To improve the stability of a gold sulfite plating bath, decomposition behavior and evaluation of stabilizing agents was investigated. Stability can be improved by the inhibition of the disproportionation reaction. The most effective stabilizing agents were 2,2′‐dipyridine and its derivatives. Addition of 2,2′‐dipyridine did not influence the hardness of the deposit, and the stress of the deposited film was significantly decreased.