The effect of cerium salts on the cut-edge of zinc-based sacrificial coated steel was investigated by theoretical approach (based on individual polarization curves on the top surface and by Scanning Vibrating Electrochemical Technique (SVET). In both approaches, cerium salts increase the galvanic corrosion of zinc-based sacrificial layer coupled with steel. Furthermore, the anion parts of cerium salts exhibited a synergistic accelerated effect of galvanic activity on the cross-section. The SVET results indicated that the addition of Al, Mg alloying elements promotes localized corrosion and influences the formation and distribution of corrosion products. •Effect of CeCl3 and Ce(NO3)3 on the cut-edge of steel coated by zinc alloyed (HDG, ZnAl, and ZAM).•Cerium salts accelerated the corrosion of zinc coated steel on the cut-edge.•NO3- ion exhibited a synergistic accelerating effect on galvanic corrosion.•The presence of Al and Mg alloying elements promotes localized corrosion.