 2.32 $ (1.45) $ 4.46
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (in dollars per share) $ (1.20) $ 2.32 $ (1.45) $ 4.46
v3.20.2
Capital Adequacy (Schedule of Minimum and Well-Capitalized Requirements) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Discover Bank [Member]    
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements [Line Items]    
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, actual amount $ 13,029 $ 13,441
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 14.50% 13.80%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 7,167 $ 7,776
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 8.00% 8.00%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, amount [2] $ 8,958 $ 9,720
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, ratio (in percent) 10.00% 10.00%
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, actual amount $ 10,941 $ 11,203
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 12.20% 11.50%
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 5,375 $ 5,832
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 6.00% 6.00%
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, amount [2] $ 7,167 $ 7,776
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, ratio (in percent) 8.00% 8.00%
Tier I capital to average assets, actual amount $ 10,941 $ 11,203
Tier I capital to average assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 9.50% 10.10%
Tier I capital to average assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 4,597 $ 4,435
Tier I capital to average assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 4.00% 4.00%
Tier I capital to average assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, amount [2] $ 5,746 $ 5,544
Tier I capital to average assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, ratio (in percent) 5.00% 5.00%
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, actual amount $ 10,941 $ 11,203
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 12.20% 11.50%
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 4,031 $ 4,374
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 4.50% 4.50%
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, amount [2] $ 5,823 $ 6,318
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, ratio (in percent) 6.50% 6.50%
Parent Company [Member]    
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements [Line Items]    
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, actual amount $ 13,367 $ 13,250
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 14.70% 13.50%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 7,252 $ 7,860
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 8.00% 8.00%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, amount [2] $ 9,065 $ 9,825
Total capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, ratio (in percent) [2] 10.00% 10.00%
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, actual amount $ 11,665 $ 11,595
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 12.90% 11.80%
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 5,439 $ 5,895
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 6.00% 6.00%
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, amount [2] $ 5,439 $ 5,895
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized, ratio (in percent) [2] 6.00% 6.00%
Tier I capital to average assets, actual amount $ 11,665 $ 11,595
Tier I capital to average assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 10.00% 10.30%
Tier I capital to average assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 4,645 $ 4,482
Tier I capital to average assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 4.00% 4.00%
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, actual amount $ 10,609 $ 11,032
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, actual ratio (in percent) [1] 11.70% 11.20%
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, amount $ 4,079 $ 4,421
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, minimum capital requirements, ratio (in percent) 4.50% 4.50%
[1]
Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules, subject to applicable transition provisions, including CECL transition provisions.
[2]
The Basel III rules do not establish well-capitalized thresholds for these measures for bank holding companies. Existing well-capitalized thresholds established in the Federal Reserve's Regulation Y have been included where available.
v3.20.2
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Line Items]    
Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted $ 50  
Escrow deposits and settlement withholdings 34 $ 8
Commitments to Extend Credit [Member]    
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Line Items]    
Unused commitments to extend credit for loans $ 214,000  
v3.20.2
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Schedule of Merchant Chargeback Guarantee) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Merchant Chargeback Guarantees [Member]        
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]        
Aggregate sales transaction volume [1] $ 38,123 $ 42,831 $ 79,086 $ 81,590
[1]
Represents transactions processed on the Discover Network for which a potential liability exists that, in aggregate, can differ from credit card sales volume.
v3.20.2
Litigation and Regulatory Matters (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 22, 2015
Jun. 30, 2020
Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Consent Order [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Amount of civil money penalty for consent order $ 2.5  
Maximum [Member] | Pending and Threatened Litigation [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Aggregate range of reasonably possible losses   $ 165.0
Minimum [Member] | Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Consent Order [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Aggregate range of reasonably possible losses $ 16.0  
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Available for sale securities, par value $ 345   $ 345  
Available for sale securities, weighted average coupon rate (in percent) 2.81%   2.81%  
Available for sale securities, weighted average remaining maturity (in years)     3 years  
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Impairment of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis $ 59 $ 0 $ 59 $ 0
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] $ 10,201 $ 10,323
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 9,838 9,906
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value [1] 363 [2] 417
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 10,201 10,323
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value [3] 5 2
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value [3] 2 4
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value [3]   1
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 9,838 9,906
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 363 417
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 9,838 9,906
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value   0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 9,838 9,906
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 363 417
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value [3] 5 2
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value [3] 2 4
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value [3]   1
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 363 417
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities, fair value   0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value 0 0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale investment securities, fair value $ 0 $ 0
[1]
Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value.
[2]
Maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities are reflective of the contractual maturities of the investment.
[3]
Derivative instrument carrying values in an asset or liability position are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
v3.20.2
Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Financial Instruments Measured at Other Than Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities [1] $ 293   $ 293   $ 274
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities [1],[2] 293 [3]   293 [3]   274
Estimated Fair Value [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 293   293   274
Net loan receivables 88,833   88,833   96,094
Cash and cash equivalents [4] 15,138   15,138   6,924
Restricted cash [4] 29   29   40
Accrued interest receivables [4],[5] 977   977   1,044
Time deposits [6] 34,303   34,303   34,910
Long-term borrowings 24,002   24,002   26,572
Accrued interest payables [4],[5] 255   255   283
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 12,845   12,845   14,383
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 11,157   11,157   12,189
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 293   293   274
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 0   0   0
Net loan receivables 0   0   0
Cash and cash equivalents [4] 15,138   15,138   6,924
Restricted cash [4] 29   29   40
Accrued interest receivables 0   0   0
Time deposits 0   0   0
Long-term borrowings 0   0   0
Accrued interest payables 0   0   0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 0   0   0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 0   0   0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 0   0   0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 293   293   274
Net loan receivables 0   0   0
Cash and cash equivalents 0   0   0
Restricted cash 0   0   0
Accrued interest receivables [4],[5] 977   977   1,044
Time deposits [6] 34,303   34,303   34,910
Long-term borrowings 23,858   23,858   26,400
Accrued interest payables [4],[5] 255   255   283
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 12,701   12,701   14,211
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 11,157   11,157   12,189
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 293   293   274
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 0   0   0
Net loan receivables 88,833   88,833   96,094
Cash and cash equivalents 0   0   0
Restricted cash 0   0   0
Accrued interest receivables 0   0   0
Time deposits 0   0   0
Long-term borrowings 144   144   172
Accrued interest payables 0   0   0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 144   144   172
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 0   0   0
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 0   0   0
Carrying Value [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 284   284   272
Net loan receivables 80,743   80,743   92,511
Cash and cash equivalents [4] 15,138   15,138   6,924
Restricted cash [4] 29   29   40
Accrued interest receivables [4],[5] 977   977   1,044
Time deposits [6] 33,366   33,366   34,381
Long-term borrowings 23,194   23,194   25,701
Accrued interest payables [4],[5] 255   255   283
Carrying Value [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 12,766   12,766   14,284
Carrying Value [Member] | Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Long-term borrowings 10,428   10,428   11,417
Carrying Value [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities - Agency [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Held-to-maturity investment securities 284   284   272
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Asset Impairment Charges 59 $ 0 59 $ 0  
Other Short-term Investments Fair Value Disclosure [4] 2,549   2,549    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0   0   0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Other Short-term Investments Fair Value Disclosure [4] 2,549   2,549    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0   0   0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Other Short-term Investments Fair Value Disclosure 0   0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0   0   0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Other Short-term Investments Fair Value Disclosure 0   0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0   0   0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]          
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]          
Other Short-term Investments Fair Value Disclosure [4] 2,549   2,549    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value $ 0   $ 0   $ 0
[1]
Held-to-maturity investment securities are reported at amortized cost.
[2]
Amounts represent residential mortgage-backed securities that were classified as held-to-maturity as they were entered into as a part of the Company's community reinvestment initiatives.
[3]
Maturities of residential mortgage-backed securities are reflective of the contractual maturities of the investment.
[4]
The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the nature of their liquidity (i.e., due or payable in less than one year).
[5]
Accrued interest receivable and payable carrying values are presented as part of other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
[6]
Excludes deposits without contractually defined maturities for all periods presented.
v3.20.2
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]  
Additional collateral $ 20
Interest Expense [Member]  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months $ 7
Deposits [Member]  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Initial maximum period for cash flow hedges (in years) 7 years
v3.20.2
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Schedule of Fair Value and Outstanding Notional Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Related Collateral Balances) (Details)
€ in Millions, ₨ in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
transactions
Jun. 30, 2020
GBP (£)
transactions
Jun. 30, 2020
SGD ($)
transactions
Jun. 30, 2020
EUR (€)
transactions
Jun. 30, 2020
INR (₨)
transactions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
transactions
Dec. 31, 2019
GBP (£)
transactions
Dec. 31, 2019
SGD ($)
transactions
Dec. 31, 2019
EUR (€)
transactions
Dec. 31, 2019
INR (₨)
transactions
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]                    
Derivative assets [1] $ 0         $ 0        
Collateral held, derivative assets [2] 0         0        
Total net derivative assets 0         0        
Derivative liabilities [1] 7         7        
Collateral posted, derivative liabilities [2] (7)         (7)        
Total net derivative liabilities 0         0        
Designated as Hedges [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]                    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]                    
Derivative, notional amount $ 900         900        
Derivative, number of outstanding derivative contracts (in transactions) | transactions 3 3 3 3 3          
Derivative assets $ 0         0        
Derivative liabilities 5         2        
Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]                    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]                    
Derivative, notional amount $ 13,475         14,275        
Derivative, number of outstanding derivative contracts (in transactions) | transactions 17 17 17 17 17          
Derivative assets $ 0         0        
Derivative liabilities 2         4        
Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]                    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]                    
Derivative, notional amount $ 23 [3] £ 6 $ 1 € 6 ₨ 596 38 [3] £ 14 $ 1 € 9 ₨ 596
Derivative, number of outstanding derivative contracts (in transactions) | transactions 6 6 6 6 6          
Derivative assets $ 0         0        
Derivative liabilities 0         1        
Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | When-Issued Forward Contracts [Member]                    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]                    
Derivative, notional amount $ 13         $ 42        
Derivative, number of outstanding derivative contracts (in transactions) | transactions 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
[1] In addition to the derivatives disclosed in the table, the Company enters into forward contracts to purchase when-issued mortgage-backed securities as part of its community reinvestment initiatives. At June 30, 2020, the Company had one outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $13 million and immaterial fair value. At December 31, 2019, the Company had two outstanding contracts with a total notional amount of $42 million and immaterial fair value.
[2]
Collateral amounts, which consist of both cash and investment securities, are limited to the related derivative asset/liability balance and do not include excess collateral received/pledged.
[3]
The foreign exchange forward contracts have notional amounts of EUR 6 million, GBP 6 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of June 30, 2020 and notional amounts of EUR 9 million, GBP 14 million, SGD 1 million and INR 596 million as of December 31, 2019.
v3.20.2
Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Schedule of Hedged Items in a Fair Value Hedging Relationship) (Details) - Long-term Borrowings [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationship [Line Items]    
Carrying amount of hedged assets/liabilities $ 13,836 $ 14,244
Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustment increasing (decreasing) the carrying amount of hedged assets/liabilities $ 398 $ 13
v3.20.2
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Schedule of Impact of the Derivative Instruments on Income) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings, cash flow hedges $ (5) $ 2 $ (7) $ 5
Interest Expense [Member] | Deposits [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded (340) (401) (713) (787)
Interest Expense [Member] | Deposits [Member] | Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings, cash flow hedges (4) 1 (5) 2
Gains (losses) on hedged items, fair value hedges 0 0 0 0
Gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, fair value hedges 0 0 0 0
Total gains (losses) on fair value hedges 0 0 0 0
Interest Expense [Member] | Deposits [Member] | Not Designated as Hedges [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges     0  
Interest Expense [Member] | Long-term Borrowings [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded (142) (244) (353) (490)
Interest Expense [Member] | Long-term Borrowings [Member] | Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings, cash flow hedges (1) 1 (2) 3
Gains (losses) on hedged items, fair value hedges 11 (85) (385) (140)
Gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, fair value hedges 38 74 443 116
Total gains (losses) on fair value hedges 49 (11) 58 (24)
Interest Expense [Member] | Long-term Borrowings [Member] | Not Designated as Hedges [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges     0  
Other Income [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statements of income in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded 14 22 42 50
Other Income [Member] | Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amounts reclassified from OCI into earnings, cash flow hedges 0 0 0 0
Gains (losses) on hedged items, fair value hedges 0 0 0 0
Gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, fair value hedges 0 0 0 0
Total gains (losses) on fair value hedges $ 0 $ 0 0 $ 0
Other Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedges [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedges     $ 1  
v3.20.2
Segment Disclosures (Narrative) (Details)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of reportable segments (in number of segments) 2
v3.20.2
Segment Disclosures (Schedule of Segment Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income $ 2,672 $ 2,977 $ 5,654 $ 5,914
Interest expense 482 645 1,066 1,277
Net interest income 2,190 2,332 4,588 4,637
Provision for credit losses [1] 2,046 787 [2] 3,853 [3] 1,596 [2],[3]
Other income 472 520 962 978
Other expense 1,077 1,078 2,236 2,102
(Loss) income before income taxes (461) 987 (539) 1,917
Other [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 86 137 193 270
Credit Card Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 2,173 2,396 4,589 4,758
Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 182 203 387 408
Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 231 241 485 478
Operating Segments [Member] | Direct Banking [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 2,672 2,976 5,654 5,913
Interest expense 482 645 1,066 1,277
Net interest income 2,190 2,331 4,588 4,636
Provision for credit losses 2,046 787 [2] 3,853 1,596 [2]
Other income 354 436 720 808
Other expense 982 1,039 2,100 2,028
(Loss) income before income taxes (484) 941 (645) 1,820
Operating Segments [Member] | Direct Banking [Member] | Other [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 86 136 193 269
Operating Segments [Member] | Direct Banking [Member] | Credit Card Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 2,173 2,396 4,589 4,758
Operating Segments [Member] | Direct Banking [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 182 203 387 408
Operating Segments [Member] | Direct Banking [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 231 241 485 478
Operating Segments [Member] | Payment Services [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 0 1 0 1
Interest expense 0 0 0 0
Net interest income 0 1 0 1
Provision for credit losses 0 0 [2] 0 0 [2]
Other income 118 84 242 170
Other expense 95 39 136 74
(Loss) income before income taxes 23 46 106 97
Operating Segments [Member] | Payment Services [Member] | Other [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 0 1 0 1
Operating Segments [Member] | Payment Services [Member] | Credit Card Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 0 0 0 0
Operating Segments [Member] | Payment Services [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Private Student Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income 0 0 0 0
Operating Segments [Member] | Payment Services [Member] | Total Other Loans [Member] | Personal Loans [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Interest income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
[1]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[2]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
[3]
Prior to adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, credit losses were estimated using the incurred loss approach.
v3.20.2
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Schedule of Revenue from Contracts with Customers Disaggregated by Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Discount and interchange revenue, net $ 237 $ 299 $ 453 $ 530
Protection products revenue 44 49 91 98
Transaction processing revenue 49 48 93 94
Other income subject to ASC 606 14 22 42 50
Loan fee income 85 102 204 206
Gains on equity investments 43 0 79 0
Total other income not subject to ASC 606 128 102 283 206
Total other income by operating segment 472 520 962 978
Customer rewards included in discount and interchange revenue 385 460 863 906
Deposit product fees reported in net interest income and excluded from other income subject to ASC 606 1 1 1 2
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Discount and interchange revenue, net [1] 237 299 453 530
Protection products revenue 44 49 91 98
Transaction processing revenue 49 48 93 94
Other income subject to ASC 606 14 22 42 50
Total other income subject to ASC 606 [2] 344 418 679 772
Operating Segments [Member] | Direct Banking [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Loan fee income 85 102 204 206
Gains on equity investments 0 0 0 0
Total other income not subject to ASC 606 85 102 204 206
Total other income by operating segment 354 436 720 808
Operating Segments [Member] | Direct Banking [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Discount and interchange revenue, net [1] 222 283 419 500
Protection products revenue 44 49 91 98
Transaction processing revenue 0 0 0 0
Other income subject to ASC 606 3 2 6 4
Total other income subject to ASC 606 [2] 269 334 516 602
Operating Segments [Member] | Payment Services [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Loan fee income 0 0 0 0
Gains on equity investments 43 0 79 0
Total other income not subject to ASC 606 43 0 79 0
Total other income by operating segment 118 84 242 170
Operating Segments [Member] | Payment Services [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Discount and interchange revenue, net [1] 15 16 34 30
Protection products revenue 0 0 0 0
Transaction processing revenue 49 48 93 94
Other income subject to ASC 606 11 20 36 46
Total other income subject to ASC 606 [2] $ 75 $ 84 $ 163 $ 170
[1]
Net of rewards, including Cashback Bonus rewards, of $385 million and $460 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
[2]
Excludes $1 million and $1 million of deposit product fees that are reported within net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.