In situ current density mapping, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to study the effects of cerium as a corrosion inhibitor for an aluminum copper alloy (Al 2024-T4) in chloride containing solutions. It was found that cerium inhibits corrosion of this alloy by reducing the rate of the cathodic reaction. This was due to the formation of cerium-rich films over copper containing intermetallics which act as local cathodic sites. Results from tests carried out on an aluminum/copper galvanic couple, which was used to simulate the electrochemical behavior of the copper containing intermetallics, showed that corrosion inhibition was associated with the formation of a Ce-rich film over the copper in agreement with that observed for the alloy.