The electrodeposition of ternary Cu-Ni-Zn and Cu-Ni-Cd alloys was investigated in acidic sulphate electrolytes. The influence of Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions concentrations as well as the effect of current density on the surface appearance and the deposits' composition was examined. Sodium dithiolate (NaS)(2)C = C(CN)(2)-3H(2)O was used as surface active substance (SAS), and the effect of the SAS on the alloys composition and surface morphology was also investigated. No significant effect of SAS on the alloy composition, however, apparently effect on the deposits surface morphology was observed. It was also noticed that on increasing Zn2+ (or Cd2+) concentration in the bath, a depletion in the nickel content in the deposit occurred. Deposits obtained were characterized from the structural and morphological points of view. It was found that the structure and morphology of the deposited alloys are mainly controlled by both the applied current densities and the bath composition. © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.