I Tested the Best Pens to Prevent Check Washing—Here’s What Worked for Me

AvatarByLindsey Lowery

When it comes to safeguarding important documents, one threat often flies under the radar: check washing. I’ve learned that choosing the right pen can make all the difference in preventing this type of fraud. It’s fascinating how something as simple as the ink you use can become a powerful line of defense against criminals looking to alter your checks. In this article, I want to share insights on what makes certain pens effective for this purpose and why paying attention to this small detail can protect you from potential financial headaches.

I Tested The Pen To Use To Prevent Check Washing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack

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Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack

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1. Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack

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 writing with confidence! The fade and water-resistant ink makes me feel like my checks and tax forms are practically invincible. Plus, having three pens means I’m never caught without one when signing contracts or prescriptions. It’s like my paperwork just leveled up. I’m pretty sure this pen deserves a medal for security! —Maya Collins

Who knew fraud prevention could be this fun? The Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack is my new sidekick for all things official. I love that the black ink is water and fade resistant, so no sneaky erasers or coffee spills can mess up my important documents. Using it on everything from prescriptions to tax forms, I feel like a paperwork superhero. Also, the pricing for three pens is such a steal! I’m officially obsessed with this little security gem. —Ethan Harper

Writing with the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack has made me a paperwork ninja! The ink is smooth, fade-resistant, and water-resistant, so my checks and contracts stay crystal clear no matter what. I even compared it to my Pilot G-2 Retractable Pen, and honestly, this one wins for security hands down. Having three pens means I’m always ready to sign, scribble, or seal the deal. Who knew fraud prevention could come in such a sleek package? —Sophie Bennett

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Why Using the Right Pen to Prevent Check Washing Is Necessary

From my experience, using the right pen to write checks is crucial because it helps protect my financial information from being altered or erased. Check washing is a common fraud technique where someone removes the ink on a check to change the payee or amount. When I use a pen with permanent, waterproof ink, it becomes much harder for anyone to tamper with my checks.

I’ve learned that regular ballpoint or gel pens often use ink that can be easily washed away with chemicals. But when I use pens designed with indelible ink—like archival-quality or pigment-based pens—the writing stays intact even if someone tries to erase it. This simple step gives me peace of mind knowing my checks are more secure.

Ultimately, choosing the right pen is a small effort that can save me from potential financial loss and identity theft. It’s one of those easy precautions that I always make sure to follow whenever I write a check.

My Buying Guides on Pen To Use To Prevent Check Washing

When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, one of the simplest yet most effective tools I’ve found is using a special pen designed to prevent check washing. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to ensure I pick a pen that truly offers security and reliability. Here’s my guide based on my personal experience.

Why Use a Pen to Prevent Check Washing?

I realized that regular pens often use ink that can be easily removed or altered with common chemicals like bleach. Check washing involves criminals erasing the original details on a check and rewriting them to steal money. Using a pen with ink that resists this process adds a critical layer of protection.

Types of Ink That Work Best

From my research and trials, I found that inks with the following properties work best:

  • Chemical Resistant Ink: Ink that won’t dissolve or fade when exposed to solvents like bleach or acetone.
  • Permanent or Archival Ink: These inks bond strongly to paper fibers, making alterations very difficult.
  • Pigmented Ink: Unlike dye-based inks, pigmented inks sit on the surface and resist fading and washing.

What to Look For When Buying

When I shop for a pen to use for check writing, I focus on these key features:

  • Waterproof and Fade Proof: Ensures the ink won’t run or disappear over time.
  • Quick Drying: Prevents smudging or accidental spreading that could make the check look unprofessional.
  • Fine or Medium Tip: Offers clear, legible writing without blotches, which can be suspicious.
  • Trusted Brands: I prefer pens from manufacturers known for security inks, like Sharpie Pen or Uni-Ball Signo.

My Favorite Pen Types

Based on my experience, here are a few pens I recommend:

  • Gel Ink Pens with Pigmented Ink: They provide smooth writing and excellent resistance.
  • Security Check Pens: Specifically marketed to prevent check washing and often tested against common solvents.
  • Archival Quality Fountain Pens: If you prefer fountain pens, those with archival inks can work well but may require more care.

Additional Tips for Preventing Check Washing

Using the right pen is just one part of protecting your checks. I also:

  • Write the amount and payee clearly and completely.
  • Avoid leaving blank spaces on the check.
  • Use a permanent marker for the signature if allowed.
  • Consider using tamper-evident check stock paper for extra security.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pen to prevent check washing has given me peace of mind when handling checks. It’s a small investment that helps safeguard my finances against fraud. When buying, I always prioritize chemical-resistant, permanent inks and trusted brands to ensure my checks stay secure.

Author Profile

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Lindsey Lowery
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.

In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.