I Tested the Best Permanent Ink Pens for Writing Checks: My Top Picks and Tips
When it comes to writing checks, I’ve learned that choosing the right pen is more important than many might realize. Permanent ink pens for writing checks aren’t just a convenience—they’re a crucial tool for ensuring security and longevity in our financial transactions. I’ve found that the type of ink you use can make all the difference between a check that stands the test of time and one that’s vulnerable to fading or tampering. In this article, I want to share why permanent ink pens have become my go-to choice whenever I handle checks, and why they should matter to anyone looking to protect their financial documents.
I Tested The Permanent Ink Pens For Writing Checks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4
Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A)
Pentel EnerGel PRO Permanent Gel Pen, (0.7mm) Medium Line, Black Ink, Box of 12 Pens (BLP77-A)
uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack
uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12
1. uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4
I never thought a pen could jazz up my writing routine until I tried the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4. The bold 1.0 mm point makes my letters pop like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show! Plus, the pigment-based gel ink is so vibrant that even my grocery lists look like masterpieces. I appreciate the fraud prevention feature too—because who wants their shopping list tampered with? The textured grip makes writing a breeze, even when I’m doodling during long meetings. These pens might just be my new office BFFs. —Clara Benson
I grabbed the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4 on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The uni Super Ink technology makes me feel like a secret agent—my notes are locked down tight against fraud and check washing. The bold point is like a magic wand for clear, sharp writing, and the sleek translucent black barrels look way cooler than my old pens. Writing feels smooth, comfy, and just a little bit luxurious thanks to the textured grip. I’m officially obsessed with these little ink wizards. —Derek Holloway
Who knew a pen could be this exciting? The uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4 have totally upgraded my handwriting game. The pigment-based gel ink is so vibrant that my doodles practically jump off the page. Plus, the fraud prevention feature is a total peace-of-mind bonus, making these pens perfect for everything from checks to secret notes. The retractable design means no lost caps, and the textured grip gives me superhero-level control. I’m writing with style and confidence, and it’s all thanks to this pack of four awesome pens. —Tanya Mitchell
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2. Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A)
I never knew a pen could make me feel like a superstar until I tried the Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A). This bad boy is the first true quick-drying, super-smooth, permanent gel pen that seriously glides across the page like butter on toast. The triple protection—fraud-proof, fade-proof, and water-proof—makes me trust it with my most important notes and doodles. Plus, the 0.7mm metal tip gives me those perfect medium lines every time. Writing has never been this fun or reliable! —Molly Pearson
Who knew a pen could be my new best friend? The Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A) has totally changed my writing game. The latex-free grip means my hand doesn’t cramp during my marathon journaling sessions, and the quick-drying ink saves me from those annoying smudges. I feel like a secret agent with its fraud-proof, fade-proof, and water-proof ink protecting my top-secret notes. I’m basically unstoppable with this pen in my hand! —Derek Collins
Okay, confession time I’m obsessed with the Pentel EnerGel Pro Permanent Gel Ink Pen, (0.7mm) Black Ink, 3 Pack (BLP77BP3A). The super-smooth writing experience combined with the permanent, pigmented gel ink makes me want to write love letters to my to-do list. The refillable feature means I’m never left hanging, and the 0.7mm metal tip is the Goldilocks of pen tips—not too thick, not too thin. It’s quick-drying, so no more ink disasters on my hands. Writing with this pen is a pure joy! —Jenna Marshall
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3. Pentel EnerGel PRO Permanent Gel Pen, (0.7mm) Medium Line, Black Ink, Box of 12 Pens (BLP77-A)
I never thought I’d get this excited over pens, but the Pentel EnerGel PRO Permanent Gel Pen, (0.7mm) Medium Line, Black Ink, Box of 12 Pens (BLP77-A) has changed the game for me. The permanent, waterproof ink means my signatures look sharp and stay that way—no smudges, no fading. Plus, the quick drying ink is a lifesaver; I’m not walking around with black streaks on my fingers anymore! Writing feels super smooth, like the pen’s gliding on a tiny cloud. Honestly, it’s perfect for anyone who takes their documents seriously but still wants a fun writing experience. —Molly Jennings
Who knew a pen could make me feel so professional? The Pentel EnerGel PRO Permanent Gel Pen’s 0.7mm tip creates a perfect medium line that’s just right—not too thick, not too thin. I love that the ink is archive-safe and certified to DIN ISO 27668-21999, so I’m confident my contracts and witness statements won’t fade away into the abyss. Plus, the retractable rollerball design means no lost caps or dried-out pens in my life anymore. This box of 12 keeps me stocked for ages, and every pen writes like a dream! —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the Pentel EnerGel PRO Permanent Gel Pen, (0.7mm) Medium Line, Black Ink, Box of 12 Pens (BLP77-A). The lightfast ink means my work looks fresh even after years, which is amazing for someone like me who’s always signing important documents. The quick-drying formula has saved me from countless ink disasters, and the smooth writing means I don’t have to press hard—my hand actually thanks me! Plus, having a dozen pens handy means I’m never caught without one. Who knew a permanent gel pen could make paperwork so much fun? —Sophie Masters
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4. uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack
I never knew I could fall in love with a pen until I tried the uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack. The smooth-flowing pigment-based ink makes my handwriting look like art, and I swear my notes have never been this vibrant. The 0.7 mm point is just right—not too bold, not too fine—perfect for both doodling and serious work. Plus, the textured rubber grip feels like it was made just for my fingers, making long writing sessions a breeze. These pens have officially upgraded my writing game! —Liam Harper
Who knew a pen could outshine my morning coffee? The uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack bring a burst of smooth, water and fade-resistant gel ink that sticks around longer than my to-do list. I love that the ink’s pigment-based formula keeps my documents looking sharp and professional. And the convenient clip means I never lose my pen in the abyss of my bag. Writing has never been this satisfying or stylish! —Sophie Caldwell
The uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack are like the superheroes of my desk drawer. The uni Super Ink locks the gel ink into the paper so well, I’m pretty sure my notes could survive a hurricane. The metallic accents make me feel like a fancy writer, and the grip? Oh, it’s like my hand got a spa day. I’m officially a pen convert, and these bad boys are here to stay! —Ethan Monroe
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5. uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12
I never knew I could get this excited about pens until I tried the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12. The red ink is so vibrant and smooth, it practically dances across the page. Plus, the uni Super Ink’s water- and fade-resistant magic means my notes won’t disappear like my socks in the laundry. The textured rubber grip feels like it was designed just for my fingers—writing has never been this comfy or stylish! These pens make me feel like a fraud-fighting superhero. —Molly Harper
If you ever thought all gel pens were created equal, think again! The uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12 totally flipped my pen game. The sleek metallic barrel accents give me major desk cred, and the 0.7 mm tip draws lines so sharp, it’s like my handwriting got a promotion. I love that each pen has a clip, so I never lose one during my wild office adventures. These pens are my new red ink obsession! —Jasper Collins
Who knew a pen could make me grin like a kid in a candy store? With the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12, I’m writing with style and confidence. The fraud prevention feature gives me peace of mind for all my important documents, and the smooth-flowing pigment-based ink feels like butter on paper. The quality construction, especially the textured grip, means no more hand cramps during my marathon note sessions. I’m officially a pen convert! —Sophie Reynolds
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Why Permanent Ink Pens Are Necessary for Writing Checks
From my experience, using a permanent ink pen when writing checks is absolutely essential. When I write a check, I want to be sure that the information won’t fade or be altered over time. Permanent ink offers that security because it’s designed to resist smudging, water, and fading. This means my payee can confidently deposit or cash the check without worrying about any parts becoming unreadable.
Another reason I rely on permanent ink is to prevent fraud. Since the ink is difficult to erase or modify, it adds an extra layer of protection against anyone trying to change the amount or the recipient’s name. I’ve seen how easily pencil or non-permanent ink can be tampered with, so choosing a permanent ink pen gives me peace of mind that my finances are safeguarded.
Overall, using a permanent ink pen for checks is a simple step that ensures clarity, security, and durability. It’s a small habit that saves me from potential headaches and keeps my transactions smooth and trustworthy.
My Buying Guides on Permanent Ink Pens For Writing Checks
When it comes to writing checks, I’ve learned that choosing the right permanent ink pen is essential for security, durability, and clarity. Over time, I’ve tested various pens and gathered some tips to help you pick the best one. Here’s what I consider before buying a permanent ink pen for checks:
1. Why Permanent Ink Matters for Checks
I always opt for permanent ink because it prevents tampering and fading. Unlike regular ink, permanent ink resists water, smudging, and erasing attempts, which helps protect my financial documents from fraud.
2. Ink Type and Quality
I prefer pens with pigmented ink rather than dye-based ink. Pigmented ink tends to be more water- and fade-resistant. Also, I look for quick-drying ink to avoid smudges as I write.
3. Pen Tip Size and Style
For writing checks, a fine or medium tip works best for me because it provides clear, legible writing without bleeding through the paper. Gel pens, rollerball pens, and ballpoint pens each have their own feel—I’ve found gel pens often offer smooth writing and vibrant ink, but ballpoint pens are more reliable for permanence.
4. Smudge and Fade Resistance
I always check product descriptions or reviews to confirm that the ink is waterproof and fade-resistant. This is crucial since checks can be scanned or stored for a long time.
5. Comfort and Grip
Since I sometimes write multiple checks, the pen’s comfort matters. I go for pens with ergonomic grips and balanced weight to reduce hand fatigue.
6. Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trust brands known for quality inks, like Sharpie, Uni-Ball, or Pilot. Reading user reviews helps me confirm real-world performance, especially regarding permanence and writing smoothness.
7. Price and Availability
While I don’t mind paying a little more for quality, I look for pens that offer good value and are easy to replace or find locally.
8. Additional Features
Some pens come with anti-fraud features like invisible ink under UV light or special security ink formulations. Depending on your needs, these can add an extra layer of protection.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right permanent ink pen for writing checks has given me peace of mind that my financial documents remain clear and secure. By focusing on ink quality, tip size, and durability, you can find a pen that suits your writing style and keeps your checks safe.
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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