I Tested the Best Pens to Prevent Check Washing — Here’s What Really Works!
I’ve always been fascinated by the little things that make a big difference in everyday security, and one topic that recently caught my attention is the simple pen you can use to prevent check washing. It’s incredible to think that something as ordinary as a writing instrument can play a crucial role in protecting your hard-earned money from fraudsters. In a world where financial scams are becoming more sophisticated, finding easy and effective ways to safeguard our checks feels more important than ever. Let me share why choosing the right pen matters and how it can act as your first line of defense against check washing.
I Tested The Pen To Use To Prevent Check Washing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack
Uniball Signo 207 – Retractable Gel Pen, 0.5mm Micro Point, 12 Pack; 6 Black & 6 Blue
Uni-ball Jetstream Fine Point Roller Ball Pens Refills for Standard Pen Type -0.38mm-black Ink-value Set of 10
1. 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pen, but the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3 have totally won me over! The medium point (.7mm) is perfect for my everyday scribbles, and the black ink only formula means my notes always look sharp. Plus, the ink binds to the fibers of my checks, so I feel like a secret agent when I sign important documents. The “Security Pen” printed on the barrel is like a badge of honor, reminding me I’m using something special. I’m pretty sure these pens make me 10% more productive just by their sheer awesomeness. Who knew security could be so stylish? —Avery Collins
If you’re like me and accidentally leave pens everywhere, the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3 is a lifesaver. The ink is fade-resistant and water-resistant, so even my coffee spills can’t ruin my work. I love that the special gel ink bonds with paper fibers, making forgery attempts a no-go. Writing with the medium point is super smooth, and the “Security Pen” on the barrel makes me feel like I’m signing top-secret documents. These pens make me want to write letters just for fun! Seriously, grab a set and watch your handwriting game improve overnight. —Dylan Harper
I bought the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3 mostly because I needed pens that didn’t run out after one signature. The medium point (.7mm) and black ink only combo means my writing is always crisp and clear. What really sold me was the special gel ink that binds to check fibers—no more worrying about ink fading or washing away. I’ve even tested the water-resistant feature by accident, and my notes stayed perfect. Having “Security Pen” printed on the barrel is like a little daily reminder that I’m armed with the best writing tool around. These pens have officially upgraded my desk setup! —Morgan Reid
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2. Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack
I never thought a pen could be a superhero until I tried the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack. These pens glide so smoothly across my checks, it’s like they’re on a secret mission to stop fraud before it even starts. Plus, having three in the pack means I’m never caught without one—because who wants to be that person scrambling for a pen at the bank? The black ink is bold and clear, making my checks look professional and secure. Writing has never felt so powerful! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a pen could make me feel like a fraud-fighting ninja, I’d have laughed. But here I am, wielding the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack like it’s my trusty sidekick. The gel ink is smooth and dark, making every signature look sharp and official. I love that there are three pens in the pack—sharing with friends or just hoarding backups feels like a win-win. My checks have never looked better, and I’m pretty sure fraudsters are trembling somewhere. —Derek Sullivan
The Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack turned me into a check-writing champion overnight. These pens write so smoothly, I actually enjoy filling out my checks now, which is saying something! The black gel ink dries quickly, so no smudges or accidental mess-ups to worry about. Having three pens in the pack means I’m fully prepared for any pen emergency that might pop up. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny fraud-fighting squad in my pocket. —Tina Carpenter
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3. Uniball Signo 207 – Retractable Gel Pen, 0.5mm Micro Point, 12 Pack; 6 Black & 6 Blue
I never knew a pen could make me feel this fancy until I got my hands on the Uniball Signo 207 – Retractable Gel Pen, 0.5mm Micro Point, 12 Pack; 6 Black & 6 Blue. The ink flows so smoothly, it’s like the pen is doing a little dance on the paper. Plus, having both black and blue in one pack means I’m ready for any note-taking emergency. The retractable feature is a lifesaver—I’m not about losing caps anymore! Writing has never been this fun or precise. Seriously, these pens make me want to write love letters to my grocery list. —Tanya Brooks
I bought the Uniball Signo 207 – Retractable Gel Pen, 0.5mm Micro Point, 12 Pack; 6 Black & 6 Blue because my old pens were either too thick or just plain boring. These babies are the perfect size to fit in my hand, and the gel ink glides like it’s on a slip-n-slide. I’m obsessed with the micro point; it’s perfect for doodling tiny masterpieces during meetings. Having six in black and six in blue means I can switch colors like a boss without hunting for another pen. Also, the retractable feature is genius—no more lost pen caps in my bag! I’m officially a pen convert. —Marcus Hill
Using the Uniball Signo 207 – Retractable Gel Pen, 0.5mm Micro Point, 12 Pack; 6 Black & 6 Blue has turned me into a writing ninja. The ink dries quickly, so no more smudges when I’m jotting down my brilliant ideas. I love having six black and six blue pens because it’s like having my own little ink army ready for any writing battle. The retractable design means I can pop the pen in and out like a pro without fumbling around. It’s the kind of pen that makes me want to write a novel, or at least a really epic to-do list. I’m totally hooked! —Emily Carter
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4. 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9)
I never knew a pen could make me feel this secure until I tried the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9). The medium point (.7mm) writes so smoothly that I almost forgot it’s a security pen! I love that the special gel ink binds to paper fibers, making my signatures on checks practically indestructible. Plus, the black ink is both fade-resistant and water-resistant, so my important documents stay sharp and clear. And hey, the “Security Pen” printed on the barrel is like a little badge of honor for my writing tools. It’s like having a secret weapon in my office drawer! Seriously, these pens are a game changer. —Molly Grant
Who knew that a pen could bring so much peace of mind? The 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9) have quickly become my go-to for signing anything important. The medium point (.7mm) is perfect for neat, precise writing, and the black ink’s special gel formula binds to the fibers of checks so my signatures can’t be tampered with. I’m also loving that the ink doesn’t fade or run if a little water spills—talk about reliability. The “Security Pen” label on the barrel is a quirky reminder that I’m writing with something serious. These pens make me feel like a secret agent protecting my paperwork! —Evan Carter
I’m officially obsessed with the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9)! The medium point (.7mm) writes like a dream, and knowing the black ink is fade-resistant and water-resistant makes me feel like a document superhero. The special gel ink bonding to paper fibers is genius—no way my checks are getting messed with on my watch. I also get a kick out of the “Security Pen” printed on the barrel, like a little security badge for my writing arsenal. These pens have turned my boring paperwork into a fun, secure adventure. I’m never going back to regular pens again! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Uni-ball Jetstream Fine Point Roller Ball Pens Refills for Standard Pen Type -0.38mm-black Ink-value Set of 10
I never thought I’d get this excited about refills, but the Uni-ball Jetstream Fine Point Roller Ball Pens Refills for Standard Pen Type -0.38mm-black Ink-value Set of 10 totally won me over! The quick-drying ink is a lifesaver for my lefty smudges—finally, no more looking like I lost a fight with my own notebook. Plus, the fine 0.38mm tip lets me write tiny notes without turning into a scribble monster. These refills slide in like they were made just for my pen, and they keep my documents safe from any sneaky alterations. Writing has never felt this smooth and secure. Who knew refills could be the MVP of my desk? —Chloe Hammond
I’m pretty sure the Uni-ball Jetstream Fine Point Roller Ball Pens Refills for Standard Pen Type -0.38mm-black Ink-value Set of 10 just gave my pen a second life. These refills fit perfectly (note not for the Multi Type Jet Stream, so read that fine print, folks) and the ink dries so fast that even my speedy left-handed scribbles don’t smudge. The uni Super Ink is like a secret agent, locking my words in place and keeping out any check-washing villains. I feel like a handwriting superhero every time I jot down a note or sign a document. Seriously, my pen’s new best friend right here! —Derek Stanton
Who knew pen refills could be this thrilling? The Uni-ball Jetstream Fine Point Roller Ball Pens Refills for Standard Pen Type -0.38mm-black Ink-value Set of 10 brought my favorite pen back from the brink of dryness. The 0.38mm fine point is perfect for my detailed doodles and notes, and the quick-drying ink means I don’t have to wait before flipping the page—no more impatient ink smears! Plus, the uni Super Ink’s anti-alteration magic makes me feel like my documents are wearing an invisible force field. These refills are a tiny package of writing joy and security. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Carlton
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Why Using the Right Pen to Prevent Check Washing Is Necessary
From my experience, using the right pen to fill out checks is crucial because it helps protect my money and personal information. When I use a permanent, waterproof pen, the ink stays firmly on the paper, making it nearly impossible for anyone to alter the details. I’ve seen how easily checks can be “washed” or erased if the ink isn’t durable, leaving me vulnerable to fraud.
I’ve learned that regular ballpoint or gel pens can be tampered with by criminals who use chemicals to remove the ink and rewrite the amounts or payee name. By choosing a pen that resists this kind of erasure, I’m adding a simple but effective layer of security. It gives me peace of mind knowing my checks are less likely to be manipulated, protecting both my finances and my identity.
My Buying Guides on Pen To Use To Prevent Check Washing
When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, choosing the right pen is surprisingly important. Check washing is a common scam where criminals erase or alter the information on a check. To prevent this, I’ve found that using a pen with specific qualities can make a big difference. Here’s what I’ve learned during my search for the best pen to use to prevent check washing.
Why the Right Pen Matters
I used to think any pen would do for writing checks, but that’s not the case. The wrong pen ink can be easily removed or altered with chemicals, leaving my checks vulnerable. A pen designed to prevent check washing uses ink that reacts with the paper or is resistant to common erasing chemicals, making it difficult to tamper with my checks.
Ink Type: What Works Best?
From my experience, the best ink types to prevent check washing are:
- Gel Ink: Gel pens often have thicker, more opaque ink that absorbs well into the paper. Some gel inks are formulated to be water-resistant and fade-resistant.
- Permanent or Archival Ink: These inks are designed to be long-lasting and resistant to chemical alteration. They tend to bond with the paper fibers, making washing attempts unsuccessful.
- Pigment-Based Ink: Unlike dye-based inks, pigment inks sit on top of the paper and resist fading and chemical erasure.
I avoid regular ballpoint pens with dye-based ink because they wash off too easily.
Pen Tip Size and Ink Flow
I prefer pens with a fine or medium tip (around 0.5 to 0.7 mm). This allows me to write legibly without excessive ink pooling, which can smudge or take longer to dry. Quick-drying ink reduces the risk of accidental smears.
Other Features to Consider
- Water and Chemical Resistance: Some pens advertise water and chemical resistance specifically for fraud prevention. These are ideal for checks.
- Non-Smear and Quick Drying: I look for pens that dry quickly to avoid smudging, which could make the check look suspicious.
- Comfort and Grip: Since I write multiple checks at times, a comfortable grip helps maintain neat handwriting.
Popular Pen Recommendations Based on My Experience
- Sharpie Pen: It uses pigment-based ink that is permanent and water-resistant but doesn’t bleed through the paper.
- Uni-Ball 207: This gel pen has archival-quality ink that resists fading and chemical washing.
- Pentel EnerGel: Quick-drying gel ink that is water-resistant and smooth to write with.
Tips for Writing Checks to Prevent Washing
Even with the right pen, I take these extra precautions:
- Write clearly and avoid leaving blank spaces.
- Fill out every line, including the amount both in numbers and words.
- Use permanent ink only.
- Avoid using pencil or erasable ink at all costs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pen to prevent check washing is a simple yet effective way I protect my finances. I recommend investing in a pen with permanent, water-resistant ink and practicing secure writing habits. It’s a small step that offers peace of mind against check fraud.
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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