<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBalancesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBalancesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankDeposits" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankDeposits" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankDepositsDepositsFromBankingClientsConsistingOfInterestBearingAndNoninterestBearingDepositsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankDepositsDepositsFromBankingClientsConsistingOfInterestBearingAndNoninterestBearingDepositsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankDepositsTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankDepositsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLosses" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLosses" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesChangesInAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesChangesInAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesCompositionOfBankLoansAndDelinquencyAnalysisByLoanSegmentDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesCompositionOfBankLoansAndDelinquencyAnalysisByLoanSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesConvertToAmortizingLoansDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesConvertToAmortizingLoansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesCreditQualityIndicatorsOfBankLoanPortfolioDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesCreditQualityIndicatorsOfBankLoanPortfolioDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesImpairedAssetsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesImpairedAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/Borrowings" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#Borrowings" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsAnnualMaturitiesOnLongTermDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BorrowingsAnnualMaturitiesOnLongTermDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsLongTermDebtIncludingUnamortizedDebtDiscountsAndPremiumsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BorrowingsLongTermDebtIncludingUnamortizedDebtDiscountsAndPremiumsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BorrowingsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#BorrowingsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatements" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsToExtendPurchaseDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsToExtendPurchaseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureAnnualMinimumRentalCommitmentsNetOfContractualSubleasesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureAnnualMinimumRentalCommitmentsNetOfContractualSubleasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesPurchaseObligationsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesPurchaseObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShare" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareEpsUnderBasicAndDilutedComputationsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareEpsUnderBasicAndDilutedComputationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlans" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansAssumptionsUsedToValueOptionsGrantedAndTheirExpectedLivesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansAssumptionsUsedToValueOptionsGrantedAndTheirExpectedLivesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansEmployeeIncentiveNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansEmployeeIncentiveNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansInformationOnStockOptionsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansInformationOnStockOptionsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansRestrictedStockUnitsActivityDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansRestrictedStockUnitsActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansRetirementAndDeferredCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansRetirementAndDeferredCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfComponentsAndAmountsImpactingAociDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfComponentsAndAmountsImpactingAociDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansStockBasedCompensationExpenseAndRelatedIncomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansStockBasedCompensationExpenseAndRelatedIncomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndProperty" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndProperty" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyScheduleOfEquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyScheduleOfEquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueHierarchyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueHierarchyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueOfOtherFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueOfOtherFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRisk" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRisk" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskSummaryOfFairValueOfClientSecuritiesAvailableToUtilizeAsCollateralAndAmountsPledgedDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskSummaryOfFairValueOfClientSecuritiesAvailableToUtilizeAsCollateralAndAmountsPledgedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillAsAllocatedToReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillAsAllocatedToReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillEstimatedFutureAnnualAmortizationExpenseForIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillEstimatedFutureAnnualAmortizationExpenseForIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecurities" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#InvestmentSecurities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsAndLossesAndFairValueOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesAmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsAndLossesAndFairValueOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesAggregatedByCategoryAndPeriodOfContinuousUnrealizedLossDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesAggregatedByCategoryAndPeriodOfContinuousUnrealizedLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesMaturitiesOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturityDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesMaturitiesOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesProceedsAndGrossRealizedGainsAndLossesFromSalesOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesProceedsAndGrossRealizedGainsAndLossesFromSalesOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherAssets" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#OtherAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherAssetsComponentsOfOtherAssetsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#OtherAssetsComponentsOfOtherAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherAssetsTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#OtherAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherSecuritiesOwned" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#OtherSecuritiesOwned" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherSecuritiesOwnedSummaryOfOtherSecuritiesOwnedDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#OtherSecuritiesOwnedSummaryOfOtherSecuritiesOwnedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherSecuritiesOwnedTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#OtherSecuritiesOwnedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClients" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClients" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClientsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClientsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClientsTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClientsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirements" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#RegulatoryRequirements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#RegulatoryRequirementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsNetCapitalAndNetCapitalRequirementsForCscoDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#RegulatoryRequirementsNetCapitalAndNetCapitalRequirementsForCscoDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsRegulatoryCapitalAndRatiosDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#RegulatoryRequirementsRegulatoryCapitalAndRatiosDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#RegulatoryRequirementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformationFinancialInformationForReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationFinancialInformationForReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquityPreferredStockIssuedAndOutstandingDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#StockholdersEquityPreferredStockIssuedAndOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncome" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#TaxesOnIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeIncomeTaxExpenseDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeIncomeTaxExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingAmountOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingAmountOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeReconciliationOfFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveIncomeTaxRateDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeReconciliationOfFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveIncomeTaxRateDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeTemporaryDifferencesThatCreatedDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeTemporaryDifferencesThatCreatedDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#VariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesAggregateAssetsLiabilitiesAndMaximumExposureToLossDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesAggregateAssetsLiabilitiesAndMaximumExposureToLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBalancesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7CA05BFBA20CE318D84746DB94455F31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_B454E2E765665FADCABB46DB944403CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7CA05BFBA20CE318D84746DB94455F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_B454E2E765665FADCABB46DB944403CC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B9084579714D93B989CE46DB9444A8FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_B454E2E765665FADCABB46DB944403CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B9084579714D93B989CE46DB9444A8FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B9084579714D93B989CE46DB9444A8FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B9084579714D93B989CE46DB9444A8FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_40512C2AB6904062362246DB9444DDD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_40512C2AB6904062362246DB9444DDD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4AEDFC26D934B6B851C346DB9444011F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_4AEDFC26D934B6B851C346DB9444011F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationofSecuritiesTransferredtoHeldtoMaturityMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationofSecuritiesTransferredtoHeldtoMaturityMember_A8F378715D91D3B28B5846DB94444DEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationofSecuritiesTransferredtoHeldtoMaturityMember_A8F378715D91D3B28B5846DB94444DEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherReclassificationsinOtherRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherReclassificationsinOtherRevenueMember_D592EA62BB0F696939B346DB9444DC2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:to="loc_schw_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherReclassificationsinOtherRevenueMember_D592EA62BB0F696939B346DB9444DC2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationofSecuritiesTransferredFromAvailableforSaleMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationofSecuritiesTransferredFromAvailableforSaleMember_689B8A44F81FFD147A4C46DB9444A287" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationofSecuritiesTransferredFromAvailableforSaleMember_689B8A44F81FFD147A4C46DB9444A287" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AccumulatedAmortizationofHeldtoMaturitySecuritiesfromAvailableforSaleAttributabletoParentMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_AccumulatedAmortizationofHeldtoMaturitySecuritiesfromAvailableforSaleAttributabletoParentMember_1EC5D4B9D123BF4DCA6346DB944594A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7AB09B86DB4A159C216B46DB94442ED0" xlink:to="loc_schw_AccumulatedAmortizationofHeldtoMaturitySecuritiesfromAvailableforSaleAttributabletoParentMember_1EC5D4B9D123BF4DCA6346DB944594A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_33D15B390F3D960BF2F346DB9445CE05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7CA05BFBA20CE318D84746DB94455F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_33D15B390F3D960BF2F346DB9445CE05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_2C63CD75720DE00B971546DB94451D35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_33D15B390F3D960BF2F346DB9445CE05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_2C63CD75720DE00B971546DB94451D35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_25BB939652009F77F24646DB94451D23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_33D15B390F3D960BF2F346DB9445CE05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_25BB939652009F77F24646DB94451D23" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankDeposits" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankDepositsDepositsFromBankingClientsConsistingOfInterestBearingAndNoninterestBearingDepositsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankDepositsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLosses" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesChangesInAllowanceForLoanLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_F8D1C96D1626AD5B558D769A5C03228E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_2C96AA8EB564005C76AA769A5C03C0CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_F8D1C96D1626AD5B558D769A5C03228E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_2C96AA8EB564005C76AA769A5C03C0CE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E128A0BA3E21202C5641769A5C033736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_2C96AA8EB564005C76AA769A5C03C0CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E128A0BA3E21202C5641769A5C033736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B608DFEBB420CD1A2F9E769A5C0347F5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E128A0BA3E21202C5641769A5C033736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B608DFEBB420CD1A2F9E769A5C0347F5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B608DFEBB420CD1A2F9E769A5C0347F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E128A0BA3E21202C5641769A5C033736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B608DFEBB420CD1A2F9E769A5C0347F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_1A12F16B77FDCC850DF8769A5C03BB11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B608DFEBB420CD1A2F9E769A5C0347F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_1A12F16B77FDCC850DF8769A5C03BB11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_9D1C61CEA027510ABCF1769A5C0347B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B608DFEBB420CD1A2F9E769A5C0347F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_9D1C61CEA027510ABCF1769A5C0347B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherLoansMember_A3B4CF46E0F58CA4BBF2769A5C034078" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B608DFEBB420CD1A2F9E769A5C0347F5" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherLoansMember_A3B4CF46E0F58CA4BBF2769A5C034078" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRollForward_AB6BBCE24696CC0BFB2A769A5C03E7A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_F8D1C96D1626AD5B558D769A5C03228E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRollForward_AB6BBCE24696CC0BFB2A769A5C03E7A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance_653500098C7616CF0F63769A5C031E30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRollForward_AB6BBCE24696CC0BFB2A769A5C03E7A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance_653500098C7616CF0F63769A5C031E30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs_C52143359C79E5ED5D3D769A5C038806" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRollForward_AB6BBCE24696CC0BFB2A769A5C03E7A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteOffs_C52143359C79E5ED5D3D769A5C038806" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries_F8C4B07EB2BD70213571769A5C0370D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRollForward_AB6BBCE24696CC0BFB2A769A5C03E7A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesRecoveries_F8C4B07EB2BD70213571769A5C0370D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses_6E0C77611896A04C72CC769A5C03C028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRollForward_AB6BBCE24696CC0BFB2A769A5C03E7A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses_6E0C77611896A04C72CC769A5C03C028" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesCompositionOfBankLoansAndDelinquencyAnalysisByLoanSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_6D21D5F47295388A87CA42B0DEF2383E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_6D21D5F47295388A87CA42B0DEF2383E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E2A01EA5EAD036E8C33142B0DEF23733" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_6D21D5F47295388A87CA42B0DEF2383E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E2A01EA5EAD036E8C33142B0DEF23733" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E2A01EA5EAD036E8C33142B0DEF23733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E2A01EA5EAD036E8C33142B0DEF23733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_274D9B0D6638493BB99642B0DEF300CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_274D9B0D6638493BB99642B0DEF300CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_539C653DEE1E67A6095742B0DEF3D375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_539C653DEE1E67A6095742B0DEF3D375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember_0B4FCFFA499898B0E0A742B0DEF39AAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B" xlink:to="loc_schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember_0B4FCFFA499898B0E0A742B0DEF39AAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherLoansMember_603F88DBC414E412564A42B0DEF3AF52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherLoansMember_603F88DBC414E412564A42B0DEF3AF52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FirstMortgageAndHomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_FirstMortgageAndHomeEquityMember_91E61C5F5EDAECB0447942B0DEF332DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_E774621573601AF55ED142B0DEF3F33B" xlink:to="loc_schw_FirstMortgageAndHomeEquityMember_91E61C5F5EDAECB0447942B0DEF332DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_E4DEA3FF8FD7162909C042B0DEF3F069" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_6D21D5F47295388A87CA42B0DEF2383E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_E4DEA3FF8FD7162909C042B0DEF3F069" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_BD8279E746579A15CF7042B0DEF3DFAA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_E4DEA3FF8FD7162909C042B0DEF3F069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_BD8279E746579A15CF7042B0DEF3DFAA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_BD8279E746579A15CF7042B0DEF3DFAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_E4DEA3FF8FD7162909C042B0DEF3F069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_BD8279E746579A15CF7042B0DEF3DFAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_7247B969C238DD07057542B0DEF3A24D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_BD8279E746579A15CF7042B0DEF3DFAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_7247B969C238DD07057542B0DEF3A24D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_6CE8592D9D032A6C09F842B0DEF3B0DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_BD8279E746579A15CF7042B0DEF3DFAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_6CE8592D9D032A6C09F842B0DEF3B0DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_18013268A86D9963F0ED42B0DEF3D3AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_BD8279E746579A15CF7042B0DEF3DFAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_18013268A86D9963F0ED42B0DEF3D3AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_C468A91D0EB4882EF57242CF92EF85EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_6D21D5F47295388A87CA42B0DEF2383E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_C468A91D0EB4882EF57242CF92EF85EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_50957ABE56830F11E11642CF92EFB4C2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_C468A91D0EB4882EF57242CF92EF85EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_50957ABE56830F11E11642CF92EFB4C2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_50957ABE56830F11E11642CF92EFB4C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_C468A91D0EB4882EF57242CF92EF85EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_50957ABE56830F11E11642CF92EFB4C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:label="loc_stpr_CA_B50EB5E4837E8F68E97F42CF95506273" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_50957ABE56830F11E11642CF92EFB4C2" xlink:to="loc_stpr_CA_B50EB5E4837E8F68E97F42CF95506273" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D190BA3F336FEF50DBEE42CF93C58459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_6D21D5F47295388A87CA42B0DEF2383E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D190BA3F336FEF50DBEE42CF93C58459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_A7D9436D15B9E224D71742CF93C6BDF7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D190BA3F336FEF50DBEE42CF93C58459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_A7D9436D15B9E224D71742CF93C6BDF7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_A7D9436D15B9E224D71742CF93C6BDF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D190BA3F336FEF50DBEE42CF93C58459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_A7D9436D15B9E224D71742CF93C6BDF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_LoansGeographicAreaMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_LoansGeographicAreaMember_52FC08C075C4F41B07AA42CF94804241" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_A7D9436D15B9E224D71742CF93C6BDF7" xlink:to="loc_schw_LoansGeographicAreaMember_52FC08C075C4F41B07AA42CF94804241" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent_AB82E55B45F8B7AD737042B0DEF343CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent_AB82E55B45F8B7AD737042B0DEF343CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue_11B52FE80EDEB84A2B0D42B0DEF3A916" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue_11B52FE80EDEB84A2B0D42B0DEF3A916" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate_7394D1D531B51F8F28A942B0DEF316B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate_7394D1D531B51F8F28A942B0DEF316B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance_08A821822165BAFD9DDF42B0DEF4C132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance_08A821822165BAFD9DDF42B0DEF4C132" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_F94E547661C22BC9B5E942B0DEF45623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_F94E547661C22BC9B5E942B0DEF45623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums_F374BC126CCF7804889042B0DEF4FA28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums_F374BC126CCF7804889042B0DEF4FA28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_53B764DA7498CFD2D77C42CF92B3D9D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_53B764DA7498CFD2D77C42CF92B3D9D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing_1BD56965E7DBD5DE83EA42B0DEF47C42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_40AC3E9737BC1434B4F642B0DEF3B884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing_1BD56965E7DBD5DE83EA42B0DEF47C42" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesConvertToAmortizingLoansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_09B382EEDAA26C00EB616BE4401E43BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_09B382EEDAA26C00EB616BE4401E43BF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_488D3E69C42774DC40A76BE4401EBBE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_09B382EEDAA26C00EB616BE4401E43BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_488D3E69C42774DC40A76BE4401EBBE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_847871110022E51033716BE4401E972C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_488D3E69C42774DC40A76BE4401EBBE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_847871110022E51033716BE4401E972C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_847871110022E51033716BE4401E972C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_488D3E69C42774DC40A76BE4401EBBE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_847871110022E51033716BE4401E972C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_C0FF2D6E31C18C0B2D806BE4401E41DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_847871110022E51033716BE4401E972C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_C0FF2D6E31C18C0B2D806BE4401E41DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableAmountConvertedtoAmortizingLoanbyPeriodEnd" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableAmountConvertedtoAmortizingLoanbyPeriodEnd_D9D9043CB1EDC9A362C86BE4401E2B27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableAmountConvertedtoAmortizingLoanbyPeriodEnd_D9D9043CB1EDC9A362C86BE4401E2B27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearOne" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearOne_DA6282E4482ED983076B6BE4401EB4DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearOne_DA6282E4482ED983076B6BE4401EB4DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearOnetoYearThree" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearOnetoYearThree_8D670A40D52930F4B4CC6BE4401EF40B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearOnetoYearThree_8D670A40D52930F4B4CC6BE4401EF40B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearThreetoYearFive" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearThreetoYearFive_8C44335844A809C4C9CA6BE4401E124E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearThreetoYearFive_8C44335844A809C4C9CA6BE4401E124E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearFive" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearFive_0CEFAA3407890C15ABF76BE4401E231D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoanYearFive_0CEFAA3407890C15ABF76BE4401E231D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoan" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoan_4FE8795849732438AACD6BE4401E067B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_E595ED491F238D3C4F1A6BE4401EB555" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConvertedtoAmortizingLoan_4FE8795849732438AACD6BE4401E067B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesCreditQualityIndicatorsOfBankLoanPortfolioDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_95478B47616879136E7DB3E72B53CA6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_00C5269410A0C9E7931EB3E72B51D23B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_95478B47616879136E7DB3E72B53CA6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_00C5269410A0C9E7931EB3E72B51D23B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_A39AE0884D45BEECCEFCB3E72B517682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_00C5269410A0C9E7931EB3E72B51D23B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_A39AE0884D45BEECCEFCB3E72B517682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_DDA90BAF5C12B60BC4B3B3E72B51806A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_A39AE0884D45BEECCEFCB3E72B517682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_DDA90BAF5C12B60BC4B3B3E72B51806A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_DDA90BAF5C12B60BC4B3B3E72B51806A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_A39AE0884D45BEECCEFCB3E72B517682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_DDA90BAF5C12B60BC4B3B3E72B51806A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_937C85DC79DE63A46AA9B3E72B524CF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_DDA90BAF5C12B60BC4B3B3E72B51806A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_937C85DC79DE63A46AA9B3E72B524CF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_AA62C7AFDAE9188A5E57B3E72B52E94F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_DDA90BAF5C12B60BC4B3B3E72B51806A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_AA62C7AFDAE9188A5E57B3E72B52E94F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember_56A69B7A6CA9A6FD4E8AB3E72B52E761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_DDA90BAF5C12B60BC4B3B3E72B51806A" xlink:to="loc_schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember_56A69B7A6CA9A6FD4E8AB3E72B52E761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_01DFC2DF7FDBA24B3E27B3E72B5283CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_00C5269410A0C9E7931EB3E72B51D23B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_01DFC2DF7FDBA24B3E27B3E72B5283CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_01DFC2DF7FDBA24B3E27B3E72B5283CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_01DFC2DF7FDBA24B3E27B3E72B5283CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioSeventyPercentAndBelowMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioSeventyPercentAndBelowMember_78626816E16011E014C7B3E72B52D49F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioSeventyPercentAndBelowMember_78626816E16011E014C7B3E72B52D49F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanSeventyPercentThroughNinetyPercentMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanSeventyPercentThroughNinetyPercentMember_6FA019FC4E11F3E2F881B3E72B529350" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanSeventyPercentThroughNinetyPercentMember_6FA019FC4E11F3E2F881B3E72B529350" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanNinetyPercentThroughOneHundredPercentMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanNinetyPercentThroughOneHundredPercentMember_25BBED34C7E0C774894EB3E72B5212D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanNinetyPercentThroughOneHundredPercentMember_25BBED34C7E0C774894EB3E72B5212D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanOneHundredPercentMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanOneHundredPercentMember_7877199D71F86CA72C06B3E72B523C4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_EstimatedCurrentLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanOneHundredPercentMember_7877199D71F86CA72C06B3E72B523C4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_WeightedAverageLoanToValueRatioEqualToSeventyPercentMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_WeightedAverageLoanToValueRatioEqualToSeventyPercentMember_FFBBD5B45212FFEE2238B3E72B521B97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_WeightedAverageLoanToValueRatioEqualToSeventyPercentMember_FFBBD5B45212FFEE2238B3E72B521B97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioSeventyPercentAndBelowMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioSeventyPercentAndBelowMember_279BFA81478BAAC7513FB3E72B526FDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioSeventyPercentAndBelowMember_279BFA81478BAAC7513FB3E72B526FDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanSeventyPercentThroughNinetyPercentMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanSeventyPercentThroughNinetyPercentMember_D91EC5EC8EA517FACE56B3E72B52923F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanSeventyPercentThroughNinetyPercentMember_D91EC5EC8EA517FACE56B3E72B52923F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanNinetyPercentThroughOneHundredPercentMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanNinetyPercentThroughOneHundredPercentMember_BD968C60906A3106071CB3E72B527DB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_1125B8C8B7B5E7B8ACE3B3E72B523E37" xlink:to="loc_schw_OriginationLoanToValueRatioGreaterThanNinetyPercentThroughOneHundredPercentMember_BD968C60906A3106071CB3E72B527DB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_0C73628624923D9BDB2FB3E72B53E1FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_00C5269410A0C9E7931EB3E72B51D23B" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_0C73628624923D9BDB2FB3E72B53E1FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_0C73628624923D9BDB2FB3E72B53E1FD" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_0C73628624923D9BDB2FB3E72B53E1FD" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_YearOfOriginationOneMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationOneMember_03362E4F9D117833EABCB3E72B53F2C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:to="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationOneMember_03362E4F9D117833EABCB3E72B53F2C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_YearOfOriginationTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationTwoMember_6E44F11DD1937C439E2FB3E72B53F98F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:to="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationTwoMember_6E44F11DD1937C439E2FB3E72B53F98F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_YearOfOriginationThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationThreeMember_3ACE031662CCC338D7DFB3E72B531A5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:to="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationThreeMember_3ACE031662CCC338D7DFB3E72B531A5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_YearOfOriginationFourMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationFourMember_8AD42B51A26EF7D87B57B3E72B53305E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:to="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationFourMember_8AD42B51A26EF7D87B57B3E72B53305E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_YearOfOriginationFiveMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationFiveMember_3573F8560B4028404BC3B3E72B53F380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:to="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationFiveMember_3573F8560B4028404BC3B3E72B53F380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_YearOfOriginationSixMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationSixMember_FD7CEA6C05413FD00656B3E72B53470F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_689071C610940D223320B3E72B535B82" xlink:to="loc_schw_YearOfOriginationSixMember_FD7CEA6C05413FD00656B3E72B53470F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoAxis_661DC7EE58C614ED2A0FB3E72B53B89D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_00C5269410A0C9E7931EB3E72B51D23B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoAxis_661DC7EE58C614ED2A0FB3E72B53B89D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoAxis_661DC7EE58C614ED2A0FB3E72B53B89D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoAxis_661DC7EE58C614ED2A0FB3E72B53B89D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OriginationFicoScoreBelowSixHundredTwentyMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreBelowSixHundredTwentyMember_D7258D6C208A1CEAEF07B3E72B534C92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA" xlink:to="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreBelowSixHundredTwentyMember_D7258D6C208A1CEAEF07B3E72B534C92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OriginationFicoScoreSixHundredTwentyThroughSixHundredSeventyNineMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreSixHundredTwentyThroughSixHundredSeventyNineMember_4D3F58339A7F4EB7E7ACB3E72B5341F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA" xlink:to="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreSixHundredTwentyThroughSixHundredSeventyNineMember_4D3F58339A7F4EB7E7ACB3E72B5341F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OriginationFicoScoreSixHundredEightyThroughSevenHundredThirtyNineMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreSixHundredEightyThroughSevenHundredThirtyNineMember_C098C89F75E1A619ADB8B3E72B5330D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA" xlink:to="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreSixHundredEightyThroughSevenHundredThirtyNineMember_C098C89F75E1A619ADB8B3E72B5330D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OriginationFicoScoreSevenHundredFortyAndAboveMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreSevenHundredFortyAndAboveMember_C876CC96115C87E493F9B3E72B530D6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditScoreFicoDomain_C7AFEB0C8E8FCD94068EB3E72B53C5FA" xlink:to="loc_schw_OriginationFicoScoreSevenHundredFortyAndAboveMember_C876CC96115C87E493F9B3E72B530D6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate_4210D9B1E894A72FB23BB3E72B543663" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_95478B47616879136E7DB3E72B53CA6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate_4210D9B1E894A72FB23BB3E72B543663" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityWeightedAverageCreditRatingsUpdated" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityWeightedAverageCreditRatingsUpdated_0A41752331ECD44DEB0EB3E72B5496E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_95478B47616879136E7DB3E72B53CA6F" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityWeightedAverageCreditRatingsUpdated_0A41752331ECD44DEB0EB3E72B5496E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityUtilizationRate" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityUtilizationRate_A85F881E42850BA6C322B3E72B543928" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_95478B47616879136E7DB3E72B53CA6F" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityUtilizationRate_A85F881E42850BA6C322B3E72B543928" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRatioOfNonperformingLoansToAllLoans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRatioOfNonperformingLoansToAllLoans_6EDB1C61009C32795ABAB3E72B5407C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_95478B47616879136E7DB3E72B53CA6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRatioOfNonperformingLoansToAllLoans_6EDB1C61009C32795ABAB3E72B5407C7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesImpairedAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1B2665892353DBBEE2BE761D1150A110" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_985436DA11F211A6E437761D11508674" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1B2665892353DBBEE2BE761D1150A110" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_985436DA11F211A6E437761D11508674" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_A9AE91CA98E42288133B761D1150F30E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_985436DA11F211A6E437761D11508674" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_A9AE91CA98E42288133B761D1150F30E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_481ADF6FBE4E19527F0A761D1150CFF0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_A9AE91CA98E42288133B761D1150F30E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_481ADF6FBE4E19527F0A761D1150CFF0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_481ADF6FBE4E19527F0A761D1150CFF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_A9AE91CA98E42288133B761D1150F30E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_481ADF6FBE4E19527F0A761D1150CFF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_12F662F21689F0A9AFC4761D1150CC6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_481ADF6FBE4E19527F0A761D1150CFF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_12F662F21689F0A9AFC4761D1150CC6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E8157AB43C8660AF9D1D761D1150486B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_985436DA11F211A6E437761D11508674" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E8157AB43C8660AF9D1D761D1150486B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_219DC9E2EF343E74A362761D11502E2D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E8157AB43C8660AF9D1D761D1150486B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_219DC9E2EF343E74A362761D11502E2D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_219DC9E2EF343E74A362761D11502E2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_E8157AB43C8660AF9D1D761D1150486B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_219DC9E2EF343E74A362761D11502E2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_NonaccrualLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_NonaccrualLoansMember_06678336C238F101D158761D1150B247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_219DC9E2EF343E74A362761D11502E2D" xlink:to="loc_schw_NonaccrualLoansMember_06678336C238F101D158761D1150B247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherRealEstateOwnedMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherRealEstateOwnedMember_A2F70580BD51DED4E889761D11501120" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_219DC9E2EF343E74A362761D11502E2D" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherRealEstateOwnedMember_A2F70580BD51DED4E889761D11501120" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome_839A438296A529CD23FA761D11509B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1B2665892353DBBEE2BE761D1150A110" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome_839A438296A529CD23FA761D11509B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2_2252AF759876E4F26DC4761D1150DC76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1B2665892353DBBEE2BE761D1150A110" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2_2252AF759876E4F26DC4761D1150DC76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment_A273BA3377FAEAFEC09F761D11509BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_1B2665892353DBBEE2BE761D1150A110" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment_A273BA3377FAEAFEC09F761D11509BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_56A9B55D202BE98F1B1EB9C756231698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_56A9B55D202BE98F1B1EB9C756231698" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_18055EEC61F10A8A8F56B9C756242845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_56A9B55D202BE98F1B1EB9C756231698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_18055EEC61F10A8A8F56B9C756242845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_18055EEC61F10A8A8F56B9C756242845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_18055EEC61F10A8A8F56B9C756242845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_F7FDA68FC5BAD5CB4954B9C75624065C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_F7FDA68FC5BAD5CB4954B9C75624065C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_D07D6D791CD6ADE0F059B9C7562B95AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_D07D6D791CD6ADE0F059B9C7562B95AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HomeEquitySecuredBySecondLiensMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_HomeEquitySecuredBySecondLiensMember_1CD6356479C93619CE2DB9C7562BEE4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7" xlink:to="loc_schw_HomeEquitySecuredBySecondLiensMember_1CD6356479C93619CE2DB9C7562BEE4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FirstMortgageAndHomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_FirstMortgageAndHomeEquityMember_260F9C038036C6404F19B9C7562B1D9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7" xlink:to="loc_schw_FirstMortgageAndHomeEquityMember_260F9C038036C6404F19B9C7562B1D9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AdjustableRateFirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_AdjustableRateFirstMortgageMember_000F42DB34DDBD1E574FB9C7562BC6A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_CEF56F3E1ACEFAC432DBB9C75624ECE7" xlink:to="loc_schw_AdjustableRateFirstMortgageMember_000F42DB34DDBD1E574FB9C7562BC6A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_13EEFCF60394C5BDD42EB9C7562B5234" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_56A9B55D202BE98F1B1EB9C756231698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_13EEFCF60394C5BDD42EB9C7562B5234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_029AE521504A6E010AADB9C7562CE194_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_13EEFCF60394C5BDD42EB9C7562B5234" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_029AE521504A6E010AADB9C7562CE194_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_029AE521504A6E010AADB9C7562CE194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_13EEFCF60394C5BDD42EB9C7562B5234" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_029AE521504A6E010AADB9C7562CE194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_0D892A09EC17097A5099B9C7562C0AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_029AE521504A6E010AADB9C7562CE194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_0D892A09EC17097A5099B9C7562C0AC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_7656F771C7BBC459D1E7B9C7562C2349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_029AE521504A6E010AADB9C7562CE194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_7656F771C7BBC459D1E7B9C7562C2349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums_C936AD1C34132BCBE612B9C7562C4C3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedLoanCommitmentAndOriginationFeesAndUnamortizedDiscountsOrPremiums_C936AD1C34132BCBE612B9C7562C4C3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing_1A0B61A08F779D1870F6B9C7562C166D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing_1A0B61A08F779D1870F6B9C7562C166D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPledgedAsCollateral_212BD41ABAC41753D863B9C7562C0140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPledgedAsCollateral_212BD41ABAC41753D863B9C7562C0140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages_5D999F5829C223A639E8B9C7562CA068" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages_5D999F5829C223A639E8B9C7562CA068" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstateFixedRateInterestRatePeriod" xlink:label="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstateFixedRateInterestRatePeriod_9A703ADE28D372C1FE0DB9C7562CC292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstateFixedRateInterestRatePeriod_9A703ADE28D372C1FE0DB9C7562CC292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstatePercentofLoanswithInterestOnlyPayments" xlink:label="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstatePercentofLoanswithInterestOnlyPayments_23FA9A85F0E93C54B109B9C7562C1800" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstatePercentofLoanswithInterestOnlyPayments_23FA9A85F0E93C54B109B9C7562C1800" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstatePercentofInterestOnlyAdjustableRate" xlink:label="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstatePercentofInterestOnlyAdjustableRate_3E4865E094461E019B33B9C7562C56E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstatePercentofInterestOnlyAdjustableRate_3E4865E094461E019B33B9C7562C56E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstateInterestOnlyResetPeriod" xlink:label="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstateInterestOnlyResetPeriod_D5E3C1025115431ACA76B9C7562C65C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_MortgageLoansonRealEstateInterestOnlyResetPeriod_D5E3C1025115431ACA76B9C7562C65C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableLoanTerm" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableLoanTerm_596B85247F3A0523A6DEB9C7562C34F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableLoanTerm_596B85247F3A0523A6DEB9C7562C34F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableInitialDrawPeriod" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableInitialDrawPeriod_EAE847F2E1C901E35F04B9C7562C959B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableInitialDrawPeriod_EAE847F2E1C901E35F04B9C7562C959B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivableConverttoAmortizingLoansPeriod" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConverttoAmortizingLoansPeriod_482A341AC4C837885696B9C7562C0947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivableConverttoAmortizingLoansPeriod_482A341AC4C837885696B9C7562C0947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate_0650D808B5AF55F51574B9C7562CC4E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRealEstate_0650D808B5AF55F51574B9C7562CC4E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FinancingReceivablePercentofLoanBalanceOutstandingBorrowersPaidOnlyMinimumInterestDue" xlink:label="loc_schw_FinancingReceivablePercentofLoanBalanceOutstandingBorrowersPaidOnlyMinimumInterestDue_7E35C429918579F25C8EB9C759B026D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_235E3CD2444EFA81975AB9C7562C8859" xlink:to="loc_schw_FinancingReceivablePercentofLoanBalanceOutstandingBorrowersPaidOnlyMinimumInterestDue_7E35C429918579F25C8EB9C759B026D7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BankLoansAndRelatedAllowanceForLoanLossesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/Borrowings" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsAnnualMaturitiesOnLongTermDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsLongTermDebtIncludingUnamortizedDebtDiscountsAndPremiumsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EF1108DD7F47D8C712A0BE188D67F82A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EF1108DD7F47D8C712A0BE188D67F82A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1EC4E3EAC114832940E9BE188D67EA72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EF1108DD7F47D8C712A0BE188D67F82A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1EC4E3EAC114832940E9BE188D67EA72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B229D28D5DDC1A910852BE188D672124_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1EC4E3EAC114832940E9BE188D67EA72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B229D28D5DDC1A910852BE188D672124_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B229D28D5DDC1A910852BE188D672124" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1EC4E3EAC114832940E9BE188D67EA72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B229D28D5DDC1A910852BE188D672124" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_E4AD1CF07E15D30D1324BE188D67A106" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B229D28D5DDC1A910852BE188D672124" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_E4AD1CF07E15D30D1324BE188D67A106" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_6E42F02F9A92F3CF8757BE188D673AAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B229D28D5DDC1A910852BE188D672124" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_6E42F02F9A92F3CF8757BE188D673AAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_6645BD343AFFDCACFFDABE188D670D28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B229D28D5DDC1A910852BE188D672124" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_6645BD343AFFDCACFFDABE188D670D28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39AD165F1F10CBBDAA83BE188D674847" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EF1108DD7F47D8C712A0BE188D67F82A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39AD165F1F10CBBDAA83BE188D674847" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39AD165F1F10CBBDAA83BE188D674847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39AD165F1F10CBBDAA83BE188D674847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_A3B6400955884C8F3E71BE188D688C27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_A3B6400955884C8F3E71BE188D688C27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDueJuly2018Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDueJuly2018Member_CA94C1D1E1618BF6A501BE188D683D1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDueJuly2018Member_CA94C1D1E1618BF6A501BE188D683D1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_DA8E321AADA572C328CDBE188D68ED0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2020Member_DA8E321AADA572C328CDBE188D68ED0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_A3ED12FC5413C069BEC7BE188D681EE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2022Member_A3ED12FC5413C069BEC7BE188D681EE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2023Member_745FDB3B2203D48450F4BE188D68FAB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2023Member_745FDB3B2203D48450F4BE188D68FAB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2025Member_9AB13280A163D85BF1F9BE188D68370D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2025Member_9AB13280A163D85BF1F9BE188D68370D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2026Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2026Member_B01EABB00D5DFE3108EEBE188D6816AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2026Member_B01EABB00D5DFE3108EEBE188D6816AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2027Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2027Member_2758E546388D858F1A4BBE188D683EB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2027Member_2758E546388D858F1A4BBE188D683EB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2028Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2028Member_FE9AFE1FBB32F86E451FBE188D68E972" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_35BCEEDAF73A2E17CBFDBE188D672967" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2028Member_FE9AFE1FBB32F86E451FBE188D68E972" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_70973D718C2EBCBFE828BE188D6846B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_70973D718C2EBCBFE828BE188D6846B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_7F6CA5F2C7C1842E9AA6BE188D68B366" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_7F6CA5F2C7C1842E9AA6BE188D68B366" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MediumTermNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MediumTermNotes_6F752A051FC8CC303E0EBE188D684E38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MediumTermNotes_6F752A051FC8CC303E0EBE188D684E38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_2696139285F99D683BCDBE188D689830" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_2696139285F99D683BCDBE188D689830" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_A1993AF0D1D5C2D219EEBE188D687F38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_A1993AF0D1D5C2D219EEBE188D687F38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_FD82CB2099AE2634FFA1BE188D685B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_FD82CB2099AE2634FFA1BE188D685B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_36B57FB8A76DFE3A943BBE188D688F77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_36B57FB8A76DFE3A943BBE188D688F77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CapitalLeaseObligationsTerm" xlink:label="loc_schw_CapitalLeaseObligationsTerm_C8FAF058C9715DE2217FBE188D696E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8604E98CFCFF9DFFCEA0BE188D6830CB" xlink:to="loc_schw_CapitalLeaseObligationsTerm_C8FAF058C9715DE2217FBE188D696E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_C732985C09153D6EF0437635B85181D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_B14C7D53CEE4821A70017635B850AAFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_C732985C09153D6EF0437635B85181D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_B14C7D53CEE4821A70017635B850AAFF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_229BBFEE4500AB5BD9C57635B851DC3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_B14C7D53CEE4821A70017635B850AAFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_229BBFEE4500AB5BD9C57635B851DC3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FECC03054EA26300C4297635B8512398_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_229BBFEE4500AB5BD9C57635B851DC3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FECC03054EA26300C4297635B8512398_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FECC03054EA26300C4297635B8512398" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_229BBFEE4500AB5BD9C57635B851DC3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FECC03054EA26300C4297635B8512398" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMember_E2FC5C60836E8123D4C37635B851E3C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FECC03054EA26300C4297635B8512398" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMember_E2FC5C60836E8123D4C37635B851E3C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_713D66B4C242218079087635B851BAB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_B14C7D53CEE4821A70017635B850AAFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_713D66B4C242218079087635B851BAB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7A1CF4A270A7163104BD7635B85196A2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_713D66B4C242218079087635B851BAB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7A1CF4A270A7163104BD7635B85196A2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7A1CF4A270A7163104BD7635B85196A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_713D66B4C242218079087635B851BAB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7A1CF4A270A7163104BD7635B85196A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_22C31A348B5EDF9E19077635B851825B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7A1CF4A270A7163104BD7635B85196A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_22C31A348B5EDF9E19077635B851825B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7C1490AF82D8236ABADF7635B8518A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_B14C7D53CEE4821A70017635B850AAFF" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7C1490AF82D8236ABADF7635B8518A8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CDA3FB3620708D655DCE7635B8513B57_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7C1490AF82D8236ABADF7635B8518A8C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CDA3FB3620708D655DCE7635B8513B57_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CDA3FB3620708D655DCE7635B8513B57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7C1490AF82D8236ABADF7635B8518A8C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CDA3FB3620708D655DCE7635B8513B57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CharlesSchwabBankMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabBankMember_62517E3EBAD70C60C11C7635B8512917" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CDA3FB3620708D655DCE7635B8513B57" xlink:to="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabBankMember_62517E3EBAD70C60C11C7635B8512917" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_ECC5DFDB009F4EA277D77635B8515C5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_C732985C09153D6EF0437635B85181D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_ECC5DFDB009F4EA277D77635B8515C5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_7619AF041BEED89297A77635B8519E6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_C732985C09153D6EF0437635B85181D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_7619AF041BEED89297A77635B8519E6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_3BEA6829B7FA491094507635B85164DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_C732985C09153D6EF0437635B85181D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_3BEA6829B7FA491094507635B85164DC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/BorrowingsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_0087580C156D6BABCEF6766D1EFFA9DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_00385B469886475A38A3766D1EFFFF95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_0087580C156D6BABCEF6766D1EFFA9DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_00385B469886475A38A3766D1EFFFF95" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_506FFEB68C9A07C3C693766D1EFF762F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_00385B469886475A38A3766D1EFFFF95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_506FFEB68C9A07C3C693766D1EFF762F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_024BDB5415E03A235C0B766D1EFFCEB9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_506FFEB68C9A07C3C693766D1EFF762F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_024BDB5415E03A235C0B766D1EFFCEB9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_024BDB5415E03A235C0B766D1EFFCEB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_506FFEB68C9A07C3C693766D1EFF762F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_024BDB5415E03A235C0B766D1EFFCEB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_992B5D4B7062AEB88E03766D1EFF21A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_024BDB5415E03A235C0B766D1EFFCEB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_992B5D4B7062AEB88E03766D1EFF21A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_0087580C156D6BABCEF6766D1EFFA9DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_3E1A516B70186B95A17F766D1EFFBB96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_3E1A516B70186B95A17F766D1EFFBB96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_0B7BD37C029E5702CE27766D1EFF9D46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_0B7BD37C029E5702CE27766D1EFF9D46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_FFD934083DBEA93E12FA766D1EFF9C74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_FFD934083DBEA93E12FA766D1EFF9C74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_CE9191B22F353041D43B766D1EFFEED0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_CE9191B22F353041D43B766D1EFFEED0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_A20369B737CE60477E56766D1EFF1FF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_A20369B737CE60477E56766D1EFF1FF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_LoansToNonBankingSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_LoansToNonBankingSubsidiaries_AE7E339846D4A312039D766D1EFF8ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_schw_LoansToNonBankingSubsidiaries_AE7E339846D4A312039D766D1EFF8ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_InvestmentInNonBankingSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_InvestmentInNonBankingSubsidiaries_B24128C77EF2B2645C46766D1F008865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_schw_InvestmentInNonBankingSubsidiaries_B24128C77EF2B2645C46766D1F008865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_InvestmentInBankingSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_InvestmentInBankingSubsidiaries_1D4DE4FED5F1639BDD1F766D1F00D80B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_schw_InvestmentInBankingSubsidiaries_1D4DE4FED5F1639BDD1F766D1F00D80B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_664284C6E40A9B75D0D9766D1F00E2A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_664284C6E40A9B75D0D9766D1F00E2A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FEA3759DB9BDEFB4D5EB766D1F00C453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A540CBD0E8F70FE335DB766D1EFF5E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FEA3759DB9BDEFB4D5EB766D1F00C453" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_0087580C156D6BABCEF6766D1EFFA9DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_567B327C21671F7313F4766D1F000CED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_567B327C21671F7313F4766D1F000CED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D54BEDB34CCDC08E588A766D1F00DF59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D54BEDB34CCDC08E588A766D1F00DF59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_96CC2A3B0EBDD84BD6A2766D1F00B664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_96CC2A3B0EBDD84BD6A2766D1F00B664" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_3B18A6A93D88B2176B2D766D1F00286D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_3B18A6A93D88B2176B2D766D1F00286D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_93544101BA0E58B5D288766D1F00FEC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_93544101BA0E58B5D288766D1F00FEC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_3D87DDBFD8C25A85277A766D1F001F58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3932ABD01AA4752761FA766D1F0002F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_3D87DDBFD8C25A85277A766D1F001F58" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8CA9FAE6A7584D3D83C9766D1EF5794A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8B07672D0CE1EE2E9B09766D1EF4F33C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8CA9FAE6A7584D3D83C9766D1EF5794A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8B07672D0CE1EE2E9B09766D1EF4F33C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_BA399F41C59D8BA0031D766D1EF4E599" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8B07672D0CE1EE2E9B09766D1EF4F33C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_BA399F41C59D8BA0031D766D1EF4E599" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2A1113BC358C3C9CC32C766D1EF4A9A6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_BA399F41C59D8BA0031D766D1EF4E599" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2A1113BC358C3C9CC32C766D1EF4A9A6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2A1113BC358C3C9CC32C766D1EF4A9A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_BA399F41C59D8BA0031D766D1EF4E599" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2A1113BC358C3C9CC32C766D1EF4A9A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_AB27A5A591E1D3F184A1766D1EF55552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2A1113BC358C3C9CC32C766D1EF4A9A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_AB27A5A591E1D3F184A1766D1EF55552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_DFE577C3B6627DDD5B7F766D1EF57B77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8CA9FAE6A7584D3D83C9766D1EF5794A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_DFE577C3B6627DDD5B7F766D1EF57B77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6DFD2324B5C44A948415766D1EF540D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_DFE577C3B6627DDD5B7F766D1EF57B77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6DFD2324B5C44A948415766D1EF540D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EB0655E03A8E20EFCD04766D1EF56D54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_DFE577C3B6627DDD5B7F766D1EF57B77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EB0655E03A8E20EFCD04766D1EF56D54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_IncomeLossFromEquityInUndistributedNetIncomeOfSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromEquityInUndistributedNetIncomeOfSubsidiaries_E3E687073767161188D8766D1EF56F16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EB0655E03A8E20EFCD04766D1EF56D54" xlink:to="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromEquityInUndistributedNetIncomeOfSubsidiaries_E3E687073767161188D8766D1EF56F16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_2B6AD1761B6ABC4227B8766D1EF6A992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_EB0655E03A8E20EFCD04766D1EF56D54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_2B6AD1761B6ABC4227B8766D1EF6A992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_992DE202E2A2798C5883766D1EF6606E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_DFE577C3B6627DDD5B7F766D1EF57B77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_992DE202E2A2798C5883766D1EF6606E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFinancialInstrumentsUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFinancialInstrumentsUsedInOperatingActivities_6858832CA11CDA9B35E5766D1EF6CCC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_992DE202E2A2798C5883766D1EF6606E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFinancialInstrumentsUsedInOperatingActivities_6858832CA11CDA9B35E5766D1EF6CCC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_2A58EC687A4522DCD04B766D1EF67FBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_992DE202E2A2798C5883766D1EF6606E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_2A58EC687A4522DCD04B766D1EF67FBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_DBEA28608C1DC11DEF26766D1EF69F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_992DE202E2A2798C5883766D1EF6606E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_DBEA28608C1DC11DEF26766D1EF69F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E02F45979525312832B7766D1EF61926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_DFE577C3B6627DDD5B7F766D1EF57B77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E02F45979525312832B7766D1EF61926" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8CA9FAE6A7584D3D83C9766D1EF5794A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_ProceedsFromPaymentsToConsolidatedSubsidiary" xlink:label="loc_schw_ProceedsFromPaymentsToConsolidatedSubsidiary_A21F2652166593DAA078766D1EF6C6C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_schw_ProceedsFromPaymentsToConsolidatedSubsidiary_A21F2652166593DAA078766D1EF6C6C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_C5C1AD84273991A4FF66766D1EF7882B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries_C5C1AD84273991A4FF66766D1EF7882B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToFundLongtermLoansToRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToFundLongtermLoansToRelatedParties_979C8BDA86A5A5A68B3E766D1EF7F714" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToFundLongtermLoansToRelatedParties_979C8BDA86A5A5A68B3E766D1EF7F714" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_AEFFFAE0D6C68FD037EA766D1EF711A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_AEFFFAE0D6C68FD037EA766D1EF711A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_E7C5E4F39DD03A56A1D6766D1EF7A7D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_E7C5E4F39DD03A56A1D6766D1EF7A7D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_FBD97EF1B90E909198D6766D1EF72453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_FBD97EF1B90E909198D6766D1EF72453" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecurities_D1099475F566D8BF95BA766D1EF71843" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecurities_D1099475F566D8BF95BA766D1EF71843" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_EB8297808D5F7F4524D9766D1EF79E76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_EB8297808D5F7F4524D9766D1EF79E76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_79C28E7631036458915C766D1EF72EA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_F417E11B02136566DD1F766D1EF64BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_79C28E7631036458915C766D1EF72EA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8CA9FAE6A7584D3D83C9766D1EF5794A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_573CE6ABB9A46011262A766D1EF714B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_573CE6ABB9A46011262A766D1EF714B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_0CF40B8D22E1BE77994D766D1EF794EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_0CF40B8D22E1BE77994D766D1EF794EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_16F1B6FCD034D7541D7A766D1EF7D3B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_16F1B6FCD034D7541D7A766D1EF7D3B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_BD01F0B63E468B7B8856768A92010A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_BD01F0B63E468B7B8856768A92010A86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_6C96150301B34A2F5257766D1EF72620" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_6C96150301B34A2F5257766D1EF72620" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_E0FCECAD9564A43A9D78766D1EF75B58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_E0FCECAD9564A43A9D78766D1EF75B58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_9E8B847380D002E0EAA7766D1EF8EAEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_9E8B847380D002E0EAA7766D1EF8EAEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_7856042C7DD366B6C477766D1EF8C2E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_4DF35127792300339541766D1EF7F5D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_7856042C7DD366B6C477766D1EF8C2E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_54A7C4A52581EE9E8B52766D1EF852AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8CA9FAE6A7584D3D83C9766D1EF5794A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_54A7C4A52581EE9E8B52766D1EF852AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C017337F39B3B336DD46766D1EF8DDE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_8CA9FAE6A7584D3D83C9766D1EF5794A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C017337F39B3B336DD46766D1EF8DDE4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsCondensedStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_FAEE0DAECA6EA9E8206C4713505FF148" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_FAEE0DAECA6EA9E8206C4713505FF148" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_248C678BB49B853336F04713505FEA67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_FAEE0DAECA6EA9E8206C4713505FF148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_248C678BB49B853336F04713505FEA67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_32EF4E5AA6BF65477B9C4713505F51B6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_248C678BB49B853336F04713505FEA67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_32EF4E5AA6BF65477B9C4713505F51B6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_32EF4E5AA6BF65477B9C4713505F51B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_248C678BB49B853336F04713505FEA67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_32EF4E5AA6BF65477B9C4713505F51B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_0ED07FEF069C6F2B9A2B47135065258C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_32EF4E5AA6BF65477B9C4713505F51B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_0ED07FEF069C6F2B9A2B47135065258C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_E1E83AFF9792B2FCEE24471350658C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOperating_E1E83AFF9792B2FCEE24471350658C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_B5C06B1BCBFD30D4B823471350658C99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_B5C06B1BCBFD30D4B823471350658C99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_A0C1AD3FC2681F529D3A4713506551D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_A0C1AD3FC2681F529D3A4713506551D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_6ECDD257CE4A112A9A0047135065558C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_6ECDD257CE4A112A9A0047135065558C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_6B64324E9AAD95A562D247135065287A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_6B64324E9AAD95A562D247135065287A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesAndEquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesAndEquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries_8BFF66907064D5BA80614713506683A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesAndEquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries_8BFF66907064D5BA80614713506683A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4708991CE744483FF459471350660153" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4708991CE744483FF459471350660153" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeEquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeEquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries_0F03AB1FE6C48FF94C574713506620B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeEquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries_0F03AB1FE6C48FF94C574713506620B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsAbstract_45BD88BFF1BC9411D5FD47135066C875" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsAbstract_45BD88BFF1BC9411D5FD47135066C875" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_IncomeLossFromEquityInUndistributedNetIncomeOfSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromEquityInUndistributedNetIncomeOfSubsidiaries_FA5368DDA0206FAD7CA247135066C1DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsAbstract_45BD88BFF1BC9411D5FD47135066C875" xlink:to="loc_schw_IncomeLossFromEquityInUndistributedNetIncomeOfSubsidiaries_FA5368DDA0206FAD7CA247135066C1DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_DividendsReceivedByParentCompanyFromBankSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_DividendsReceivedByParentCompanyFromBankSubsidiaries_3DF7035DAE372D7306E5471350664F60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsAbstract_45BD88BFF1BC9411D5FD47135066C875" xlink:to="loc_schw_DividendsReceivedByParentCompanyFromBankSubsidiaries_3DF7035DAE372D7306E5471350664F60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_DividendsReceivedByParentCompanyFromNonBankingSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_schw_DividendsReceivedByParentCompanyFromNonBankingSubsidiaries_BF0C3801D5893AFE16A3471350660E89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsAbstract_45BD88BFF1BC9411D5FD47135066C875" xlink:to="loc_schw_DividendsReceivedByParentCompanyFromNonBankingSubsidiaries_BF0C3801D5893AFE16A3471350660E89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C83E9748393948BA6A2C4713506658D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsAbstract_45BD88BFF1BC9411D5FD47135066C875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C83E9748393948BA6A2C4713506658D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_C69C0113EC004DCC794447135066BE06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_C69C0113EC004DCC794447135066BE06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_C62E5D637FD1A9916F134713506639D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF2C25BA811958A394D147135065622D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_C62E5D637FD1A9916F134713506639D8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CharlesSchwabCorporationParentCompanyOnlyFinancialStatementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsToExtendPurchaseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_2DEB8F7373547D27F84FAEC301E46F6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_025BA4136C98783D2ACFAEC301E30943" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_2DEB8F7373547D27F84FAEC301E46F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_025BA4136C98783D2ACFAEC301E30943" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_35F2A90330FF161ECFBAAEC301E3EE1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_025BA4136C98783D2ACFAEC301E30943" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_35F2A90330FF161ECFBAAEC301E3EE1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_BA3375DC2D50E08748E0AEC301E38687_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_35F2A90330FF161ECFBAAEC301E3EE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_BA3375DC2D50E08748E0AEC301E38687_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_BA3375DC2D50E08748E0AEC301E38687" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_35F2A90330FF161ECFBAAEC301E3EE1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_BA3375DC2D50E08748E0AEC301E38687" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HomeEquityLoansAndLinesOfCreditPledgedAssetLinesAndOtherLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_HomeEquityLoansAndLinesOfCreditPledgedAssetLinesAndOtherLinesOfCreditMember_0940C27B9A6C02143826AEC301E3FCC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_BA3375DC2D50E08748E0AEC301E38687" xlink:to="loc_schw_HomeEquityLoansAndLinesOfCreditPledgedAssetLinesAndOtherLinesOfCreditMember_0940C27B9A6C02143826AEC301E3FCC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_1185E039ADC792DF5C69AEC301E3D91B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_BA3375DC2D50E08748E0AEC301E38687" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_1185E039ADC792DF5C69AEC301E3D91B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusedCommitmentsToExtendCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusedCommitmentsToExtendCredit_16B378B2504AD5C40976AEC301E47994" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_2DEB8F7373547D27F84FAEC301E46F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusedCommitmentsToExtendCredit_16B378B2504AD5C40976AEC301E47994" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitmentsToPurchaseOrSell" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitmentsToPurchaseOrSell_54FE28295D431480966CAEC301E489DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_2DEB8F7373547D27F84FAEC301E46F6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommitmentsToPurchaseOrSell_54FE28295D431480966CAEC301E489DD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureAnnualMinimumRentalCommitmentsNetOfContractualSubleasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_DCDD2C38C1B3E41E516AAEC3022CD521" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3CC85418D551D0A78D70AEC3022BDF67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_DCDD2C38C1B3E41E516AAEC3022CD521" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3CC85418D551D0A78D70AEC3022BDF67" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3EF4D833207D881BB608AEC3022B5C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3CC85418D551D0A78D70AEC3022BDF67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3EF4D833207D881BB608AEC3022B5C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_873B28711DFEFE929BB2AEC3022C0B1D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3EF4D833207D881BB608AEC3022B5C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_873B28711DFEFE929BB2AEC3022C0B1D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_873B28711DFEFE929BB2AEC3022C0B1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3EF4D833207D881BB608AEC3022B5C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_873B28711DFEFE929BB2AEC3022C0B1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_9782A939C7E92906BAD2AEC3022CF59A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_873B28711DFEFE929BB2AEC3022C0B1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_9782A939C7E92906BAD2AEC3022CF59A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_F9EB9986EA9024C09919AEC3022C6BED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_873B28711DFEFE929BB2AEC3022C0B1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_F9EB9986EA9024C09919AEC3022C6BED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_C1A4213545464704FB79AEC3022C2C91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3CC85418D551D0A78D70AEC3022BDF67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_C1A4213545464704FB79AEC3022C2C91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B91F4A4E911A218068B8AEC3022C08C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_C1A4213545464704FB79AEC3022C2C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B91F4A4E911A218068B8AEC3022C08C7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B91F4A4E911A218068B8AEC3022C08C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_C1A4213545464704FB79AEC3022C2C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B91F4A4E911A218068B8AEC3022C08C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_MarginRequirementsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_MarginRequirementsMember_15616ED5ACEF549EA3CFAEC3022C9AED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B91F4A4E911A218068B8AEC3022C08C7" xlink:to="loc_schw_MarginRequirementsMember_15616ED5ACEF549EA3CFAEC3022C9AED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_BondMarketFundLitigationMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_BondMarketFundLitigationMember_E8763BF5ECB071171D63AEC3022C92D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B91F4A4E911A218068B8AEC3022C08C7" xlink:to="loc_schw_BondMarketFundLitigationMember_E8763BF5ECB071171D63AEC3022C92D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0FF91A6C2CD7BB2BB230AEF36366FF8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_3CC85418D551D0A78D70AEC3022BDF67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0FF91A6C2CD7BB2BB230AEF36366FF8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3AF8531FDB8BCCC21999AEF3DE79BF0C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0FF91A6C2CD7BB2BB230AEF36366FF8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3AF8531FDB8BCCC21999AEF3DE79BF0C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3AF8531FDB8BCCC21999AEF3DE79BF0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0FF91A6C2CD7BB2BB230AEF36366FF8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3AF8531FDB8BCCC21999AEF3DE79BF0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_933BBB0A135BB48488CDAEF363888AFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3AF8531FDB8BCCC21999AEF3DE79BF0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_933BBB0A135BB48488CDAEF363888AFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment_F5BF62FCF100A30C6145AEC3022C1101" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_DCDD2C38C1B3E41E516AAEC3022CD521" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansAndLeasesHeldForInvestment_F5BF62FCF100A30C6145AEC3022C1101" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_5C615345A6F5C1CDC10EAEC3022C6635" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_DCDD2C38C1B3E41E516AAEC3022CD521" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_5C615345A6F5C1CDC10EAEC3022C6635" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_LetterofCreditCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_schw_LetterofCreditCurrentBorrowingCapacity_681E6C59ED91BBB2859EAEF0F81CAD2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_DCDD2C38C1B3E41E516AAEC3022CD521" xlink:to="loc_schw_LetterofCreditCurrentBorrowingCapacity_681E6C59ED91BBB2859EAEF0F81CAD2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_LongtermLetterofCredit" xlink:label="loc_schw_LongtermLetterofCredit_06B754E6E7CA43270331AEF1C9AF07D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_DCDD2C38C1B3E41E516AAEC3022CD521" xlink:to="loc_schw_LongtermLetterofCredit_06B754E6E7CA43270331AEF1C9AF07D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_MaximumAmountofFundAssetsAllowableWithoutObtainingFundholderVotePercentage" xlink:label="loc_schw_MaximumAmountofFundAssetsAllowableWithoutObtainingFundholderVotePercentage_FD769DFE13DB7B8F5AF8AEF363AD12AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_DCDD2C38C1B3E41E516AAEC3022CD521" xlink:to="loc_schw_MaximumAmountofFundAssetsAllowableWithoutObtainingFundholderVotePercentage_FD769DFE13DB7B8F5AF8AEF363AD12AB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesPurchaseObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_075C5233C3C1CD0D58D342B0E0090F06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F6A8EF33257C54DA1B1042B0E0086358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_075C5233C3C1CD0D58D342B0E0090F06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F6A8EF33257C54DA1B1042B0E0086358" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_27AA7BC22EB61C0BF09542B0E0089F18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F6A8EF33257C54DA1B1042B0E0086358" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_27AA7BC22EB61C0BF09542B0E0089F18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_27AA7BC22EB61C0BF09542B0E0089F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_27AA7BC22EB61C0BF09542B0E0089F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_F4CE9E1BD601B588B7E342B0E0086B74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_F4CE9E1BD601B588B7E342B0E0086B74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0FB05F17E3CBD16ED2E742B0E0086927" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0FB05F17E3CBD16ED2E742B0E0086927" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_E9F539444C1D23DBB95042B0E00831B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_E9F539444C1D23DBB95042B0E00831B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_F70EBD902B79C0073A4E42B0E00902AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_F70EBD902B79C0073A4E42B0E00902AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_83B8BF723D7B8BA6371242B0E0093AEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_83B8BF723D7B8BA6371242B0E0093AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_A5877B16F0E14F72DDE142B0E009F5E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_247F2106EAD1D91C839B42B0E00888D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_A5877B16F0E14F72DDE142B0E009F5E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_075C5233C3C1CD0D58D342B0E0090F06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_25E55BF23FBDF3839B3A42B0E0094141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_25E55BF23FBDF3839B3A42B0E0094141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_516198252074209B21EC42B0E00994F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_516198252074209B21EC42B0E00994F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_FFC9AB398C9742EDC14042B0E0091305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_FFC9AB398C9742EDC14042B0E0091305" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_E0A5ACD34AA1A1EF709942B0E0095A59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_E0A5ACD34AA1A1EF709942B0E0095A59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_581A2A740C173E5A246B42B0E0093974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_581A2A740C173E5A246B42B0E0093974" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue_ACF746CF2D79EE76D80342B0E0096E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue_ACF746CF2D79EE76D80342B0E0096E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_5E2AEDE657E5E1034E2642B0E0092B83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_5E2AEDE657E5E1034E2642B0E0092B83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_B640F87C631B5EA8F96142B0E00945BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_B640F87C631B5EA8F96142B0E00945BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_StockOptionExercisesAndOtherValue" xlink:label="loc_schw_StockOptionExercisesAndOtherValue_59DFD4904C2D2F7DEAE742B0E009273F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_schw_StockOptionExercisesAndOtherValue_59DFD4904C2D2F7DEAE742B0E009273F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_CA9C4661EF6655D43C5342B0E009B348" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_CA9C4661EF6655D43C5342B0E009B348" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_B88F7CF0A1553E7D43FF42B0E00983FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_ECD11C4C27CDE3FEB33742B0E0093969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_B88F7CF0A1553E7D43FF42B0E00983FF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareEpsUnderBasicAndDilutedComputationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansAssumptionsUsedToValueOptionsGrantedAndTheirExpectedLivesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E4543C9AB6C027418FD246CF4B7B7CD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_C592C94540C85960D95D46CF4B7B5ED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E4543C9AB6C027418FD246CF4B7B7CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_C592C94540C85960D95D46CF4B7B5ED1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_23CFEFEFD73149B30D1946CF4B7B8A35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_C592C94540C85960D95D46CF4B7B5ED1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_23CFEFEFD73149B30D1946CF4B7B8A35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7C179B77B5B51984613046CF4B7BCAD4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_23CFEFEFD73149B30D1946CF4B7B8A35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7C179B77B5B51984613046CF4B7BCAD4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7C179B77B5B51984613046CF4B7BCAD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_23CFEFEFD73149B30D1946CF4B7B8A35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7C179B77B5B51984613046CF4B7BCAD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B8E20F449373700163DA46CF4B7B16F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7C179B77B5B51984613046CF4B7BCAD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B8E20F449373700163DA46CF4B7B16F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FF5461BE19D25046656B46CF4B7BA0F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_7C179B77B5B51984613046CF4B7BCAD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FF5461BE19D25046656B46CF4B7BA0F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_007CC05206BA4BB025DE46CF4B7BAD6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E4543C9AB6C027418FD246CF4B7B7CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_007CC05206BA4BB025DE46CF4B7BAD6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_BB78EAAC7B1EE19F5A4A46CF4B7BE339" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E4543C9AB6C027418FD246CF4B7B7CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_BB78EAAC7B1EE19F5A4A46CF4B7BE339" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_39A80F746D673F3FD3B746CF4B7B9F20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E4543C9AB6C027418FD246CF4B7B7CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_39A80F746D673F3FD3B746CF4B7B9F20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_B2091B853378AC1F008446CF4B7B94BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_E4543C9AB6C027418FD246CF4B7B7CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_B2091B853378AC1F008446CF4B7B94BD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansEmployeeIncentiveNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7EADA736B77509FD56D842DED194962F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7EADA736B77509FD56D842DED194962F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B3677A51D00D7C6220BD42DED19491E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7EADA736B77509FD56D842DED194962F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B3677A51D00D7C6220BD42DED19491E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9C22412981FEBE92761342DED194118B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B3677A51D00D7C6220BD42DED19491E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9C22412981FEBE92761342DED194118B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9C22412981FEBE92761342DED194118B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B3677A51D00D7C6220BD42DED19491E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9C22412981FEBE92761342DED194118B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_300E9D33E6F330B64FA942DED1944203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9C22412981FEBE92761342DED194118B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_300E9D33E6F330B64FA942DED1944203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_0D9864C981166CDE9EBC42DED194E019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9C22412981FEBE92761342DED194118B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_0D9864C981166CDE9EBC42DED194E019" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1DE73DBAE73AB41D93F042DED194BCB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7EADA736B77509FD56D842DED194962F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1DE73DBAE73AB41D93F042DED194BCB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_C6D1BFB6917D1181F0B042DED194E9BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1DE73DBAE73AB41D93F042DED194BCB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_C6D1BFB6917D1181F0B042DED194E9BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_C6D1BFB6917D1181F0B042DED194E9BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1DE73DBAE73AB41D93F042DED194BCB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_C6D1BFB6917D1181F0B042DED194E9BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_StockOptionPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_StockOptionPlanMember_BD9B4DFEE240BD00496C42DED1940115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_C6D1BFB6917D1181F0B042DED194E9BF" xlink:to="loc_schw_StockOptionPlanMember_BD9B4DFEE240BD00496C42DED1940115" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_A72D9FC42D7A608AA06742DED1949B76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_C6D1BFB6917D1181F0B042DED194E9BF" xlink:to="loc_schw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_A72D9FC42D7A608AA06742DED1949B76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_99DE6ECD3D7F291A122F42DED1942FC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7EADA736B77509FD56D842DED194962F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_99DE6ECD3D7F291A122F42DED1942FC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7A471DC025A32EA2B8EA42DED19475A5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_99DE6ECD3D7F291A122F42DED1942FC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7A471DC025A32EA2B8EA42DED19475A5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7A471DC025A32EA2B8EA42DED19475A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_99DE6ECD3D7F291A122F42DED1942FC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7A471DC025A32EA2B8EA42DED19475A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4EA097487058E4A4BEFC42DED1945BD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7A471DC025A32EA2B8EA42DED19475A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4EA097487058E4A4BEFC42DED1945BD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_AF6E637382C3CE99F5CD42DED1940D0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7A471DC025A32EA2B8EA42DED19475A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_AF6E637382C3CE99F5CD42DED1940D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_743BDF3E63E51D75BA8242DED195A738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7A471DC025A32EA2B8EA42DED19475A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_743BDF3E63E51D75BA8242DED195A738" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_0A637329DBCD227C33E142DED1953A69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_0A637329DBCD227C33E142DED1953A69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_EE34B82B1974E4C7747942DED1952F0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_EE34B82B1974E4C7747942DED1952F0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_FC81505D14D1A68622C042DED1955459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_FC81505D14D1A68622C042DED1955459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_C89CB5AB3FC6CE06393142DED1950A1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_C89CB5AB3FC6CE06393142DED1950A1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_8BEB79FD4CFBDE17DE4742DED195C415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_8BEB79FD4CFBDE17DE4742DED195C415" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_F84F1FCB58BEA5B2439542DED195A15D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_F84F1FCB58BEA5B2439542DED195A15D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_E2E761C835F270976F1F42DED1953941" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_23BD25897547E01170DF42DED195401D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_E2E761C835F270976F1F42DED1953941" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansInformationOnStockOptionsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansRestrictedStockUnitsActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_298B70E8AB54D28897E146CF4B7273FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A4F8B8AD1589E9BC735A46CF4B71AD82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_298B70E8AB54D28897E146CF4B7273FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A4F8B8AD1589E9BC735A46CF4B71AD82" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F01791FC21A6390F58B446CF4B71C86B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A4F8B8AD1589E9BC735A46CF4B71AD82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F01791FC21A6390F58B446CF4B71C86B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35A117EA822CF8AE183346CF4B7175CF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F01791FC21A6390F58B446CF4B71C86B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35A117EA822CF8AE183346CF4B7175CF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35A117EA822CF8AE183346CF4B7175CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F01791FC21A6390F58B446CF4B71C86B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35A117EA822CF8AE183346CF4B7175CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_A3DA663D8D4093121A3146CF4B726D80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_35A117EA822CF8AE183346CF4B7175CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_A3DA663D8D4093121A3146CF4B726D80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_687AF488CA9700D8A05846CF4B728E8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_298B70E8AB54D28897E146CF4B7273FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_687AF488CA9700D8A05846CF4B728E8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_364DD7F931093F76754446CF4B720CA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_687AF488CA9700D8A05846CF4B728E8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_364DD7F931093F76754446CF4B720CA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_6EBBD28A15EAD37A58D646CF4B720EBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_687AF488CA9700D8A05846CF4B728E8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_6EBBD28A15EAD37A58D646CF4B720EBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_CF3E9580A8C2FBFA71DC46CF4B726C62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_687AF488CA9700D8A05846CF4B728E8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_CF3E9580A8C2FBFA71DC46CF4B726C62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_C07D151AF11715BAEC284701EA54BEDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_687AF488CA9700D8A05846CF4B728E8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_C07D151AF11715BAEC284701EA54BEDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7F074A628E67591C224B46CF4B7246B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_298B70E8AB54D28897E146CF4B7273FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7F074A628E67591C224B46CF4B7246B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4242C3BAEC5BB96009C746CF4B72CA8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7F074A628E67591C224B46CF4B7246B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4242C3BAEC5BB96009C746CF4B72CA8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_752EB498E3F0D0A1222246CF4B72794E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7F074A628E67591C224B46CF4B7246B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_752EB498E3F0D0A1222246CF4B72794E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_FFCC8C6B240497985D5D46CF4B72C4F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7F074A628E67591C224B46CF4B7246B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_FFCC8C6B240497985D5D46CF4B72C4F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_54470AD3FB27E500F88146CF4B723B81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7F074A628E67591C224B46CF4B7246B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_54470AD3FB27E500F88146CF4B723B81" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansRetirementAndDeferredCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfComponentsAndAmountsImpactingAociDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansStockBasedCompensationExpenseAndRelatedIncomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8449E7B43C0C10939AF396473ACB435F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_584D3F478A33DE61975F96473ACB30B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8449E7B43C0C10939AF396473ACB435F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_584D3F478A33DE61975F96473ACB30B3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_8854C02E0B16F56A0E6D96473ACB68D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_584D3F478A33DE61975F96473ACB30B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_8854C02E0B16F56A0E6D96473ACB68D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9602C5797CA936661A2996473ACB7DD0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_8854C02E0B16F56A0E6D96473ACB68D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9602C5797CA936661A2996473ACB7DD0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9602C5797CA936661A2996473ACB7DD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_8854C02E0B16F56A0E6D96473ACB68D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9602C5797CA936661A2996473ACB7DD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_AB8C24695212D099522E96473ACB5655" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9602C5797CA936661A2996473ACB7DD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_AB8C24695212D099522E96473ACB5655" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_0BBF8EAEA9406DF7CD1696473ACB3711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9602C5797CA936661A2996473ACB7DD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_0BBF8EAEA9406DF7CD1696473ACB3711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_CB058EED3E00A31A0D9C96473ACB95E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9602C5797CA936661A2996473ACB7DD0" xlink:to="loc_schw_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_CB058EED3E00A31A0D9C96473ACB95E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F73FBCB668C6381AFF53964F3AD2E0AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_584D3F478A33DE61975F96473ACB30B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F73FBCB668C6381AFF53964F3AD2E0AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F1CFB8237F4544CA61C8964F3AD61C0D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F73FBCB668C6381AFF53964F3AD2E0AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F1CFB8237F4544CA61C8964F3AD61C0D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F1CFB8237F4544CA61C8964F3AD61C0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F73FBCB668C6381AFF53964F3AD2E0AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F1CFB8237F4544CA61C8964F3AD61C0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member_200A4DA9EFA1D4D8E4AE964F3B348C6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F1CFB8237F4544CA61C8964F3AD61C0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member_200A4DA9EFA1D4D8E4AE964F3B348C6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_E0E0D4C8BA75BDE6B9FF96473ACBF74F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8449E7B43C0C10939AF396473ACB435F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_E0E0D4C8BA75BDE6B9FF96473ACBF74F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_4E49FDD13ECD9E94831A96473ACBF4B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8449E7B43C0C10939AF396473ACB435F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_4E49FDD13ECD9E94831A96473ACBF4B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5E78667FB387B2E3386B964F3A9F0AD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8449E7B43C0C10939AF396473ACB435F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5E78667FB387B2E3386B964F3A9F0AD2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EmployeeIncentiveRetirementDeferredCompensationAndCareerAchievementPlansTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndProperty" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyScheduleOfEquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_6542E82B927136E0B7A52411D8E81643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_445E517B3962E57E239B2411D8E641D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_6542E82B927136E0B7A52411D8E81643" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_445E517B3962E57E239B2411D8E641D5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D568861D008659CC0D692411D8E6ACD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_445E517B3962E57E239B2411D8E641D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D568861D008659CC0D692411D8E6ACD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D568861D008659CC0D692411D8E6ACD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D568861D008659CC0D692411D8E6ACD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_458138117FC07393C57D2411D8E7BA5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_458138117FC07393C57D2411D8E7BA5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_378F40643FF7C82E35742411D8E7C6B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_378F40643FF7C82E35742411D8E7C6B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_230C45A868794FF3D9E62411D8E78499" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_230C45A868794FF3D9E62411D8E78499" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember_D7C6EC06E11647B3A30F2411D8E797BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember_D7C6EC06E11647B3A30F2411D8E797BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_1425355FB10CF3C0EF782411D8E714D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_1425355FB10CF3C0EF782411D8E714D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_01CF0A0833CBB81074082411D8E766A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_01CF0A0833CBB81074082411D8E766A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_2E4C99481582548B0FFD2411D8E76666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_2E4C99481582548B0FFD2411D8E76666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember_E4AB249FE22EB48580C22411D8E7C242" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3E6B29686344320F8E1F2411D8E65BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember_E4AB249FE22EB48580C22411D8E7C242" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_0E66E325A344E24F97062411D8E84C7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_6542E82B927136E0B7A52411D8E81643" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_0E66E325A344E24F97062411D8E84C7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_42EE43A1CB17456558242411D8E8E90A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_6542E82B927136E0B7A52411D8E81643" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_42EE43A1CB17456558242411D8E8E90A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0706D71E6410804328A92411D8E8DC72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_6542E82B927136E0B7A52411D8E81643" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0706D71E6410804328A92411D8E8DC72" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/EquipmentOfficeFacilitiesAndPropertyTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueHierarchyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_20617FE50B867CB699106BE43F3A1B86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_48943B2525AF5CCAB5F36BE43F3483FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_20617FE50B867CB699106BE43F3A1B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_48943B2525AF5CCAB5F36BE43F3483FB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_4D5AB279EC537A5A9C896BE43F34047C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_48943B2525AF5CCAB5F36BE43F3483FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_4D5AB279EC537A5A9C896BE43F34047C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_046032D952C85C31EDDD6BE43F385811_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_4D5AB279EC537A5A9C896BE43F34047C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_046032D952C85C31EDDD6BE43F385811_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_97B7117632AE5C9B15466BE43F38F9AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_4D5AB279EC537A5A9C896BE43F34047C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_97B7117632AE5C9B15466BE43F38F9AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_046032D952C85C31EDDD6BE43F385811" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_97B7117632AE5C9B15466BE43F38F9AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_046032D952C85C31EDDD6BE43F385811" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_64713906E6A64ED686EB6BE43F380AB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_046032D952C85C31EDDD6BE43F385811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_64713906E6A64ED686EB6BE43F380AB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FAF3A9F4B27BAF087B5D6BE43F38F936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_48943B2525AF5CCAB5F36BE43F3483FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FAF3A9F4B27BAF087B5D6BE43F38F936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5F2660C818BB51C7EB236BE43F380336_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FAF3A9F4B27BAF087B5D6BE43F38F936" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5F2660C818BB51C7EB236BE43F380336_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5F2660C818BB51C7EB236BE43F380336" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FAF3A9F4B27BAF087B5D6BE43F38F936" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5F2660C818BB51C7EB236BE43F380336" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_CA104C70A2BE6C4DBD026BE43F386AAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5F2660C818BB51C7EB236BE43F380336" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_CA104C70A2BE6C4DBD026BE43F386AAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_6EC931900F185F712EF16BE43F38F6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5F2660C818BB51C7EB236BE43F380336" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_6EC931900F185F712EF16BE43F38F6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_081E6133C0521E49BE506BE43F383DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5F2660C818BB51C7EB236BE43F380336" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_081E6133C0521E49BE506BE43F383DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F91D5199FC234647BD886BE43F3810BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_48943B2525AF5CCAB5F36BE43F3483FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F91D5199FC234647BD886BE43F3810BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_3E7DDCCAB90EE4EE2AA36BE43F384028_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F91D5199FC234647BD886BE43F3810BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_3E7DDCCAB90EE4EE2AA36BE43F384028_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_3E7DDCCAB90EE4EE2AA36BE43F384028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F91D5199FC234647BD886BE43F3810BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_3E7DDCCAB90EE4EE2AA36BE43F384028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_9F328C375CDA3097AFE26BE43F39C478" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_3E7DDCCAB90EE4EE2AA36BE43F384028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_9F328C375CDA3097AFE26BE43F39C478" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_6BB7FAA4022612292B2F6BE43F391DF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_48943B2525AF5CCAB5F36BE43F3483FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_6BB7FAA4022612292B2F6BE43F391DF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_6BB7FAA4022612292B2F6BE43F391DF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_6BB7FAA4022612292B2F6BE43F391DF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_4820952C0E47C0BB125E6BE43F39E567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_4820952C0E47C0BB125E6BE43F39E567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_8BB7C170FCA9FA8BB0F76BE43F3901BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_8BB7C170FCA9FA8BB0F76BE43F3901BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_A793DD2CB94F6C3EEB786BE43F3986E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_A793DD2CB94F6C3EEB786BE43F3986E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EquityAndBondMutualFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EquityAndBondMutualFundsMember_638347D051051AA3CC8E6BE43F390D0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_schw_EquityAndBondMutualFundsMember_638347D051051AA3CC8E6BE43F390D0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SchwabFundsMoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_SchwabFundsMoneyMarketFundsMember_767E5E27EED6A8A4E3926BE43F3907FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_schw_SchwabFundsMoneyMarketFundsMember_767E5E27EED6A8A4E3926BE43F3907FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_StateAndMunicipalDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_StateAndMunicipalDebtObligationsMember_9D5D110C25CE3880C2086BE43F39EFD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_schw_StateAndMunicipalDebtObligationsMember_9D5D110C25CE3880C2086BE43F39EFD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EquityUnitedStatesGovernmentAndCorporateDebtAndOtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EquityUnitedStatesGovernmentAndCorporateDebtAndOtherSecuritiesMember_97AA34071E6E475587196BE43F3986E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_schw_EquityUnitedStatesGovernmentAndCorporateDebtAndOtherSecuritiesMember_97AA34071E6E475587196BE43F3986E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_80C8E8923CC0DFCCE5A66BE43F39CD05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_80C8E8923CC0DFCCE5A66BE43F39CD05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_041022BC25F0321F12D06BE43F3949E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_041022BC25F0321F12D06BE43F3949E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_BF0DDC08D660039DD5A96BE43F3972AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_BF0DDC08D660039DD5A96BE43F3972AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_483D77F0BE0726C2732C6BE43F390C35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_483D77F0BE0726C2732C6BE43F390C35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_474BCA9C4527355E92706BE43F3AB848" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_474BCA9C4527355E92706BE43F3AB848" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_846D2BCEF08C00CF826C6BE43F3AB500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_846D2BCEF08C00CF826C6BE43F3AB500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_23F5200A248ACCA077A46BE43F3A91D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_23F5200A248ACCA077A46BE43F3A91D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_92A4A351C21814359E706BE43F3A1FB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_92A4A351C21814359E706BE43F3A1FB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_4F40DC4F1E5BD7F0C6A36BE43F3A9184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE0159210348C4044BED6BE43F39A97C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_4F40DC4F1E5BD7F0C6A36BE43F3A9184" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_C40D537C73E0789E5DD96BE43F3A0664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_20617FE50B867CB699106BE43F3A1B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_C40D537C73E0789E5DD96BE43F3A0664" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderFederalAndOtherRegulationsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_schw_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderFederalAndOtherRegulationsFairValueDisclosure_80C1BB4A732B490673946BE43F3AC3F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_20617FE50B867CB699106BE43F3A1B86" xlink:to="loc_schw_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderFederalAndOtherRegulationsFairValueDisclosure_80C1BB4A732B490673946BE43F3AC3F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_0FFC4B430F6BED800DCF6BE43F3AE812" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_20617FE50B867CB699106BE43F3A1B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_0FFC4B430F6BED800DCF6BE43F3AE812" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_FA70A1DE898B99C6A6B36BE43F3A45F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_20617FE50B867CB699106BE43F3A1B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_FA70A1DE898B99C6A6B36BE43F3A45F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_CE6D89FFBEE27A9F0BB06BE43F3B38AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_20617FE50B867CB699106BE43F3A1B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_CE6D89FFBEE27A9F0BB06BE43F3B38AB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueOfOtherFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7A26C355214E9C93FD5142B0DDA431E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_FB15987654C0031FF20342B0DDA2096E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7A26C355214E9C93FD5142B0DDA431E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_FB15987654C0031FF20342B0DDA2096E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9EB8D10A4C7104CEB8B242B0DDA2F4D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_FB15987654C0031FF20342B0DDA2096E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9EB8D10A4C7104CEB8B242B0DDA2F4D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_EA4014875A436397B85842B0DDA2D70D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9EB8D10A4C7104CEB8B242B0DDA2F4D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_EA4014875A436397B85842B0DDA2D70D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_FC29A59971A36EEBFE2542B0DDA2F544" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9EB8D10A4C7104CEB8B242B0DDA2F4D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_FC29A59971A36EEBFE2542B0DDA2F544" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_EA4014875A436397B85842B0DDA2D70D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_FC29A59971A36EEBFE2542B0DDA2F544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_EA4014875A436397B85842B0DDA2D70D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_62E62E1FBF76CD9F061242B0DDA270F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_EA4014875A436397B85842B0DDA2D70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_62E62E1FBF76CD9F061242B0DDA270F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_51040B164D99CAB70D3242B0DDA371F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_EA4014875A436397B85842B0DDA2D70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtOtherThanFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_51040B164D99CAB70D3242B0DDA371F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2BF1B1DCEC690DC5621142B0DDA303A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_FB15987654C0031FF20342B0DDA2096E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2BF1B1DCEC690DC5621142B0DDA303A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A5D4E0CF28979137908542B0DDA38622_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2BF1B1DCEC690DC5621142B0DDA303A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A5D4E0CF28979137908542B0DDA38622_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A5D4E0CF28979137908542B0DDA38622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2BF1B1DCEC690DC5621142B0DDA303A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A5D4E0CF28979137908542B0DDA38622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_56BC30FEC3C11E10270442B0DDA3A357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A5D4E0CF28979137908542B0DDA38622" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_56BC30FEC3C11E10270442B0DDA3A357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4330EADF06DD0734331B42B0DDA324F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A5D4E0CF28979137908542B0DDA38622" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4330EADF06DD0734331B42B0DDA324F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_C105F4066EE148A141DE42B0DDA32783" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A5D4E0CF28979137908542B0DDA38622" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_C105F4066EE148A141DE42B0DDA32783" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_7A472A7573B311E6D72D42B0DDA324AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_FB15987654C0031FF20342B0DDA2096E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_7A472A7573B311E6D72D42B0DDA324AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_7A472A7573B311E6D72D42B0DDA324AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_7A472A7573B311E6D72D42B0DDA324AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_2B5697F0CB04745A724842B0DDA36DB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_2B5697F0CB04745A724842B0DDA36DB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_CC3395A8BEE49E6C217042B0DDA36770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_CC3395A8BEE49E6C217042B0DDA36770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_5D375ADC34BFB7791BE342B0DDA3D5D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_5D375ADC34BFB7791BE342B0DDA3D5D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_9CFBC9C6990220876CBD42B0DDA3EC63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_9CFBC9C6990220876CBD42B0DDA3EC63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_2F7CBFF3BFA617ECF3C642B0DDA3A9D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_2F7CBFF3BFA617ECF3C642B0DDA3A9D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_967930621BA396A3EE9C42B0DDA300B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_967930621BA396A3EE9C42B0DDA300B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_5D35B77A02A5BC89A2F242B0DDA3A254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_5D35B77A02A5BC89A2F242B0DDA3A254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_FED05A5F0977028B329442B0DDA31D33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_FED05A5F0977028B329442B0DDA31D33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_8D2760428129F1B604F242B0DDA46A9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_A7484DB905D5E15A828142B0DDA3DB0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_8D2760428129F1B604F242B0DDA46A9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_308DF1C30EE5E7DA984B42B0DDA44694" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_FB15987654C0031FF20342B0DDA2096E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_308DF1C30EE5E7DA984B42B0DDA44694" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_308DF1C30EE5E7DA984B42B0DDA44694" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_308DF1C30EE5E7DA984B42B0DDA44694" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_2897AFD0BAB6135A42A042B0DDA45C19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember_2897AFD0BAB6135A42A042B0DDA45C19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_349727D4CB9FD5F2328D42B0DDA41098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_349727D4CB9FD5F2328D42B0DDA41098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember_321FDAD4672DE9FF369442B0DDA44E4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC" xlink:to="loc_schw_PledgedAssetLinesMember_321FDAD4672DE9FF369442B0DDA44E4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherLoansMember_8133599606070FF244DE42B0DDA49BB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ABFE2561A094A809F8B842B0DDA44DDC" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherLoansMember_8133599606070FF244DE42B0DDA49BB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7A26C355214E9C93FD5142B0DDA431E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_6907C6DED89B21D8FFDE42B0DDA4DF5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_6907C6DED89B21D8FFDE42B0DDA4DF5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderFederalAndOtherRegulationsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_schw_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderFederalAndOtherRegulationsFairValueDisclosure_EA359EA27536186AF63542B0DDA41ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_schw_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderFederalAndOtherRegulationsFairValueDisclosure_EA359EA27536186AF63542B0DDA41ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_ReceivablesFromBrokersDealersAndClearingOrganizationsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_schw_ReceivablesFromBrokersDealersAndClearingOrganizationsFairValueDisclosure_73ECDE4EE862D59F648842B0DDA490F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_schw_ReceivablesFromBrokersDealersAndClearingOrganizationsFairValueDisclosure_73ECDE4EE862D59F648842B0DDA490F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableFairValueDisclosure_F23E83348C49D017B4C242B0DDA4B128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableFairValueDisclosure_F23E83348C49D017B4C242B0DDA4B128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_228B1CE0382E28481FA842B0DDA40FEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_228B1CE0382E28481FA842B0DDA40FEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_95C8C3D8B2473BF28FAB42B0DDA49B7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_95C8C3D8B2473BF28FAB42B0DDA49B7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure_97F8F6AC144C228284D442B0DDA4787C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure_97F8F6AC144C228284D442B0DDA4787C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_09A183E9F294AE3C835E42B0DDA44F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_89F9DF6D4402616D3A5D42B0DDA4FAE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_09A183E9F294AE3C835E42B0DDA44F2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7A26C355214E9C93FD5142B0DDA431E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure_0880D6EE1BAF180D027542B0DDA5FBCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure_0880D6EE1BAF180D027542B0DDA5FBCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizationsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_schw_PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizationsFairValueDisclosure_485585B47379F972507E42B0DDA566CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:to="loc_schw_PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizationsFairValueDisclosure_485585B47379F972507E42B0DDA566CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PayablesToCustomersFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_schw_PayablesToCustomersFairValueDisclosure_021F1E4240B55D5AB70F42B0DDA5A53A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:to="loc_schw_PayablesToCustomersFairValueDisclosure_021F1E4240B55D5AB70F42B0DDA5A53A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_85499F4FC6424686D7DC42B0DDA583DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_85499F4FC6424686D7DC42B0DDA583DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue_A7334455CE7DA5CD092F42DB7FAAA9EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue_A7334455CE7DA5CD092F42DB7FAAA9EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_4554F964A50F7BC1689842B0DDA517D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_4554F964A50F7BC1689842B0DDA517D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_6B24276E0A7916ACB83842B0DDA5AAF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_E3C16876845E015D771942B0DDA40084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_6B24276E0A7916ACB83842B0DDA5AAF3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FairValuesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRisk" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_343D1B8990EA6D4223547635B8110950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_12E365BCCBF221983C5C7635B80F4DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_343D1B8990EA6D4223547635B8110950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_12E365BCCBF221983C5C7635B80F4DBD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_E04B2378EC8B2A1350467635B80F3FC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_12E365BCCBF221983C5C7635B80F4DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_E04B2378EC8B2A1350467635B80F3FC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_338A12DAAB03BC97F8137635B80FB218_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_E04B2378EC8B2A1350467635B80F3FC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_338A12DAAB03BC97F8137635B80FB218_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_338A12DAAB03BC97F8137635B80FB218" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_E04B2378EC8B2A1350467635B80F3FC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_338A12DAAB03BC97F8137635B80FB218" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember_1960C819C8AE1305697C7635B80F058F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_338A12DAAB03BC97F8137635B80FB218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember_1960C819C8AE1305697C7635B80F058F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FairValueOfSecuritiesBorrowed" xlink:label="loc_schw_FairValueOfSecuritiesBorrowed_0AC42088F9857C0FE7637635B8113885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_343D1B8990EA6D4223547635B8110950" xlink:to="loc_schw_FairValueOfSecuritiesBorrowed_0AC42088F9857C0FE7637635B8113885" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_EDBE2AD7BF1F7A71DD8E7635B8078F23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_BAB728F5417AFC2203517635B80730BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_EDBE2AD7BF1F7A71DD8E7635B8078F23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_BAB728F5417AFC2203517635B80730BE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_8AA933837F5FC8CF09857635B8077C75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_BAB728F5417AFC2203517635B80730BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_8AA933837F5FC8CF09857635B8077C75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_8268499AC66C71EDD3FB7635B8077B90_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_8AA933837F5FC8CF09857635B8077C75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_8268499AC66C71EDD3FB7635B8077B90_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_8268499AC66C71EDD3FB7635B8077B90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_8AA933837F5FC8CF09857635B8077C75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_8268499AC66C71EDD3FB7635B8077B90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_ResaleAndRepurchaseAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_ResaleAndRepurchaseAgreementsMember_B6BF604393CD59CA17637635B80799CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_8268499AC66C71EDD3FB7635B8077B90" xlink:to="loc_schw_ResaleAndRepurchaseAgreementsMember_B6BF604393CD59CA17637635B80799CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PercentageOfCollateralToRelatedAssets" xlink:label="loc_schw_PercentageOfCollateralToRelatedAssets_833D29E11BDEBF9F0AB47635B8074A95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_EDBE2AD7BF1F7A71DD8E7635B8078F23" xlink:to="loc_schw_PercentageOfCollateralToRelatedAssets_833D29E11BDEBF9F0AB47635B8074A95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatCanBeResoldOrRepledged" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatCanBeResoldOrRepledged_43BAFA37F89343C5D2267635B8070F11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_EDBE2AD7BF1F7A71DD8E7635B8078F23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatCanBeResoldOrRepledged_43BAFA37F89343C5D2267635B8070F11" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskSummaryOfFairValueOfClientSecuritiesAvailableToUtilizeAsCollateralAndAmountsPledgedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_2C1F194FCB0C390BE2D37635B7F7F8EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_B1C20D665F53688C46267635B7F7B10F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_2C1F194FCB0C390BE2D37635B7F7F8EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_B1C20D665F53688C46267635B7F7B10F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_0D843EF9F10F0B47FA927635B7F70FD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_B1C20D665F53688C46267635B7F7B10F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_0D843EF9F10F0B47FA927635B7F70FD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_0D843EF9F10F0B47FA927635B7F70FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_0D843EF9F10F0B47FA927635B7F70FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FulfillmentofRequirementswithOptionsClearingCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_FulfillmentofRequirementswithOptionsClearingCorporationMember_D0875AA3F5606CB5559F7635B7F7789D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59" xlink:to="loc_schw_FulfillmentofRequirementswithOptionsClearingCorporationMember_D0875AA3F5606CB5559F7635B7F7789D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FulfillmentofClientShortSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_FulfillmentofClientShortSalesMember_3128D5AEE12DAD1498227635B7F7905D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59" xlink:to="loc_schw_FulfillmentofClientShortSalesMember_3128D5AEE12DAD1498227635B7F7905D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SecuritiesLendingtoOtherBrokerDealersMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_SecuritiesLendingtoOtherBrokerDealersMember_E7DED71E437E7C8E164A7635B7F7DB3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59" xlink:to="loc_schw_SecuritiesLendingtoOtherBrokerDealersMember_E7DED71E437E7C8E164A7635B7F7DB3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FullyPaidClientSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_FullyPaidClientSecuritiesMember_4597098A816052A3EFD07635B7F73FA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_1730A98126CB16CE455E7635B7F70D59" xlink:to="loc_schw_FullyPaidClientSecuritiesMember_4597098A816052A3EFD07635B7F73FA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatCanBeResoldOrRepledged" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatCanBeResoldOrRepledged_5EAA3855393188F339FE7635B7F77F53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_2C1F194FCB0C390BE2D37635B7F7F8EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatCanBeResoldOrRepledged_5EAA3855393188F339FE7635B7F77F53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatHaveBeenResoldOrRepledged" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatHaveBeenResoldOrRepledged_504EBD2A3FD29691A3E37635B7F86C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_2C1F194FCB0C390BE2D37635B7F7F8EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfSecuritiesReceivedAsCollateralThatHaveBeenResoldOrRepledged_504EBD2A3FD29691A3E37635B7F86C97" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsSubjectToOffBalanceSheetCreditRiskTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillAsAllocatedToReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_36F36DC928AC9F89E6E93799F20BC675" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8D49B9E022AD13BB95A83799F20A6BAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_36F36DC928AC9F89E6E93799F20BC675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8D49B9E022AD13BB95A83799F20A6BAC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2701863B19D08A7662393799F20A609F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8D49B9E022AD13BB95A83799F20A6BAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2701863B19D08A7662393799F20A609F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B8849E8726822D0C6D03799F20A06AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2701863B19D08A7662393799F20A609F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B8849E8726822D0C6D03799F20A06AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B8849E8726822D0C6D03799F20A06AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2701863B19D08A7662393799F20A609F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B8849E8726822D0C6D03799F20A06AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_InvestorServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_InvestorServicesMember_BFE5660113B9F83990223799F20A2E17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B8849E8726822D0C6D03799F20A06AC" xlink:to="loc_schw_InvestorServicesMember_BFE5660113B9F83990223799F20A2E17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AdvisorServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_AdvisorServicesMember_102DB444C85FB11F26C23799F20B9F00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B8849E8726822D0C6D03799F20A06AC" xlink:to="loc_schw_AdvisorServicesMember_102DB444C85FB11F26C23799F20B9F00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_CAFB058501E5BD5D7265379B9033C9C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_36F36DC928AC9F89E6E93799F20BC675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_CAFB058501E5BD5D7265379B9033C9C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_93D4CBAF13C1F9FE0B133799F20B8B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_CAFB058501E5BD5D7265379B9033C9C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_93D4CBAF13C1F9FE0B133799F20B8B70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_GoodwillAcquiredAndOtherChangesDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_schw_GoodwillAcquiredAndOtherChangesDuringPeriod_3D56282BE3C3527F5B6B3799F20B83DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_CAFB058501E5BD5D7265379B9033C9C1" xlink:to="loc_schw_GoodwillAcquiredAndOtherChangesDuringPeriod_3D56282BE3C3527F5B6B3799F20B83DA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillEstimatedFutureAnnualAmortizationExpenseForIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E3A2C23114EE4F607D298BAA78454BB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_5637CD237040EF68A76A8BAA78449EB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E3A2C23114EE4F607D298BAA78454BB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_5637CD237040EF68A76A8BAA78449EB0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C7DDA744729A50603E468BAA7844A321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_5637CD237040EF68A76A8BAA78449EB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C7DDA744729A50603E468BAA7844A321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5B811E792CBCF1A609D08BAA7844B830_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C7DDA744729A50603E468BAA7844A321" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5B811E792CBCF1A609D08BAA7844B830_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5B811E792CBCF1A609D08BAA7844B830" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C7DDA744729A50603E468BAA7844A321" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5B811E792CBCF1A609D08BAA7844B830" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_CA4A7990B913EFC2C2108BAA78450B3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5B811E792CBCF1A609D08BAA7844B830" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_CA4A7990B913EFC2C2108BAA78450B3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_9B2397B646825387F9A88BAA7845C76F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5B811E792CBCF1A609D08BAA7844B830" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_9B2397B646825387F9A88BAA7845C76F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_4E9EBFE540C46C23F4268BAA7845376A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5B811E792CBCF1A609D08BAA7844B830" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_4E9EBFE540C46C23F4268BAA7845376A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_43BE3D9960F462C972928BAA78455654" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E3A2C23114EE4F607D298BAA78454BB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_43BE3D9960F462C972928BAA78455654" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_87F99F9C4501205E23748BAA7845442E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E3A2C23114EE4F607D298BAA78454BB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_87F99F9C4501205E23748BAA7845442E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsIncludingNonAmortizingAssetNet" xlink:label="loc_schw_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsIncludingNonAmortizingAssetNet_4485DC54A1F991EF43D08BAA784583EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E3A2C23114EE4F607D298BAA78454BB6" xlink:to="loc_schw_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsIncludingNonAmortizingAssetNet_4485DC54A1F991EF43D08BAA784583EA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/IntroductionAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecurities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsAndLossesAndFairValueOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_433F735AF29EFC9A72D5AEC302CB7D66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_7A991C8CF76DD6EB95FDAEC302CAC6B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_433F735AF29EFC9A72D5AEC302CB7D66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_7A991C8CF76DD6EB95FDAEC302CAC6B7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A5E19C70A9F0E9822EDBAEC302CB6DB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_7A991C8CF76DD6EB95FDAEC302CAC6B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A5E19C70A9F0E9822EDBAEC302CB6DB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A5E19C70A9F0E9822EDBAEC302CB6DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A5E19C70A9F0E9822EDBAEC302CB6DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_0CEBB91A1D5B200F8776AEC302CB1FDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_0CEBB91A1D5B200F8776AEC302CB1FDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_D510ABA931ACEC4E6A06AEC302CB55F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_D510ABA931ACEC4E6A06AEC302CB55F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0C1A8F6302FC3F652D58AEC302CB593E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0C1A8F6302FC3F652D58AEC302CB593E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5066C3A2969B5ABE8624AEC302CB1CBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5066C3A2969B5ABE8624AEC302CB1CBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_8E988DC9BD4605C640E7AEC302CBA926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_8E988DC9BD4605C640E7AEC302CBA926" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_F688C490A5CED4A2E365AEC302CB2E4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_F688C490A5CED4A2E365AEC302CB2E4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_E3B6A11BA8EE2966A51FAEC302CBD8F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_E3B6A11BA8EE2966A51FAEC302CBD8F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_111956DC30D5EA400FAFAEC302CB6E52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_111956DC30D5EA400FAFAEC302CB6E52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_813E05130EC5F46F998AAEC302CB08BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_813E05130EC5F46F998AAEC302CB08BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_F49DC95A27ED766F5DEBAEC302CB4AB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_F49DC95A27ED766F5DEBAEC302CB4AB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_CEA5652CFC4F163BC687AEC302CB9F0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_CEA5652CFC4F163BC687AEC302CB9F0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedCreditCardSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedCreditCardSecuritiesMember_92E74A202A79888BE1E2AEC302CB6D4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedCreditCardSecuritiesMember_92E74A202A79888BE1E2AEC302CB6D4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CorporateDebtSecuritiesInformationTechnologyMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CorporateDebtSecuritiesInformationTechnologyMember_6B08A8B84B572E9B9541AF189C151134" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C37F6EA61DED7391112AAEC302CB8475" xlink:to="loc_schw_CorporateDebtSecuritiesInformationTechnologyMember_6B08A8B84B572E9B9541AF189C151134" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D18E6F84F58A21F98145AEC302CBBC15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_433F735AF29EFC9A72D5AEC302CB7D66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D18E6F84F58A21F98145AEC302CBBC15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_8E27C3AD07C19E3CCA9DAEC302CB2762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D18E6F84F58A21F98145AEC302CBBC15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_8E27C3AD07C19E3CCA9DAEC302CB2762" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_C9A188DC069FAAD50E2EAEC302CB8459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D18E6F84F58A21F98145AEC302CBBC15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_C9A188DC069FAAD50E2EAEC302CB8459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_F7E2683E06E7E271FE4FAEC302CC82B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D18E6F84F58A21F98145AEC302CBBC15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_F7E2683E06E7E271FE4FAEC302CC82B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_593413F463EF689DE593AEC302CC4F4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D18E6F84F58A21F98145AEC302CBBC15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_593413F463EF689DE593AEC302CC4F4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract_66FAAB6F7D9F4FF0EE5FAEC302CC1E44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_433F735AF29EFC9A72D5AEC302CB7D66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract_66FAAB6F7D9F4FF0EE5FAEC302CC1E44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_93F3DB01B37B48635968AEC302CC0539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract_66FAAB6F7D9F4FF0EE5FAEC302CC1E44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_93F3DB01B37B48635968AEC302CC0539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain_0585D61A955F05A237D4AEC302CC4D02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract_66FAAB6F7D9F4FF0EE5FAEC302CC1E44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain_0585D61A955F05A237D4AEC302CC4D02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss_D832610B62D9BFB8E155AEC302CCE5FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract_66FAAB6F7D9F4FF0EE5FAEC302CC1E44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss_D832610B62D9BFB8E155AEC302CCE5FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_B6690EE72AF038FD9E8BAEC302CC2524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract_66FAAB6F7D9F4FF0EE5FAEC302CC1E44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_B6690EE72AF038FD9E8BAEC302CC2524" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_ConcentrationRiskAssetBackedSecurities" xlink:label="loc_schw_ConcentrationRiskAssetBackedSecurities_6B22AEDF7C55A9FA435CAEC302CCD7C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_433F735AF29EFC9A72D5AEC302CB7D66" xlink:to="loc_schw_ConcentrationRiskAssetBackedSecurities_6B22AEDF7C55A9FA435CAEC302CCD7C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_ConcentrationRiskAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_schw_ConcentrationRiskAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecurities_E4842DE0CFA4500FA40BAEC302CCECEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_433F735AF29EFC9A72D5AEC302CB7D66" xlink:to="loc_schw_ConcentrationRiskAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecurities_E4842DE0CFA4500FA40BAEC302CCECEE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturitySecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesAggregatedByCategoryAndPeriodOfContinuousUnrealizedLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D6BCCB14DF1E902F7B3642DED2A27CC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_16958E825962E2D7552942DED2A1BFB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D6BCCB14DF1E902F7B3642DED2A27CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_16958E825962E2D7552942DED2A1BFB7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9BB35A1C56C76F5FCB6642DED2A1E853" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_16958E825962E2D7552942DED2A1BFB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9BB35A1C56C76F5FCB6642DED2A1E853" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9BB35A1C56C76F5FCB6642DED2A1E853" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9BB35A1C56C76F5FCB6642DED2A1E853" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_A2998FFD8B079ADEABAE42DED2A27DF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_A2998FFD8B079ADEABAE42DED2A27DF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_333A4B3EFDC204B01AAF42DED2A2717C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_333A4B3EFDC204B01AAF42DED2A2717C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0A27F225954F88F0A5B542DED2A2FB83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0A27F225954F88F0A5B542DED2A2FB83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B72964AE4586B53CD9C742DED2A21C90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B72964AE4586B53CD9C742DED2A21C90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_00D5C6D398C227C8F54D42DED2A2E375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_00D5C6D398C227C8F54D42DED2A2E375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_4E073E988E1EB9CDE6EB42DED2A2345D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_4E073E988E1EB9CDE6EB42DED2A2345D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_25B948B36A03150EF68142DED2A2E328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_25B948B36A03150EF68142DED2A2E328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_A04FFBEB7A55A704B8B242FADFB9A5D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_A04FFBEB7A55A704B8B242FADFB9A5D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_DA135B611376E7A63DB742DED2A26EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_AD847CCEA9CEFC88756F42DED2A20568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_DA135B611376E7A63DB742DED2A26EBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D6BCCB14DF1E902F7B3642DED2A27CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_7D99D79021937859C2A642DED2A225D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_7D99D79021937859C2A642DED2A225D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_EF73B6C0300C8C1709CC42DED2A2994E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_EF73B6C0300C8C1709CC42DED2A2994E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_053919BD09C0783B128942DED2A2E39E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_053919BD09C0783B128942DED2A2E39E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_9E4AEA9EBCF5470DD89842DED2A215F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_9E4AEA9EBCF5470DD89842DED2A215F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_881EADD2BC7BD0231EC542DED2A3E8A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_881EADD2BC7BD0231EC542DED2A3E8A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_0D782F3E1B10CB1F13EF42DED2A307A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_3227D5FFBD2EA6009A2D42DED2A21D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_0D782F3E1B10CB1F13EF42DED2A307A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D6BCCB14DF1E902F7B3642DED2A27CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_76BDEC7DF4F05CC43B8342DED2A33116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_76BDEC7DF4F05CC43B8342DED2A33116" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_2941970062E9BA97698142DED2A3AA75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_2941970062E9BA97698142DED2A3AA75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_04C2A6A051E004E1010A42DED2A36035" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_04C2A6A051E004E1010A42DED2A36035" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_6B6E06854F7536118AC542DED2A37E58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_6B6E06854F7536118AC542DED2A37E58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_594CE918C9ECB70EB56742DED2A388F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_594CE918C9ECB70EB56742DED2A388F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_C9D796F7009BC5E9480D42DED2A30674" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A358E72A4AC780346BDC42DED2A31FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_C9D796F7009BC5E9480D42DED2A30674" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D6BCCB14DF1E902F7B3642DED2A27CC6" xlink:to="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_66C9F9CB522560F9984042DED2A42C46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:to="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_66C9F9CB522560F9984042DED2A42C46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLoss" xlink:label="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLoss_6A6650F925FA36B1BCAA42DED2A4BBBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:to="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsAggregateLoss_6A6650F925FA36B1BCAA42DED2A4BBBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_63C1EF72934E147EBD9642DED2A43295" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:to="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_63C1EF72934E147EBD9642DED2A43295" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerAggregateLoss" xlink:label="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerAggregateLoss_FFA3D22E1596AFA97E4242DED2A4109E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:to="loc_schw_SecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerAggregateLoss_FFA3D22E1596AFA97E4242DED2A4109E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_schw_SecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesTotalFairValue_35FA2A25842C13BE86E742DED2A434DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:to="loc_schw_SecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesTotalFairValue_35FA2A25842C13BE86E742DED2A434DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesTotalUnrealizedLoss" xlink:label="loc_schw_SecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesTotalUnrealizedLoss_7F4BD77D4C19AD6C27A442DED2A4C4C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_ContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_A4ACB140A3E6D06BD32742DED2A43EF3" xlink:to="loc_schw_SecuritiesWithUnrealizedLossesTotalUnrealizedLoss_7F4BD77D4C19AD6C27A442DED2A4C4C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1_2F0AA7E86AFDF0FC4E4E42DED2A42D3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D6BCCB14DF1E902F7B3642DED2A27CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1_2F0AA7E86AFDF0FC4E4E42DED2A42D3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions_8E3D6AF391C0B1AA453642DED2A4836A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D6BCCB14DF1E902F7B3642DED2A27CC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions_8E3D6AF391C0B1AA453642DED2A4836A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesMaturitiesOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAndHeldToMaturityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_095BD398F0CA03F158AD42DED2942796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_095BD398F0CA03F158AD42DED2942796" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F31F0F042CA23F12D45942DED294F002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_095BD398F0CA03F158AD42DED2942796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F31F0F042CA23F12D45942DED294F002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F31F0F042CA23F12D45942DED294F002" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F31F0F042CA23F12D45942DED294F002" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_FD5D0B7AC460A0D6FF3642DED2949612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_FD5D0B7AC460A0D6FF3642DED2949612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8AAB65D5DA7050AD8B9742DED294747A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8AAB65D5DA7050AD8B9742DED294747A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_CB9928CF4AA0715EE7A442DED2947A93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_CB9928CF4AA0715EE7A442DED2947A93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_3D5B13753C77CFB5B0A042DED294D5AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_3D5B13753C77CFB5B0A042DED294D5AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_9A835A42A784CFBB87D842DED294EE74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_9A835A42A784CFBB87D842DED294EE74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_062019CB8D6BF87DE46E42DED29453C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_062019CB8D6BF87DE46E42DED29453C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_D4102ACC65ABBCFC5D7042DED2940230" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_D4102ACC65ABBCFC5D7042DED2940230" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_CE08FF16C3E2D792EF6E42DED294AC88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_CE08FF16C3E2D792EF6E42DED294AC88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_B43431886DB8DB39A24442DED29487C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommercialMortageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_B43431886DB8DB39A24442DED29487C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_C7F849045EE0E903C98042DED29408AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_04A1FC208838CBA7B4D042DED2949AFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_C7F849045EE0E903C98042DED29408AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_D73C8B2B96DD96D4695342DED2957676" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_D73C8B2B96DD96D4695342DED2957676" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_41D068D9671264AE2BE542DED295D00D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_D73C8B2B96DD96D4695342DED2957676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_41D068D9671264AE2BE542DED295D00D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_1DEAAFB0DFA3EB7063BA42DED295A664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_D73C8B2B96DD96D4695342DED2957676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_1DEAAFB0DFA3EB7063BA42DED295A664" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_1710EC3301670E93304342DED2954D27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_D73C8B2B96DD96D4695342DED2957676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_1710EC3301670E93304342DED2954D27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_0D18113007FC1C3436C942DED295099E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_D73C8B2B96DD96D4695342DED2957676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_0D18113007FC1C3436C942DED295099E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_9522B024D2C30D50E77342DED295A392" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_D73C8B2B96DD96D4695342DED2957676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_9522B024D2C30D50E77342DED295A392" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1980626FDE24AC4D670A42DED2953A89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1980626FDE24AC4D670A42DED2953A89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_FD9FF002EC4FB0C01DC642DED29525CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1980626FDE24AC4D670A42DED2953A89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_FD9FF002EC4FB0C01DC642DED29525CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_18CBBE9A8C7D61F4595742DED2951565" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1980626FDE24AC4D670A42DED2953A89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_18CBBE9A8C7D61F4595742DED2951565" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_D8DACBF67488C2363E2942DED2956C2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1980626FDE24AC4D670A42DED2953A89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_D8DACBF67488C2363E2942DED2956C2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_4DD643F0AE3D6B7884DE42DED295BDA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1980626FDE24AC4D670A42DED2953A89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_4DD643F0AE3D6B7884DE42DED295BDA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_405B1AA07F77AEDC8E2842DED2968CA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1980626FDE24AC4D670A42DED2953A89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_405B1AA07F77AEDC8E2842DED2968CA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_4141D739E389D58D89894302DDA5EAE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_4141D739E389D58D89894302DDA5EAE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextTwelveMonthsWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextTwelveMonthsWeightedAverageYield_C3A69153E5901A0B27DC43017BF8AD56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_4141D739E389D58D89894302DDA5EAE2" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextTwelveMonthsWeightedAverageYield_C3A69153E5901A0B27DC43017BF8AD56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearTwoThroughFiveWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearTwoThroughFiveWeightedAverageYield_24DEDBE71255B9CFD0AB4303CE893FC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_4141D739E389D58D89894302DDA5EAE2" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearTwoThroughFiveWeightedAverageYield_24DEDBE71255B9CFD0AB4303CE893FC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearSixThroughTenWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearSixThroughTenWeightedAverageYield_8C06C741457D60D615E443046CC9849A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_4141D739E389D58D89894302DDA5EAE2" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearSixThroughTenWeightedAverageYield_8C06C741457D60D615E443046CC9849A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesafterTenYearsWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesafterTenYearsWeightedAverageYield_4A34B6FB6F9172FFC41E4305D9DA9057" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_4141D739E389D58D89894302DDA5EAE2" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesafterTenYearsWeightedAverageYield_4A34B6FB6F9172FFC41E4305D9DA9057" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageYield_81A282F37B1C1BFDEAA34306CCAFF157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_4141D739E389D58D89894302DDA5EAE2" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesWeightedAverageYield_81A282F37B1C1BFDEAA34306CCAFF157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_B6693CEE4925422B02FC42DED2964DCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_B6693CEE4925422B02FC42DED2964DCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_9E71984D0AA2EC34353742DED296CD0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_B6693CEE4925422B02FC42DED2964DCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_9E71984D0AA2EC34353742DED296CD0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_216F5D9396623D60C32C42DED2965E3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_B6693CEE4925422B02FC42DED2964DCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_216F5D9396623D60C32C42DED2965E3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_4851A2B7EBCEECCAD18842DED296F8B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_B6693CEE4925422B02FC42DED2964DCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_4851A2B7EBCEECCAD18842DED296F8B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_3216492BD2DE058B1CBB42DED29647A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_B6693CEE4925422B02FC42DED2964DCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_3216492BD2DE058B1CBB42DED29647A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_3B5A5EC7E58AC841AE0442DED296164B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_B6693CEE4925422B02FC42DED2964DCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_3B5A5EC7E58AC841AE0442DED296164B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_FAFA4632B4AD82C3A8B742DED2962A1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_FAFA4632B4AD82C3A8B742DED2962A1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearNetCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearNetCarryingAmount_9BA3282BAB42830FDF5E42DED2964390" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_FAFA4632B4AD82C3A8B742DED2962A1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearNetCarryingAmount_9BA3282BAB42830FDF5E42DED2964390" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsNetCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsNetCarryingAmount_F59080367B7A85308D6F42DED2960C55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_FAFA4632B4AD82C3A8B742DED2962A1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsNetCarryingAmount_F59080367B7A85308D6F42DED2960C55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsNetCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_BA00CB76CFB98F05095F42DED296F4A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_FAFA4632B4AD82C3A8B742DED2962A1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_BA00CB76CFB98F05095F42DED296F4A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsNetCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_E202D166E2772F0DC71642DED2965B21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_FAFA4632B4AD82C3A8B742DED2962A1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_E202D166E2772F0DC71642DED2965B21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_A7769283F8AB6116F41042DED296888B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_FAFA4632B4AD82C3A8B742DED2962A1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_A7769283F8AB6116F41042DED296888B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract" xlink:label="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_D5B0E615DC14B3CB38864309345DC66A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_4EA4E09DBC5C605FC03342DED2959133" xlink:to="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_D5B0E615DC14B3CB38864309345DC66A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextTwelveMonthsWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextTwelveMonthsWeightedAverageYield_BC2E880FAD485DCF506A430A062047EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_D5B0E615DC14B3CB38864309345DC66A" xlink:to="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextTwelveMonthsWeightedAverageYield_BC2E880FAD485DCF506A430A062047EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearTwoThroughFiveWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearTwoThroughFiveWeightedAverageYield_789723C947A349222034430A906950C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_D5B0E615DC14B3CB38864309345DC66A" xlink:to="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearTwoThroughFiveWeightedAverageYield_789723C947A349222034430A906950C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearSixThroughTenWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearSixThroughTenWeightedAverageYield_10C79FE7B7EA38BB6910430B9198B0BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_D5B0E615DC14B3CB38864309345DC66A" xlink:to="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesYearSixThroughTenWeightedAverageYield_10C79FE7B7EA38BB6910430B9198B0BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesafterTenYearsWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesafterTenYearsWeightedAverageYield_B56FDF112F13BD656578430C351F07F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_D5B0E615DC14B3CB38864309345DC66A" xlink:to="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesafterTenYearsWeightedAverageYield_B56FDF112F13BD656578430C351F07F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesWeightedAverageYield" xlink:label="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesWeightedAverageYield_1CB42B99324DBEBABB63430CEBC21BF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWeightedAverageYieldAbstract_D5B0E615DC14B3CB38864309345DC66A" xlink:to="loc_schw_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesWeightedAverageYield_1CB42B99324DBEBABB63430CEBC21BF1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_7F84F9E41F158AC6DC4A42DED2A79AD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_F2450AA6DA2AE6BF8AE742DED2A71813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_7F84F9E41F158AC6DC4A42DED2A79AD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_F2450AA6DA2AE6BF8AE742DED2A71813" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F24E3172F080C51E813B42DED2A7B801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_F2450AA6DA2AE6BF8AE742DED2A71813" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F24E3172F080C51E813B42DED2A7B801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F02A2F3AFFEEFF4B31942DED2A7D4BB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F24E3172F080C51E813B42DED2A7B801" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F02A2F3AFFEEFF4B31942DED2A7D4BB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F02A2F3AFFEEFF4B31942DED2A7D4BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F24E3172F080C51E813B42DED2A7B801" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F02A2F3AFFEEFF4B31942DED2A7D4BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_269240857B29A0429C3742DED2A7C272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F02A2F3AFFEEFF4B31942DED2A7D4BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_269240857B29A0429C3742DED2A7C272" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_A140AEA0B1E730767D0F42F718606B92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_F2450AA6DA2AE6BF8AE742DED2A71813" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_A140AEA0B1E730767D0F42F718606B92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_C11363D2BA8AEA36CC8242F7187603FA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_A140AEA0B1E730767D0F42F718606B92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_C11363D2BA8AEA36CC8242F7187603FA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_C11363D2BA8AEA36CC8242F7187603FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_A140AEA0B1E730767D0F42F718606B92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_C11363D2BA8AEA36CC8242F7187603FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankCertificatesAndObligationsFHLBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankCertificatesAndObligationsFHLBMember_186E5EF6659C4D5C981A42F775D20300" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_C11363D2BA8AEA36CC8242F7187603FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankCertificatesAndObligationsFHLBMember_186E5EF6659C4D5C981A42F775D20300" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalReserveBankAdvancesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalReserveBankAdvancesMember_69CC17806F12FF2C71A742F841B3DA31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_C11363D2BA8AEA36CC8242F7187603FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalReserveBankAdvancesMember_69CC17806F12FF2C71A742F841B3DA31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8361363D9DC5D3CB542E42F4B641FBA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_F2450AA6DA2AE6BF8AE742DED2A71813" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8361363D9DC5D3CB542E42F4B641FBA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_0F43C26B58C0BD8DFF9642F4B648D3AB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8361363D9DC5D3CB542E42F4B641FBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_0F43C26B58C0BD8DFF9642F4B648D3AB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_0F43C26B58C0BD8DFF9642F4B648D3AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8361363D9DC5D3CB542E42F4B641FBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_0F43C26B58C0BD8DFF9642F4B648D3AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositsMember_B577FFF42A4618F5089842F4E57B2978" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_0F43C26B58C0BD8DFF9642F4B648D3AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositsMember_B577FFF42A4618F5089842F4E57B2978" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesTransferredSecurityatCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesTransferredSecurityatCarryingValue_11BB2D783F9ADBFC7DAF42DED2A8A978" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_7F84F9E41F158AC6DC4A42DED2A79AD5" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesTransferredSecurityatCarryingValue_11BB2D783F9ADBFC7DAF42DED2A8A978" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AvailableforSaleSecuritiesTransferredSecurityUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_schw_AvailableforSaleSecuritiesTransferredSecurityUnrealizedGainLoss_BDD43BABCC5AD05D140042DED2A8FE6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_7F84F9E41F158AC6DC4A42DED2A79AD5" xlink:to="loc_schw_AvailableforSaleSecuritiesTransferredSecurityUnrealizedGainLoss_BDD43BABCC5AD05D140042DED2A8FE6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_0311F50D32225A333BDA42DED2A83173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_7F84F9E41F158AC6DC4A42DED2A79AD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_0311F50D32225A333BDA42DED2A83173" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral_04B395312CC088D7BE4242DED2A8ED3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_7F84F9E41F158AC6DC4A42DED2A79AD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral_04B395312CC088D7BE4242DED2A8ED3E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesProceedsAndGrossRealizedGainsAndLossesFromSalesOfSecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherAssetsComponentsOfOtherAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherSecuritiesOwned" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherSecuritiesOwnedSummaryOfOtherSecuritiesOwnedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedLineItems_A1234A2F9A62FDE618602289B24660B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedTable" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedTable_DB10B68FF0BBEF9F161B2289B2458B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedLineItems_A1234A2F9A62FDE618602289B24660B2" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedTable_DB10B68FF0BBEF9F161B2289B2458B80" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E0519A66F0D5F2B5DFD02289B2456C2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedTable_DB10B68FF0BBEF9F161B2289B2458B80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E0519A66F0D5F2B5DFD02289B2456C2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E0519A66F0D5F2B5DFD02289B2456C2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E0519A66F0D5F2B5DFD02289B2456C2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EquityAndBondMutualFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EquityAndBondMutualFundsMember_29BE9ABBC54C09A38C5A2289B2460094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301" xlink:to="loc_schw_EquityAndBondMutualFundsMember_29BE9ABBC54C09A38C5A2289B2460094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SchwabFundsMoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_SchwabFundsMoneyMarketFundsMember_0D1A5AAC8387CEDC6E542289B24630F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301" xlink:to="loc_schw_SchwabFundsMoneyMarketFundsMember_0D1A5AAC8387CEDC6E542289B24630F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_StateAndMunicipalDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_StateAndMunicipalDebtObligationsMember_9C7317203A9EBF40A2972289B24647D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301" xlink:to="loc_schw_StateAndMunicipalDebtObligationsMember_9C7317203A9EBF40A2972289B24647D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_EquityUnitedStatesGovernmentAndCorporateDebtAndOtherSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_EquityUnitedStatesGovernmentAndCorporateDebtAndOtherSecuritiesMember_C486EE3BBD745552B4B02289B2461C55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A36320D4DE3A70D11C242289B2458301" xlink:to="loc_schw_EquityUnitedStatesGovernmentAndCorporateDebtAndOtherSecuritiesMember_C486EE3BBD745552B4B02289B2461C55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_2017721A74DB8C771D792289B2467FDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_OtherSecuritiesOwnedLineItems_A1234A2F9A62FDE618602289B24660B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValue_2017721A74DB8C771D792289B2467FDC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/OtherSecuritiesOwnedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClients" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClientsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_0646B0AB667E896944FE42C761D1C40E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_AB99368ECC6D8E58429A42C761D1BD3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_0646B0AB667E896944FE42C761D1C40E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_AB99368ECC6D8E58429A42C761D1BD3E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_273DC8A1BAAC730F205F42CA175B143C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_AB99368ECC6D8E58429A42C761D1BD3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_273DC8A1BAAC730F205F42CA175B143C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_ADD78AC24F00470FCA0742CA175C4F78_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_273DC8A1BAAC730F205F42CA175B143C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_ADD78AC24F00470FCA0742CA175C4F78_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_ADD78AC24F00470FCA0742CA175C4F78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_273DC8A1BAAC730F205F42CA175B143C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_ADD78AC24F00470FCA0742CA175C4F78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:label="loc_stpr_CA_8D92051DFFD763956C1542CA35C4D3E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_ADD78AC24F00470FCA0742CA175C4F78" xlink:to="loc_stpr_CA_8D92051DFFD763956C1542CA35C4D3E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3CA9B5C83EDF0F3B455E42C8AC4C7B71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_AB99368ECC6D8E58429A42C761D1BD3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3CA9B5C83EDF0F3B455E42C8AC4C7B71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_C6FBD69D11124958631F42C8AC526D88_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3CA9B5C83EDF0F3B455E42C8AC4C7B71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_C6FBD69D11124958631F42C8AC526D88_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_C6FBD69D11124958631F42C8AC526D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3CA9B5C83EDF0F3B455E42C8AC4C7B71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_C6FBD69D11124958631F42C8AC526D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_C8E3D587BCC867DDB0E442C8EB3017A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_C6FBD69D11124958631F42C8AC526D88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_C8E3D587BCC867DDB0E442C8EB3017A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D3EE550C2135E593A96242C91CF6A9F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_AB99368ECC6D8E58429A42C761D1BD3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D3EE550C2135E593A96242C91CF6A9F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_F57540282EA6D8C0AF6142C91CFB00C9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D3EE550C2135E593A96242C91CF6A9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_F57540282EA6D8C0AF6142C91CFB00C9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_F57540282EA6D8C0AF6142C91CFB00C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_D3EE550C2135E593A96242C91CF6A9F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_F57540282EA6D8C0AF6142C91CFB00C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_A6B2DD5A6E87FE52873342C94A82FFC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_F57540282EA6D8C0AF6142C91CFB00C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_A6B2DD5A6E87FE52873342C94A82FFC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_2C9C40767A482130320A42C774331B48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_0646B0AB667E896944FE42C761D1C40E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_2C9C40767A482130320A42C774331B48" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/ReceivablesFromAndPayablesToBrokerageClientsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_6C9D44C34BE3B442C8D8AEC2FF884BA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_6C9D44C34BE3B442C8D8AEC2FF884BA1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_649DC7A38ACB1E4378B5AEC2FF899D2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_6C9D44C34BE3B442C8D8AEC2FF884BA1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_649DC7A38ACB1E4378B5AEC2FF899D2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C1E051625AA6A5A55733AEC2FF89A19A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_649DC7A38ACB1E4378B5AEC2FF899D2A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C1E051625AA6A5A55733AEC2FF89A19A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C1E051625AA6A5A55733AEC2FF89A19A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_649DC7A38ACB1E4378B5AEC2FF899D2A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C1E051625AA6A5A55733AEC2FF89A19A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CharlesSchwabandCo.IncMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabandCo.IncMember_D6B44738773D2A160DBBAEFFCD987D2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C1E051625AA6A5A55733AEC2FF89A19A" xlink:to="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabandCo.IncMember_D6B44738773D2A160DBBAEFFCD987D2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F33C9CA247DF2BFE21FCAEC2FF89F59F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_6C9D44C34BE3B442C8D8AEC2FF884BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F33C9CA247DF2BFE21FCAEC2FF89F59F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_DD106EA97D6E6E758E3CAEC2FF89CA73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F33C9CA247DF2BFE21FCAEC2FF89F59F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_DD106EA97D6E6E758E3CAEC2FF89CA73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_DD106EA97D6E6E758E3CAEC2FF89CA73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F33C9CA247DF2BFE21FCAEC2FF89F59F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_DD106EA97D6E6E758E3CAEC2FF89CA73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_ReserveDepositMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_ReserveDepositMember_25BD0EBABD541003CC0FAEC2FF892975" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_DD106EA97D6E6E758E3CAEC2FF89CA73" xlink:to="loc_schw_ReserveDepositMember_25BD0EBABD541003CC0FAEC2FF892975" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_D210CD3C2C0373CB0A66AEC2FF894121" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_6C9D44C34BE3B442C8D8AEC2FF884BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_D210CD3C2C0373CB0A66AEC2FF894121" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D3AB3A0A31505D975D8FAEC2FF89C144_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_D210CD3C2C0373CB0A66AEC2FF894121" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D3AB3A0A31505D975D8FAEC2FF89C144_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D3AB3A0A31505D975D8FAEC2FF89C144" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_D210CD3C2C0373CB0A66AEC2FF894121" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D3AB3A0A31505D975D8FAEC2FF89C144" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_4A50ADE6B938BCA643C0AEC2FF89F7DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D3AB3A0A31505D975D8FAEC2FF89C144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_4A50ADE6B938BCA643C0AEC2FF89F7DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AverageReserveRequiredWithFederalReserveBank" xlink:label="loc_schw_AverageReserveRequiredWithFederalReserveBank_7386CABC899968078312AEC2FF89E7E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_schw_AverageReserveRequiredWithFederalReserveBank_7386CABC899968078312AEC2FF89E7E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferRequired" xlink:label="loc_schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferRequired_0F1B122478118DEB04D2AEC2FF89D029" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferRequired_0F1B122478118DEB04D2AEC2FF89D029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferAnnualIncrease" xlink:label="loc_schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferAnnualIncrease_3A83FC08B31FEADD4EF6AEC2FF89EC49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferAnnualIncrease_3A83FC08B31FEADD4EF6AEC2FF89EC49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferWhenFullyImplemented" xlink:label="loc_schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferWhenFullyImplemented_5B9613B8DFBBEE5BB452AEC2FF8AB364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_schw_RiskWeightedAssetsCapitalConservationBufferWhenFullyImplemented_5B9613B8DFBBEE5BB452AEC2FF8AB364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PercentageOfAggregateDebitBalancesRequiredAsMinimumNetCapital" xlink:label="loc_schw_PercentageOfAggregateDebitBalancesRequiredAsMinimumNetCapital_6C5382418C94C1B4E7B9AEC2FF8AC7C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_schw_PercentageOfAggregateDebitBalancesRequiredAsMinimumNetCapital_6C5382418C94C1B4E7B9AEC2FF8AC7C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumNetCapitalRequired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumNetCapitalRequired1_ACCB3E0A896710981755AEC2FF8A5EF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumNetCapitalRequired1_ACCB3E0A896710981755AEC2FF8A5EF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PercentageNetCapitalToAggregateDebitBalancesRequiredForBrokerDealerForCertainPayments" xlink:label="loc_schw_PercentageNetCapitalToAggregateDebitBalancesRequiredForBrokerDealerForCertainPayments_BB2874CDCF91C108DD4AAEC2FF8A781A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_schw_PercentageNetCapitalToAggregateDebitBalancesRequiredForBrokerDealerForCertainPayments_BB2874CDCF91C108DD4AAEC2FF8A781A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PercentageNetCapitalToMinimumDollarRequirementRequiredForBrokerDealerForCertainPayments" xlink:label="loc_schw_PercentageNetCapitalToMinimumDollarRequirementRequiredForBrokerDealerForCertainPayments_F3FDEAF0A8AA2DBB5ACFAEC2FF8AED59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_schw_PercentageNetCapitalToMinimumDollarRequirementRequiredForBrokerDealerForCertainPayments_F3FDEAF0A8AA2DBB5ACFAEC2FF8AED59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderSecuritiesExchangeCommissionRegulation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderSecuritiesExchangeCommissionRegulation_1705504069FAE597C12DAEC2FF8AF87F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndSecuritiesSegregatedUnderSecuritiesExchangeCommissionRegulation_1705504069FAE597C12DAEC2FF8AF87F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashReserveDepositRequiredAndMade" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashReserveDepositRequiredAndMade_68566C841EBF47323822AEC2FF8AC11F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_CC1DB4D6C8C816B4E1DBAEC2FF894664" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashReserveDepositRequiredAndMade_68566C841EBF47323822AEC2FF8AC11F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsNetCapitalAndNetCapitalRequirementsForCscoDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsRegulatoryCapitalAndRatiosDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_846B7D5DF2D90B6C20A232C138BBEFA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_548575FAF43C5344393932C138B72C1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_846B7D5DF2D90B6C20A232C138BBEFA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_548575FAF43C5344393932C138B72C1D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_62CE605CFC0E310D2F53328D6BE754C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsTable_548575FAF43C5344393932C138B72C1D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_62CE605CFC0E310D2F53328D6BE754C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5A520B2BB86D9410D3C328D6BE79C74_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_62CE605CFC0E310D2F53328D6BE754C8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5A520B2BB86D9410D3C328D6BE79C74_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5A520B2BB86D9410D3C328D6BE79C74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_62CE605CFC0E310D2F53328D6BE754C8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5A520B2BB86D9410D3C328D6BE79C74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CharlesSchwabCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabCorporationMember_55C93FB3BF0D56857806328D6BE7CE9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5A520B2BB86D9410D3C328D6BE79C74" xlink:to="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabCorporationMember_55C93FB3BF0D56857806328D6BE7CE9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CharlesSchwabBankMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabBankMember_6711DB4797F9051E26C0328D6BE7273E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5A520B2BB86D9410D3C328D6BE79C74" xlink:to="loc_schw_CharlesSchwabBankMember_6711DB4797F9051E26C0328D6BE7273E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_846B7D5DF2D90B6C20A232C138BBEFA0" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapital" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapital_08AAA1CA0EE6FBF454CD328D6BE760A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapital_08AAA1CA0EE6FBF454CD328D6BE760A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets_42B249E6ACA22F5E3CB1328D6BE74DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets_42B249E6ACA22F5E3CB1328D6BE74DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_1254850A29B72BA02A7D328D6BE79FB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_1254850A29B72BA02A7D328D6BE79FB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets_A112B87D6BE7D3B7D827328D6BE7BFE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets_A112B87D6BE7D3B7D827328D6BE7BFE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_577FD9171DA15024DCE8328D6BE743C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_577FD9171DA15024DCE8328D6BE743C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets_CAC1E537624D72295778328D6BE726F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_B0A5970FB783A4F0EF82328D6BE7F4AE" xlink:to="loc_schw_CommonEquityTierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets_CAC1E537624D72295778328D6BE726F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_846B7D5DF2D90B6C20A232C138BBEFA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapital_AFBA6BC944C95DED75D7328D6BE7A919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapital_AFBA6BC944C95DED75D7328D6BE7A919" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets_B97F8DC6C1DBDAFFC534328D6BE7AB7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalToRiskWeightedAssets_B97F8DC6C1DBDAFFC534328D6BE7AB7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_3909EA0C0DC9F077D1B1328D6BE7A2D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_3909EA0C0DC9F077D1B1328D6BE7A2D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets_6748E87E9C2ED9DE67EF328D6BE82638" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets_6748E87E9C2ED9DE67EF328D6BE82638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_80DFE58FC5C10D8D36FF328D6BE7CEB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_80DFE58FC5C10D8D36FF328D6BE7CEB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets_5D38E69692CF411D48FF328D6BE85BD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalAbstract_733FB5D97699EC6D8CC7328D6BE7C793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneRiskBasedCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets_5D38E69692CF411D48FF328D6BE85BD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_846B7D5DF2D90B6C20A232C138BBEFA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Capital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Capital_FD1C4FE83643DC3D57C1328D6BE8AA48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Capital_FD1C4FE83643DC3D57C1328D6BE8AA48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets_64CBBA2EC526E17A6F84328D6BE8D1D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalToRiskWeightedAssets_64CBBA2EC526E17A6F84328D6BE8D1D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_37EA554129E7BBDD18C3328D6BE88982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_37EA554129E7BBDD18C3328D6BE88982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets_0D9AADB032860255C667328D6BE8AA51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToRiskWeightedAssets_0D9AADB032860255C667328D6BE8AA51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_B28980AAA182B2689AE0328D6BE83B37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_B28980AAA182B2689AE0328D6BE83B37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets_64FD629D88879495F4F0328D6BE818A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalAbstract_BD58690DE467A2D7AC1C328D6BE8D956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToRiskWeightedAssets_64FD629D88879495F4F0328D6BE818A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComplianceWithRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderBankingRegulationsLineItems_846B7D5DF2D90B6C20A232C138BBEFA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapital_4F2E9AC5C062647C7BD6328D6BE835D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapital_4F2E9AC5C062647C7BD6328D6BE835D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets_BE1579BAA4C77F0E1D25328D6BE86DEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalToAverageAssets_BE1579BAA4C77F0E1D25328D6BE86DEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_43634FB81A7A38F25D44328D6BE8C7F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalized_43634FB81A7A38F25D44328D6BE8C7F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets_56542EF8EE2D01C7BB8B328D6BE897F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredToBeWellCapitalizedToAverageAssets_56542EF8EE2D01C7BB8B328D6BE897F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_7FD39B4FB3D5B22B4A21328D6BE885CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacy_7FD39B4FB3D5B22B4A21328D6BE885CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets_23CA7DB72CD34B5165CE328D6BE84F6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalAbstract_860D3A4D17B9D63D7D53328D6BE877A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TierOneLeverageCapitalRequiredForCapitalAdequacyToAverageAssets_23CA7DB72CD34B5165CE328D6BE84F6A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/RegulatoryRequirementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformationFinancialInformationForReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_697DAF2A43F6971D2B5523FBF104407E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_D01CBA81E446A734EA3123FBF1049162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_697DAF2A43F6971D2B5523FBF104407E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_D01CBA81E446A734EA3123FBF1049162" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A30F858CC931B279753D23FBF104029C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_D01CBA81E446A734EA3123FBF1049162" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A30F858CC931B279753D23FBF104029C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6DB852897CAC4472A45423FBF1048E1F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A30F858CC931B279753D23FBF104029C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6DB852897CAC4472A45423FBF1048E1F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6DB852897CAC4472A45423FBF1048E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A30F858CC931B279753D23FBF104029C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6DB852897CAC4472A45423FBF1048E1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_InvestorServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_InvestorServicesMember_096D7517DC93B12C460E23FBF1040D9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6DB852897CAC4472A45423FBF1048E1F" xlink:to="loc_schw_InvestorServicesMember_096D7517DC93B12C460E23FBF1040D9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_AdvisorServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_AdvisorServicesMember_BE545505B7F17586340A23FBF104D79B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6DB852897CAC4472A45423FBF1048E1F" xlink:to="loc_schw_AdvisorServicesMember_BE545505B7F17586340A23FBF104D79B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_697DAF2A43F6971D2B5523FBF104407E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_930F4D90415898540A5123FBF10420E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_930F4D90415898540A5123FBF10420E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissions_7449A7336525BB615C4F23FBF1046E21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissions_7449A7336525BB615C4F23FBF1046E21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_TradingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_schw_TradingRevenue_BD1F8CD176718D99744523FBF1041BB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:to="loc_schw_TradingRevenue_BD1F8CD176718D99744523FBF1041BB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_128EE93EF03397A3195C23FBF1045C1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_128EE93EF03397A3195C23FBF1045C1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_881C2E1989190CE2496623FBF104B882" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_881C2E1989190CE2496623FBF104B882" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BF7B2A087A873A65BEFA23FBF104E8CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_E2D8902A5C835545725623FBF104C056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BF7B2A087A873A65BEFA23FBF104E8CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_FA085E5081BBE7CBD22023FBF10478A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_697DAF2A43F6971D2B5523FBF104407E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_FA085E5081BBE7CBD22023FBF10478A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_C8C6EF62A4DCF342778623FBF1050ED6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_697DAF2A43F6971D2B5523FBF104407E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_C8C6EF62A4DCF342778623FBF1050ED6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_21B2C6EE1A42336567F323FBF105FC79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_697DAF2A43F6971D2B5523FBF104407E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_21B2C6EE1A42336567F323FBF105FC79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_7469DC6840700ACD5AD023FBF105B8AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_697DAF2A43F6971D2B5523FBF104407E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_7469DC6840700ACD5AD023FBF105B8AC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_99CD2CF96F018FC8278B7635B719F586" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_64B1B5EEF4DD61C9D6337635B718C06B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_99CD2CF96F018FC8278B7635B719F586" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_64B1B5EEF4DD61C9D6337635B718C06B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06830C3A93299D8927F07635B718659B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_64B1B5EEF4DD61C9D6337635B718C06B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06830C3A93299D8927F07635B718659B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_BEDB38AA9D56A9274FD57635B718C36C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06830C3A93299D8927F07635B718659B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_BEDB38AA9D56A9274FD57635B718C36C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_BEDB38AA9D56A9274FD57635B718C36C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06830C3A93299D8927F07635B718659B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_BEDB38AA9D56A9274FD57635B718C36C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_5DDC949B35D5FBD9104D7635B7187E99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_BEDB38AA9D56A9274FD57635B718C36C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_5DDC949B35D5FBD9104D7635B7187E99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_F79A056DCDD0D1F7F8B57635B7192582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_99CD2CF96F018FC8278B7635B719F586" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_F79A056DCDD0D1F7F8B57635B7192582" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_A9A9BD466F03BECF12867635B7191A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_99CD2CF96F018FC8278B7635B719F586" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_A9A9BD466F03BECF12867635B7191A86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_5B57377F1DD17165078D7635B7199A49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_99CD2CF96F018FC8278B7635B719F586" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_5B57377F1DD17165078D7635B7199A49" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquityPreferredStockIssuedAndOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_A4DD119B343898D045A2BEB01FE8C750" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_A4DD119B343898D045A2BEB01FE8C750" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4ECBAD2ED2C9390EAED2BEB01FE85C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_A4DD119B343898D045A2BEB01FE8C750" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4ECBAD2ED2C9390EAED2BEB01FE85C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4ECBAD2ED2C9390EAED2BEB01FE85C97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4ECBAD2ED2C9390EAED2BEB01FE85C97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_FB5F4CF696655687D391BEB01FE8D62A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_FB5F4CF696655687D391BEB01FE8D62A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_60FD6B4FC909848F9B0DBEB01FE89CC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_60FD6B4FC909848F9B0DBEB01FE89CC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_A2FB0CF447CEAA503767BEB01FE87360" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_A2FB0CF447CEAA503767BEB01FE87360" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_7D32D5198F8498D7F825BEB01FED8179" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_7D32D5198F8498D7F825BEB01FED8179" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember_62B0825C9BA3A7BECE74BEB01FEE7A6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember_62B0825C9BA3A7BECE74BEB01FEE7A6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember_7E61BD0E262665F80395BEB01FEE8B62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_37F0FA674D52C585F005BEB01FE8012A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember_7E61BD0E262665F80395BEB01FEE8B62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_73F2EAEFE2B33934F054BEB01FEE1B29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_A4DD119B343898D045A2BEB01FE8C750" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_73F2EAEFE2B33934F054BEB01FEE1B29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_23EC8EF42AC2873BCE55BEB01FEE4D92_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_73F2EAEFE2B33934F054BEB01FEE1B29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_23EC8EF42AC2873BCE55BEB01FEE4D92_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_23EC8EF42AC2873BCE55BEB01FEE4D92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_73F2EAEFE2B33934F054BEB01FEE1B29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_23EC8EF42AC2873BCE55BEB01FEE4D92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_D1239CA91CFFD1EB2B46BEB01FEE95DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_23EC8EF42AC2873BCE55BEB01FEE4D92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_D1239CA91CFFD1EB2B46BEB01FEE95DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_B6EA99793EC978058FD0BEB01FEE1139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_B6EA99793EC978058FD0BEB01FEE1139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_B2F79AEFFCAE2A3D0D9ABEB01FEF3094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_B2F79AEFFCAE2A3D0D9ABEB01FEF3094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_18FD7B85BAA9E88B2991BEB01FEF4D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_18FD7B85BAA9E88B2991BEB01FEF4D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_201F35F85FEA0A6454E7BEB01FEF147B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_201F35F85FEA0A6454E7BEB01FEF147B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_017FC0618C5FFACB2EE6BEB01FEFA18E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_017FC0618C5FFACB2EE6BEB01FEFA18E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:label="loc_schw_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_BA4CCE988532205CBAFFBEB01FEFD018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_47AA96438108CDD29B0FBEB01FEEE4E3" xlink:to="loc_schw_PreferredStockBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_BA4CCE988532205CBAFFBEB01FEFD018" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_A015FAC9CA7EC49EE708BE045D6ED0BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D8B75DB204BE9A61F4D1BE045D6B2CD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_A015FAC9CA7EC49EE708BE045D6ED0BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D8B75DB204BE9A61F4D1BE045D6B2CD3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D750BEC05F80F61B535BBE045D6CC7D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D8B75DB204BE9A61F4D1BE045D6B2CD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D750BEC05F80F61B535BBE045D6CC7D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_17DBF15054F7D671B5CABE045D6CB608_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D750BEC05F80F61B535BBE045D6CC7D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_17DBF15054F7D671B5CABE045D6CB608_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_17DBF15054F7D671B5CABE045D6CB608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D750BEC05F80F61B535BBE045D6CC7D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_17DBF15054F7D671B5CABE045D6CB608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_SeniorNotesDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_348E975963E268B87195BE045D6C591E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_17DBF15054F7D671B5CABE045D6CB608" xlink:to="loc_schw_SeniorNotesDue2018Member_348E975963E268B87195BE045D6C591E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2434C7E67A7E5B79F2DBE045D6C267A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D8B75DB204BE9A61F4D1BE045D6B2CD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2434C7E67A7E5B79F2DBE045D6C267A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_19558915B725F7ED5230BE045D6C4406_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2434C7E67A7E5B79F2DBE045D6C267A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_19558915B725F7ED5230BE045D6C4406_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_19558915B725F7ED5230BE045D6C4406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2434C7E67A7E5B79F2DBE045D6C267A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_19558915B725F7ED5230BE045D6C4406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_186E45F0FE3E7DD5E3D8BE045D6D2181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_19558915B725F7ED5230BE045D6C4406" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_186E45F0FE3E7DD5E3D8BE045D6D2181" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C5DE2678429A6CB5248FBE045D6DABD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_D8B75DB204BE9A61F4D1BE045D6B2CD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C5DE2678429A6CB5248FBE045D6DABD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_F35AAC2CDEB131DE4929BE045D6E2233_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C5DE2678429A6CB5248FBE045D6DABD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_F35AAC2CDEB131DE4929BE045D6E2233_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_F35AAC2CDEB131DE4929BE045D6E2233" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C5DE2678429A6CB5248FBE045D6DABD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_F35AAC2CDEB131DE4929BE045D6E2233" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_A6AA386A4A0D94D1535EBE045D6E78CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_F35AAC2CDEB131DE4929BE045D6E2233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_A6AA386A4A0D94D1535EBE045D6E78CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_36DFECCA8E244345E44DBE045D6EF172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_A015FAC9CA7EC49EE708BE045D6ED0BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_36DFECCA8E244345E44DBE045D6EF172" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_59672FD79D9BDB9AFE28BE045D6E3361" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_A015FAC9CA7EC49EE708BE045D6ED0BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_59672FD79D9BDB9AFE28BE045D6E3361" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7044B2F4B255443891E896473CE4BB81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_EBCA1067864B0CA503D796473CDEF914" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7044B2F4B255443891E896473CE4BB81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_EBCA1067864B0CA503D796473CDEF914" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CBB3F28F04239B27267296473CDE31DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_EBCA1067864B0CA503D796473CDEF914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CBB3F28F04239B27267296473CDE31DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36876380C7DC7FC2115196473CDE1366_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CBB3F28F04239B27267296473CDE31DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36876380C7DC7FC2115196473CDE1366_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36876380C7DC7FC2115196473CDE1366" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_CBB3F28F04239B27267296473CDE31DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36876380C7DC7FC2115196473CDE1366" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_05E537C7164F4D2CF69396473CDE32DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36876380C7DC7FC2115196473CDE1366" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_05E537C7164F4D2CF69396473CDE32DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_F36E330E6F398E498A6C96473CDE8829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36876380C7DC7FC2115196473CDE1366" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingMember_F36E330E6F398E498A6C96473CDE8829" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_361E1DC3A1765DE3153F96473CDEF1AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_36876380C7DC7FC2115196473CDE1366" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_361E1DC3A1765DE3153F96473CDEF1AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6B405B688CAA04D21A2596473CDFCD7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_EBCA1067864B0CA503D796473CDEF914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6B405B688CAA04D21A2596473CDFCD7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_375E18F4C3B5C00A9C1E96473CDF8F84_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6B405B688CAA04D21A2596473CDFCD7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_375E18F4C3B5C00A9C1E96473CDF8F84_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_375E18F4C3B5C00A9C1E96473CDF8F84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6B405B688CAA04D21A2596473CDFCD7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_375E18F4C3B5C00A9C1E96473CDF8F84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_065EE095B4354D1DDCB596473CDFBFCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_375E18F4C3B5C00A9C1E96473CDF8F84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_065EE095B4354D1DDCB596473CDFBFCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DDF4DF74F4233A7F37D296473CE4BDA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_375E18F4C3B5C00A9C1E96473CDF8F84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DDF4DF74F4233A7F37D296473CE4BDA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9F6D8929D754AE79727796473CE4B272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_EBCA1067864B0CA503D796473CDEF914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9F6D8929D754AE79727796473CE4B272" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B1B9231FBED96825756796473CE4FD46_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9F6D8929D754AE79727796473CE4B272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B1B9231FBED96825756796473CE4FD46_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B1B9231FBED96825756796473CE4FD46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9F6D8929D754AE79727796473CE4B272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B1B9231FBED96825756796473CE4FD46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member_54D281CB0CB51F61383296473CE44182" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B1B9231FBED96825756796473CE4FD46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member_54D281CB0CB51F61383296473CE44182" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_8876635BBC21AC9342E896473CE4639C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B1B9231FBED96825756796473CE4FD46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_8876635BBC21AC9342E896473CE4639C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41CE9903884122F791D096473CE4CE65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_EBCA1067864B0CA503D796473CDEF914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41CE9903884122F791D096473CE4CE65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73506E0D5C2685E3731496473CE439AF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41CE9903884122F791D096473CE4CE65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73506E0D5C2685E3731496473CE439AF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73506E0D5C2685E3731496473CE439AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_41CE9903884122F791D096473CE4CE65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73506E0D5C2685E3731496473CE439AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_21FAE9AA58FACBD7D90396473CE46E89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73506E0D5C2685E3731496473CE439AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_21FAE9AA58FACBD7D90396473CE46E89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_93D94ED41F765917D59196473CE5499C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7044B2F4B255443891E896473CE4BB81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_93D94ED41F765917D59196473CE5499C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_7839543ADEBF0E5764FE96473CE57476" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7044B2F4B255443891E896473CE4BB81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_7839543ADEBF0E5764FE96473CE57476" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B7003AB6FA0668F62E8D96473CE5811D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7044B2F4B255443891E896473CE4BB81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B7003AB6FA0668F62E8D96473CE5811D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostGross_4379C6BFB53319CFD97C96473CE5D1B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7044B2F4B255443891E896473CE4BB81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostGross_4379C6BFB53319CFD97C96473CE5D1B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_4BCBD0452CF33D2F87F096473CE5001B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7044B2F4B255443891E896473CE4BB81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_4BCBD0452CF33D2F87F096473CE5001B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeIncomeTaxExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingAmountOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeReconciliationOfFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveIncomeTaxRateDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/TaxesOnIncomeTemporaryDifferencesThatCreatedDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesAggregateAssetsLiabilitiesAndMaximumExposureToLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_A1F93ADB50A24498295F3799F1F781EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_15262A74A161C3177A7F3799F1F61FBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_A1F93ADB50A24498295F3799F1F781EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_15262A74A161C3177A7F3799F1F61FBD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_E79A87DF5A67214CBE973799F1F61A40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_15262A74A161C3177A7F3799F1F61FBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_E79A87DF5A67214CBE973799F1F61A40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_045F24D4F7FB9A87459E3799F1F62F74_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_E79A87DF5A67214CBE973799F1F61A40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_045F24D4F7FB9A87459E3799F1F62F74_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_045F24D4F7FB9A87459E3799F1F62F74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_E79A87DF5A67214CBE973799F1F61A40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_045F24D4F7FB9A87459E3799F1F62F74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_480FF0D03150B7DB875A3799F1F702B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_045F24D4F7FB9A87459E3799F1F62F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_480FF0D03150B7DB875A3799F1F702B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_4F21211E1E964F6637003799F1F714F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_15262A74A161C3177A7F3799F1F61FBD" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_4F21211E1E964F6637003799F1F714F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_460A12C00427A5C4F6513799F1F73C95_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_4F21211E1E964F6637003799F1F714F0" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_460A12C00427A5C4F6513799F1F73C95_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_460A12C00427A5C4F6513799F1F73C95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_4F21211E1E964F6637003799F1F714F0" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_460A12C00427A5C4F6513799F1F73C95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_LowIncomeHousingTaxCreditInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_LowIncomeHousingTaxCreditInvestmentsMember_85B526D0F0ED07830A983799F1F7D46C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_460A12C00427A5C4F6513799F1F73C95" xlink:to="loc_schw_LowIncomeHousingTaxCreditInvestmentsMember_85B526D0F0ED07830A983799F1F7D46C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_OtherCommunityReinvestmentActInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_OtherCommunityReinvestmentActInvestmentsMember_5239744435AC03EBCA963799F1F77715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_460A12C00427A5C4F6513799F1F73C95" xlink:to="loc_schw_OtherCommunityReinvestmentActInvestmentsMember_5239744435AC03EBCA963799F1F77715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_9FEC0F61D5EAA12020FA3799F1F70D02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_A1F93ADB50A24498295F3799F1F781EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_9FEC0F61D5EAA12020FA3799F1F70D02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_580E7BE6344DFBCECB9F3799F1F7EA63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_A1F93ADB50A24498295F3799F1F781EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_580E7BE6344DFBCECB9F3799F1F7EA63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_742771930B9A12557D603799F1F708C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_A1F93ADB50A24498295F3799F1F781EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_742771930B9A12557D603799F1F708C2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_AEC9D8514935FE139870B81306CDBE3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F22196455890657516A2B81306CC5AF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_AEC9D8514935FE139870B81306CDBE3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F22196455890657516A2B81306CC5AF0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_8FE3CD2A0224C9BB2AD4B81306CC1749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F22196455890657516A2B81306CC5AF0" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_8FE3CD2A0224C9BB2AD4B81306CC1749" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_8D937EF665F4D202BCF0B81306CC830C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_8FE3CD2A0224C9BB2AD4B81306CC1749" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_8D937EF665F4D202BCF0B81306CC830C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_8D937EF665F4D202BCF0B81306CC830C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_8FE3CD2A0224C9BB2AD4B81306CC1749" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_8D937EF665F4D202BCF0B81306CC830C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_LowIncomeHousingTaxCreditInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_schw_LowIncomeHousingTaxCreditInvestmentsMember_1D1C99C47C1AAF2396E4B81306CCB06D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_8D937EF665F4D202BCF0B81306CC830C" xlink:to="loc_schw_LowIncomeHousingTaxCreditInvestmentsMember_1D1C99C47C1AAF2396E4B81306CCB06D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AC0BFAA659620BEB471DB81306CDA676" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F22196455890657516A2B81306CC5AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AC0BFAA659620BEB471DB81306CDA676" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E53C869438ACFAB2493DB81306CD40B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AC0BFAA659620BEB471DB81306CDA676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E53C869438ACFAB2493DB81306CD40B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E53C869438ACFAB2493DB81306CD40B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AC0BFAA659620BEB471DB81306CDA676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E53C869438ACFAB2493DB81306CD40B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_48FA612797856C103EA5B81306CDBDEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E53C869438ACFAB2493DB81306CD40B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_48FA612797856C103EA5B81306CDBDEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AF3C86C253915210FA72B81306CDDA98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E53C869438ACFAB2493DB81306CD40B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AF3C86C253915210FA72B81306CDDA98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="schw-20171231.xsd#schw_InvestmentCommitmentExpectedPaymentDate" xlink:label="loc_schw_InvestmentCommitmentExpectedPaymentDate_ECEA3A8D3942C37302CCB81306CDAA88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_AEC9D8514935FE139870B81306CDBE3C" xlink:to="loc_schw_InvestmentCommitmentExpectedPaymentDate_ECEA3A8D3942C37302CCB81306CDAA88" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.charlesschwab.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
