Hierarchically structured Cu layer on Al alloy was obtained from ChCl-EG solution. Deposition rate of electroless Ni-P was accelerated by the Cu layer. This would be a simple protocol for fast electroless Ni-P at medium-low temperature. Cu pretreatment can maintain or marginally improve performance of Ni-P coatings. The Cu immersion layer would be an alternative method for Al alloy pretreatment.