► A novel catalyst of Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 was prepared. ► The catalyst was tested for methanol electrooxidation in acid solution. ► The results shows enhanced performance of Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 for methanol oxidation. A novel catalyst of Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 is prepared by anchoring Pt nanoparticles onto Fe3O4 coated cerium (CeO2) surface. The catalyst is characterized by TEM and tested for methanol electrooxidation in acid solution. The results demonstrated enhanced catalytic performance of Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 toward methanol oxidation. The catalytic current of Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 towards methanol is about 4 times higher than that of Pt–CeO2, indicating the introduction of Fe3O4 significantly improved the catalytic activity of the catalyst. The incaresed catalytic activity can be ascribed to the increased conductivity of the catalyst.