Pd–Co alloy films were deposited on 316 L stainless steel by electroplating. Scanning electronicmicroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, weight loss test and polarization testwere used to determine the properties of the Pd–Co alloy films. The Pd–Co films show fine grain size, lowporosity and obviously high micro-hardness. The Co content in the film can be controlled in a large rangefrom 21.9 at.% to 57.42 at.%. Pd is rich on the Pd–Co film surface, which is benefit to increase the corrosionresistance. In boiling 90% acetic acid plus 10% formic acid mixture with 0.005 M Br.under stirring, thePd–Co plated stainless steel samples exhibit evidently better corrosion resistance in contrast to Pd platedsamples. The good corrosion resistance of the Pd–Co alloy film is explained by the better compactness, thelower porosity, and the obviously higher micro-hardness of the alloy films, which increases the resistanceto erosion and retards the development of micro-pores in the film.