In this study, metal‐supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes containing Cu and samaria doped ceria (SDC) with additions of Ni and Co were evaluated in CH4. It was found that metal support oxidation and Fe diffusion from the metal support to the anode were the main factors affecting the cell behavior observed. Thus, strategies to prevent diffusion of Fe into the anode were also evaluated. It was found that the best performing method to prevent diffusion of Fe and Cr into the anode in this study consisted of a combination of all three evaluated strategies (i.e., pre‐oxidation of metal support prior to cell fabrication, application of a protective LaCrO3 coating to the metal supports prior to anode fabrication, and addition of an SDC interlayer between the metal support and anode coating). It was found that the most effective stand‐alone method to diminish the diffusion of Fe into the anode was the addition of a SDC interlayer between the anode and the metal support.