A multilayer contact approach for use in a planar solid oxide fuel cell stack includes at least 3 layers of an electrically conductive perovskite which has a coefficient of thermal expansion closely matching the fuel cell material. The perovskite material may comprise La.sub.1-xE.sub.x Co.sub.0.6Ni.sub.0.4O.sub.3 where E is a alkaline earth metal and x is greater than or equal to zero. The middle layer is a stress relief layer which may fracture during thermal cycling to relieve stress, but remains conductive and prevents mechanical damage of more critical interfaces.