To provide an alloy for an electrode capable of significantly improving sputtering resistance as compared with conventionally used pure Ni.

The alloy for a cold cathode tube electrode comprises 0.3 to 6.5% by mass of Al, with the balance being Ni and impurities. The alloy for a cold cathode tube electrode further comprises 0.1 to 7.5% by mass of W and/or Mo as an electron emission characteristic improving element. The electron emission characteristic improving element preferably comprises 0.5 to 7.5% of W. Further, the total content of Al, W, and Mo in the alloy for a cold cathode tube electrode is preferably from 2.0 to 11.0% by mass.