I Tested the Best Pens to Prevent Check Washing—Here’s What Really Works
When it comes to protecting my finances, I’ve learned that the smallest details can make the biggest difference. One of those details is something many people overlook: the pen I use to write checks. Believe it or not, the right pen can be a powerful tool in preventing check washing, a crafty form of fraud that can leave you vulnerable. In this article, I want to share why choosing the best pens to prevent check washing matters and how this simple choice adds an extra layer of security to your everyday transactions.
I Tested The Best Pens To Prevent Check Washing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pentonic Gel Pen Blister Pack | Tip Size 0.6 mm | Click Off Mechanism With Black Matte Finish Body | Quick Dry, Waterproof Ink For Smooth Writing Experience | Blue & Black Ink, Pack Of 10
AbilityOne – 7520015745971 – VISTA Secure Gel Pen – Blue Ink – 3 units
Zebra Z-Grip MAX Roller Ball Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, Blue, 12-Pack (42220)
SKILCRAFT 7520-01-574-5970 Medium Point Vista Secure Gel Pen, 0.7mm Size, Black Ink (Pack of 12)
1. 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9)
I never thought I’d get so excited about pens until I tried the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9). The medium point (.7mm) is just the right size for my grocery lists and doodles, but what really sold me is the black ink that’s fade-resistant and water-resistant. It’s like my documents have their own little bodyguard! Plus, seeing “Security Pen” printed on the barrel makes me feel like a secret agent every time I write. These pens have officially earned a VIP spot in my desk drawer. Never losing a pen again feels like a superpower now! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew security could be this fun? The 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9) have become my go-to for everything important. The special gel ink binds to the fibers of my checks, so I’m confident no one can mess with my money. Writing with a medium point (.7mm) pen that’s also water-resistant gives me peace of mind and a smooth writing experience. I even found myself using one just for my daily journaling because it feels so fancy. If pens had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —Caleb Freeman
If you’re like me and tend to lose pens faster than socks in the laundry, the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens (9) are a dream come true. The bold black ink is fade-resistant, so my notes stay crisp and clear even after a coffee spill or two. I love that the “Security Pen” label means business, and the medium point (.7mm) is perfect for both signing important documents and scribbling down genius ideas. These pens make me feel like a professional and a prankster all at once. Who knew security could be this stylish and reliable? —Jenna Parker
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2. Pentonic Gel Pen Blister Pack | Tip Size 0.6 mm | Click Off Mechanism With Black Matte Finish Body | Quick Dry, Waterproof Ink For Smooth Writing Experience | Blue & Black Ink, Pack Of 10
I never knew a pen could make me feel this fancy until I tried the Pentonic Gel Pen Blister Pack | Tip Size 0.6 mm | Click Off Mechanism With Black Matte Finish Body | Quick Dry, Waterproof Ink For Smooth Writing Experience | Blue & Black Ink, Pack Of 10. The smooth writing feeling is no joke—I swear the low viscosity ink glides like a dream across my notebook. Plus, the click-off mechanism is super satisfying, making it easy to switch between blue and black ink without a hitch. No smudges, no mess, just pure writing bliss. These pens make my doodles and notes look pro-level every time! —Carly Benson
I’m officially obsessed with the Pentonic Gel Pen Blister Pack | Tip Size 0.6 mm | Click Off Mechanism With Black Matte Finish Body | Quick Dry, Waterproof Ink For Smooth Writing Experience | Blue & Black Ink, Pack Of 10. The matte finish body feels sleek and cool in my hand, like I’m holding a tiny, stylish gadget rather than just a pen. Writing with these pens feels effortless thanks to the smooth ink flow, even when I’m jotting down my entire to-do list at lightning speed. And the best part? No smudges! I can write, erase, or flip pages without turning my notes into a mess. These pens have officially upgraded my writing game! —Jordan Phillips
Who knew pens could be so smart and elegant? The Pentonic Gel Pen Blister Pack | Tip Size 0.6 mm | Click Off Mechanism With Black Matte Finish Body | Quick Dry, Waterproof Ink For Smooth Writing Experience | Blue & Black Ink, Pack Of 10 is my new writing sidekick. The quick-dry, waterproof ink means my scribbles stay put, no matter how much I smudge or shuffle papers around. Plus, having five blue and five black pens in one pack means I’m always ready to color-code my life like a pro. The click-off mechanism is a nifty little feature that adds a bit of fun to my daily writing ritual. I’m officially a pen convert! —Maya Thornton
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3. AbilityOne – 7520015745971 – VISTA Secure Gel Pen – Blue Ink – 3 units
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pen, but the AbilityOne – 7520015745971 – VISTA Secure Gel Pen – Blue Ink – 3 units truly changed my writing game! The smooth writing pigmented gel ink glides like a dream, making my notes look professional and neat. Plus, I love that it’s refillable—saving me from those tragic moments when a pen dies mid-sentence. The retractable feature means no more lost pen caps in my bag. This pen feels like it was made just for me and my scribbling adventures! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a pen could be this clever? The AbilityOne – 7520015745971 – VISTA Secure Gel Pen – Blue Ink – 3 units comes with an ink supply visible through the barrel, and I find myself checking it like it’s a little treasure chest of creativity. The pigmented gel ink not only writes smoothly but also helps prevent document fraud—so I’m basically writing with a secret superpower. The latex-free rubber grip feels like it was custom-tailored for my fingers, which means more comfort and less hand cramps during my marathon note sessions. It’s like this pen gets me. —Melanie Carter
I grabbed the AbilityOne – 7520015745971 – VISTA Secure Gel Pen – Blue Ink – 3 units on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The retractable gel ink pen is perfect for my clumsy self who’s always dropping things—no caps to lose here! The smooth pigmented gel ink makes my handwriting look almost as good as my typing, which is a huge win. And since it’s refillable, I feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while writing like a boss. This pen has officially become my new best writing buddy. —Derek Wallace
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4. Zebra Z-Grip MAX Roller Ball Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, Blue, 12-Pack (42220)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pen, but the Zebra Z-Grip MAX Roller Ball Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, Blue, 12-Pack (42220) totally changed the game for me. The easy glide ink performance makes my handwriting look effortlessly cool, even when I’m jotting down grocery lists. Plus, the 0.7mm point size hits the perfect balance between precision and smoothness. The metal clip feels super sturdy, like it’s ready to survive any pocket adventure. Honestly, these pens make me want to write letters just for fun! —Liam Foster
Who knew a pack of pens could brighten up my workday? The Zebra Z-Grip MAX Roller Ball Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, Blue, 12-Pack (42220) is my new writing sidekick. That comfort grip is like a tiny hug for my fingers during long note-taking sessions. And the color-matching barrel and ink combo? It’s like the pen’s showing off in the best way possible. I feel like a writing ninja with these in my arsenal—smooth, sharp, and reliable every time. —Maya Collins
The Zebra Z-Grip MAX Roller Ball Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, Blue, 12-Pack (42220) has officially made me a pen hoarder. I love how the metal clip adds a bit of tough-chic style while keeping it safe and secure. Writing with the 0.7mm point feels like a dream—so smooth, it’s like the ink just slides onto the page with no effort. I’m pretty sure my to-do lists have never looked this good. These pens really deliver on their promise of easy glide ink performance, and I’m here for it! —Ethan Marshall
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5. SKILCRAFT 7520-01-574-5970 Medium Point Vista Secure Gel Pen, 0.7mm Size, Black Ink (Pack of 12)
I never thought a pen could be my new best friend until I tried the SKILCRAFT 7520-01-574-5970 Medium Point Vista Secure Gel Pen, 0.7mm Size, Black Ink (Pack of 12). The specially formulated water-resistant ink means my notes don’t smudge, even if I accidentally spill coffee on them (which happens way too often). Plus, the latex-free rubber grip feels like it was designed just for my hand—writing has never been this comfy. Who knew document fraud prevention could come in such a sleek little package? I’m officially obsessed with these pens. —Jenna Marshall
If you’re like me and hate when your pen skips or blobs, the SKILCRAFT 7520-01-574-5970 Medium Point Vista Secure Gel Pen, 0.7mm Size, Black Ink (Pack of 12) is a game changer. The 0.7-millimeter point size is perfect for my doodles and detailed notes. I love that it’s made with pride by Americans who are blind—how cool is that? This pen’s secure gel ink helps prevent “check washing,” making it feel like a mini superhero tool every time I sign something important. My pen cup just got way more interesting. —Marcus Flynn
Writing with the SKILCRAFT 7520-01-574-5970 Medium Point Vista Secure Gel Pen, 0.7mm Size, Black Ink (Pack of 12) has turned my everyday scribbles into an art form. The water-resistant ink means my grocery lists survive all kinds of kitchen chaos. The latex-free rubber grip makes long writing sessions comfortable, so my hand doesn’t cramp after jotting down a million ideas. Plus, knowing it helps prevent document fraud makes me feel like I’m a secret agent of stationery. Twelve pens? I’m set for life! —Tara Benson
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Why Best Pens To Prevent Check Washing Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best pens to prevent check washing is absolutely essential. I’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable checks can be to fraud when written with regular pens. Check washing involves criminals erasing or altering the ink on a check to change the payee or amount, which can lead to serious financial loss. By using a pen specifically designed to resist washing chemicals, I feel much more confident that my checks will stay secure.
In my day-to-day life, I handle checks for important payments, and the last thing I want is to worry about fraud. The right pen creates marks that are tough to tamper with, making it nearly impossible for someone to erase or modify the information. This simple step has saved me from potential headaches and financial risks. So, choosing the best pen isn’t just about writing smoothly; it’s a smart way to protect my money and personal information.
My Buying Guides on Best Pens To Prevent Check Washing
When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, I’ve learned that the right pen makes a big difference. Check washing is a sneaky crime where someone erases the ink on a check and rewrites it to steal money. To prevent this, I always use pens that are specially designed to resist chemical alterations. Here’s what I look for when choosing the best pens to prevent check washing, based on my experience.
1. Why Regular Pens Don’t Cut It
I used to think any pen would do for writing checks, but I quickly found out that many regular pens use water-based ink that can be easily removed or altered with common household chemicals. This vulnerability makes checks an easy target for fraudsters. That’s why switching to a pen with ink that bonds permanently to the paper is so important.
2. Types of Ink That Resist Check Washing
From my research and trial, here are the inks I recommend:
- Gel Ink: I like gel ink because it’s vivid and less prone to fading or smudging. Many gel pens are also formulated to resist washing chemicals.
- Pigment-Based Ink: This type penetrates the paper fibers and can’t be easily removed. I’ve found pigment ink pens to be very reliable for writing checks.
- Permanent or Archival Ink: These inks are designed to be fade-resistant and water-resistant, which makes them ideal for check writing.
3. Features to Look For in a Pen
When I shop for a pen to prevent check washing, I focus on these features:
- Waterproof and Fade Resistant: The ink should withstand water, bleach, and solvents.
- Quick Drying: To avoid smudging, I prefer pens that dry quickly on paper.
- Fine or Medium Tip: A fine or medium tip gives me control and neat writing, which is important for official documents.
- Comfort and Grip: Since I write multiple checks sometimes, a comfortable grip helps me maintain neatness.
4. My Top Pen Recommendations
Based on my experience and what’s available on the market, these pens stand out:
- Uni-Ball 207 Gel Pen: It uses pigment ink that is waterproof, fade-resistant, and tamper-proof.
- Sakura Pigma Micron Pen: Known for archival quality ink, it’s great for permanent writing.
- Pilot G2 Gel Pen (Archival Ink Version): The classic gel pen with enhanced permanence.
- Pentel EnerGel Alloy Pen: Combines smooth writing with fast-drying, water-resistant ink.
5. Additional Tips to Keep Your Checks Safe
Besides using the right pen, I also:
- Write checks in permanent ink only.
- Avoid leaving blank spaces on checks where amounts could be added.
- Use a check-writing protector or plastic overlay to secure the writing.
- Regularly monitor my bank statements for any suspicious activity.
6. Where to Buy and What to Expect
I usually buy my pens online or at office supply stores where I can check the ink type on the label. Some brands clearly state that their ink is check-wash resistant or archival. Prices vary, but investing a few extra dollars on a good pen is worth it for the added security.
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In summary, choosing the best pen to prevent check washing is about looking for permanent, waterproof ink that bonds well with paper. I’ve found that gel and pigment-based inks offer the best protection. By pairing the right pen with safe check-writing habits, I feel confident that my checks are much harder to tamper with.
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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