Provided are an electrolyte for a redox flow battery, the electrolyte allowing suppression of generation of hydrogen during a battery reaction; and a redox flow battery including the electrolyte. In the electrolyte for a redox flow battery, the total concentration of platinum-group element ions is 4.5 mass ppm or less. The platinum-group element ions may satisfy in terms of concentration at least one of those described below: the concentration of rhodium ions is 1 mass ppm or less, the concentration of palladium ions is 1 mass ppm or less, the concentration of iridium ions is 1 mass ppm or less, and the concentration of platinum ions is 1 mass ppm or less.