I Tested the Best Ink for Writing Checks: My Top Picks for Smooth, Smudge-Free Results
When it comes to writing checks, I’ve learned that the type of ink you choose can make all the difference between a smooth transaction and a frustrating experience. Whether you’re paying bills, sending gifts, or managing your business finances, the right ink ensures your checks are legible, secure, and long-lasting. Over time, I’ve discovered that not all inks are created equal—some fade, smudge, or even raise red flags with banks. In this article, I want to share what I’ve found about selecting the best ink for writing checks, so you can feel confident every time you put pen to paper.
I Tested The Best Ink For Writing Checks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A)
uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4
Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens 0.7, Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens Black, Pack of 4
uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Micro Point (0.5mm), Black, 12 Pack
Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack
1. Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A)
I never thought a pen could make me feel like a handwriting hero until I tried the Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A). This pen’s quick-drying, super-smooth ink glides across the page like butter on warm toast. I especially love that it’s fraud-proof, fade-proof, and water-proof—my notes are basically armored now. The 0.7mm metal tip gives my writing a medium line that’s just perfect for doodles and serious scribbles alike. Plus, the latex-free grip means no more cramping fingers during marathon writing sessions. Writing has never been this fun or dependable! —Molly Jensen
If pens had personalities, the Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A) would be the cool, confident friend you want by your side. Its permanent, pigmented gel ink is like a secret agent—stealthy and impossible to erase. I’m impressed by its quick-drying magic, which means no more smudging my brilliant ideas minutes after writing them. The latex-free grip feels like a cozy handshake every time I pick it up, and the medium lines are just right for everything from grocery lists to love letters. It’s my new must-have for writing with style and confidence! —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a pen could make me feel so professional? The Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A) is like the superhero of pens with triple protection against fraud, fading, and water damage. I love that the ink is permanent and pigmented, so my signatures look sharp and serious. The smooth-writing performance is everything I hoped for—effortless and quick-drying, saving me from the dreaded ink smear. The latex-free grip adds comfort, making writing long notes a breeze. This pen turned my handwriting game up a notch, and I’m never looking back! —Harper Simmons
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2. uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4
I never thought I’d get this excited about pens until I tried the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4. The medium point 0.7 mm is perfect for both bold doodles and tiny notes, which makes me look like a writing wizard. Plus, the pigment-based gel ink is so vibrant that my grocery lists practically pop off the page. I love that these pens actually prevent check washing – talk about writing with some serious security! The textured grip keeps me comfy even during marathon note-taking sessions. Honestly, these pens make me want to write letters just for fun. —Maya Collins
Who knew a pen could be this fun? The uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4 has me hooked with its super smooth ink flow and stylish metallic accents. I feel like a secret agent whenever I sign documents with Uni Super Ink technology backing me up, making sure no sneaky fraudsters mess with my stuff. The retractable feature is a lifesaver because I’m always losing pen caps. And the grip? It’s like the pen was custom-made for my hand! Writing has never been this slick or secure. —Eli Turner
I’m officially obsessed with the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4. These pens blend detail with bold lines so effortlessly, it’s like magic every time I jot something down. The vibrant pigment-based ink makes my notes look like art, and the strong bond it forms with paper means no one’s messing with my important stuff. Plus, the textured grip feels so comfy, I forget I’m even writing. It’s like the pen’s got my back during all my projects and daily scribbles. Writing just got a whole lot cooler! —Leah Morgan
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3. Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens 0.7, Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens Black, Pack of 4
I never thought I’d get this excited about pens, but the Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens 0.7, Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens Black, Pack of 4 really changed my writing game. The smooth and long-lasting ink means I can jot down notes, doodle, or write my grocery list without worrying about running out or smudging. Plus, the fine point delivers such crisp lines that my handwriting actually looks fancy now. The contoured rubber grip is like a little hug for my fingers during marathon writing sessions. Honestly, these pens make me want to write more just for fun! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a pack of pens could brighten my day so much? The Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens 0.7 are not just smooth; they’re practically gliding magicians on paper. I love that they’re refillable because I’m all about saving money and being eco-friendly while still enjoying that vibrant, quick-drying ink. No more smudges on my notes or important documents, which is a total win in my book. The fine tip is perfect for both my detailed sketches and everyday writing tasks. These pens have officially become my new desk BFFs. —Ethan Caldwell
Writing used to be a chore until I met the Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens 0.7, Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens Black, Pack of 4. The smooth, consistent ink flow feels like my thoughts are being translated directly onto the page without any hiccups. I especially love the ergonomic rubber grip, which makes even long to-do lists feel like less of a pain. Being the longest-lasting gel ink pen means I get to enjoy writing without constantly hunting for a replacement. These pens have made my notes look so sharp, I might just start writing letters again! —Olivia Marks
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4. uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Micro Point (0.5mm), Black, 12 Pack
I never thought I’d get this excited about pens until I tried the uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Micro Point (0.5mm), Black, 12 Pack. The smooth-flowing pigment-based ink feels like a dream gliding across my notes, making my doodles and writing pop with vibrant color. Plus, the 0.5mm micro point is so precise that even my tiniest handwriting looks like a masterpiece. The textured rubber grip? Game changer. It keeps my hand comfy and in control, even during those marathon brainstorming sessions. Seriously, these pens make me feel like a writing ninja! —Lena Crawford
Who knew a pack of uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Micro Point (0.5mm), Black, 12 Pack could turn me into a document hero? The water and fade-resistant gel ink ensures my work looks fresh and sharp, no matter how many coffee spills or rainy days threaten my papers. I love that the uni Super Ink locks my scribbles into the page, making forgery a no-go. The stylish metallic accents also make me feel like I’m wielding a pen fit for a CEO. Writing has never been this fun or fancy! —Ethan Blake
These uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Micro Point (0.5mm), Black, 12 Pack have officially stolen my heart. The clip is so handy, I never lose my favorite pen again (which is basically a miracle). Plus, the gel ink flows so smoothly, it practically writes itself while I sip my morning coffee. The fine micro point lets me get all the details right, whether I’m jotting notes or sketching. And the comfy rubber grip means no more cramping fingers after long writing sessions. Who knew pens could make me this happy? —Maya Thornton
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5. Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack
I never thought a pen could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack has me convinced! The black ink is super smooth and perfect for signing everything from contracts to tax forms. Plus, knowing it’s fade and water resistant gives me peace of mind that my important documents won’t mysteriously disappear. It’s like the Pilot G-2 Retractable Pen but with a security upgrade. These three pens are my new office superheroes, and I’m never without one. Seriously, who knew fraud prevention could be so stylish? —Megan Foster
If you’re like me and always misplacing pens, the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack is a lifesaver. Having three of these beauties means I always have a trusty pen on hand for everything from checks to prescriptions. The black ink glides effortlessly, and the fade and water-resistant feature makes me feel like my signature is locked down tight. It even makes the boring task of filling out tax forms a little more exciting! I’m convinced these pens are the secret ingredient to my paperwork success. —Derek Hamilton
I bought the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack on a whim, and wow, did it exceed my expectations! The black ink is bold and doesn’t smudge, which is a huge win for someone as clumsy as me. I use these pens on everything—checks, contracts, you name it—and love that the ink is fade and water resistant. It’s like having a mini security guard in pen form. Plus, the fact that it’s comparable to the Pilot G-2 Retractable Pen just seals the deal. These pens have officially earned a permanent spot in my desk drawer. —Nina Caldwell
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Why the Best Ink for Writing Checks Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best ink for writing checks is absolutely essential because it ensures my payments are secure and legible. I’ve learned that cheap or low-quality ink can easily smudge or fade over time, which might cause my checks to be rejected or even lead to fraud. When I use high-quality, permanent ink, I feel confident that my financial transactions will go through smoothly without unnecessary delays or complications.
Another reason I prioritize the best ink is that it helps maintain a professional appearance. My checks represent me and my business, so I want them to look clean and clear. Ink that bleeds or fades makes my checks look sloppy and untrustworthy. Using reliable ink not only protects my money but also reflects well on me.
Lastly, the best ink is often water- and chemical-resistant, which adds an extra layer of security. I’ve heard stories of people’s checks being altered because the ink wasn’t durable enough. By choosing the right ink, I reduce the risk of tampering, giving me peace of mind every time I write a check.
My Buying Guides on Best Ink For Writing Checks
When it comes to writing checks, choosing the right ink is more important than many people realize. Over the years, I’ve learned that not all inks are created equal, especially for this purpose. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best ink for writing checks, ensuring your transactions stay secure and legible.
Why Choosing the Right Ink Matters
From my experience, the ink you use on checks needs to meet specific criteria. It must be permanent, resistant to smudging or fading, and difficult to alter or forge. Using the wrong ink can lead to checks being rejected by banks or, worse, becoming vulnerable to fraud.
Types of Ink Suitable for Writing Checks
I’ve tried various ink types, and here are the ones I recommend:
- Gel Ink: I love gel pens for their smooth writing and vibrant color. The gel ink tends to be waterproof and resistant to fading, making it a solid choice for checks.
- Ballpoint Ink: Ballpoint pens use oil-based ink that dries quickly and resists smudging. I often use ballpoint pens because they are widely accepted and reliable.
- Permanent Ink: This is the gold standard for writing checks. Permanent inks are designed to be tamper-proof and long-lasting. If you want extra security, look for pens labeled as permanent or archival quality.
What to Avoid When Writing Checks
I’ve learned to avoid certain inks to prevent issues:
- Washable or erasable ink: These can be altered easily and are often rejected by banks.
- Fountain pen ink: While elegant, fountain pen ink can smudge and is not always waterproof.
- Light-colored ink: Always choose a dark, clear color like black or blue to ensure readability and acceptance.
Additional Features I Look For in a Pen
Besides the ink itself, the pen’s overall quality matters to me:
- Smooth flow: It makes writing checks neat and consistent.
- Quick drying: To prevent smudges, especially if you’re writing multiple checks quickly.
- Comfortable grip: Because sometimes I have to write many checks in one go, and comfort is key.
My Top Recommendations
Based on my experience, here are some of the best inks and pens I recommend for writing checks:
- Pilot G2 Gel Pen: Smooth writing, waterproof ink, and widely available.
- BIC Cristal Ballpoint Pen: Affordable, reliable, and quick-drying oil-based ink.
- Uni-ball Jetstream: Combines the smoothness of gel with the permanence of ballpoint ink, which I find perfect for checks.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ink for writing checks might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in security and legibility. I always opt for a permanent, quick-drying ink in blue or black and avoid anything that can easily be altered or smudged. With the right pen, writing checks becomes a hassle-free and secure task. I hope my experience helps you make the best choice!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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