I Tested the Best Ink to Use to Prevent Check Washing – Here’s What Worked!

AvatarByLindsey Lowery

When it comes to protecting my personal checks from fraud, one of the simplest yet most effective measures I’ve discovered is choosing the right ink. Check washing—a sneaky form of identity theft where criminals erase ink on checks to alter the payee or amount—can turn a routine transaction into a costly headache. Over time, I’ve learned that the type of ink you use isn’t just about convenience or style; it plays a crucial role in safeguarding your financial information. In this article, I want to share what I’ve found about the best inks to use to prevent check washing and why this small choice can make a big difference in keeping your money safe.

I Tested The Ink 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 I’d get this excited about a pen, but the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack has me feeling like a stationery superhero! The black ink is smooth and bold, perfect for signing checks and contracts without worrying about fading. Plus, knowing it’s fade and water resistant gives me peace of mind when I accidentally spill my coffee. These pens write so nicely, I almost want to start filling out tax forms just for fun. I’m officially a fan of this trio! —Carla Benson

Who knew a pen could be this dependable? The Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack has been my go-to for everything from prescriptions to contracts. The fact that it’s designed with fraud prevention in mind makes me feel like I’m playing it safe every time I jot something down. The ink glides smoothly and resists water, so no smudges or worries about disappearing signatures. Using this pen feels like a little victory over paperwork chaos! —Derek Townsend

I grabbed the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack because I was tired of pens that fade or run when I need them most. This set has been a game changer! The black ink is crisp and clear, and I love that it’s fade and water resistant—no more stressing about important documents. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for my checks, tax forms, and contracts. Plus, the pricing for three pens feels like a steal. Writing just got a whole lot more fun! —Sophie Callahan

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Why Ink To Use To Prevent Check Washing Is Necessary

From my experience, using the right ink to prevent check washing is absolutely essential. When I first started writing checks, I didn’t realize how vulnerable they were to fraud. Regular ink can easily be washed away with chemicals, allowing someone to alter the amounts or payees. This put my finances at real risk. Using specially formulated fraud-resistant ink gives me peace of mind knowing my checks are much harder to tamper with.

I’ve learned that these inks often contain pigments that bond strongly to the paper or react to washing attempts, making any alterations obvious or impossible. This simple step helps protect my hard-earned money from being stolen and saves me from the hassle of disputing fraudulent transactions. In today’s world, where check fraud still happens, choosing the right ink is a smart and necessary precaution I always take.

My Buying Guides on Ink To Use To Prevent Check Washing

When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, especially check washing, choosing the right ink is crucial. Over time, I’ve learned that not all inks are created equal for this purpose. Here’s my personal guide on what to look for when buying ink to prevent check washing.

Why Preventing Check Washing Matters to Me

Check washing is a type of fraud where someone erases the ink on a check and rewrites it to steal money. I realized that using regular pens or ink can make my checks vulnerable. So, I started searching for inks that resist chemical erasure and tampering.

Types of Ink That Help Prevent Check Washing

From my experience, these are the main types of inks that work best:

  • Gel Ink: I found gel ink pens to be smooth and vibrant, and many gel inks are water-resistant and harder to erase with chemicals.
  • Permanent Ink: These inks are designed to bond with paper fibers, making it difficult to alter the information on a check.
  • Pigment-Based Ink: Unlike dye-based inks, pigment inks sit on top of the paper and resist fading and washing.
  • Security Ink Pens: Some brands specifically market pens as “security” or “fraud-resistant,” claiming their inks resist common washing agents.

What Features I Look For in Ink to Prevent Check Washing

When buying, I focus on these key features:

  • Chemical Resistance: Ink that cannot be removed or altered easily by household chemicals like bleach or acetone.
  • Waterproof: Ink should not smudge or run if the check gets wet.
  • Quick Drying: This reduces the chance of smearing and accidental erasure.
  • Compatibility with Check Paper: Some inks don’t adhere well to certain types of check paper, so testing on a similar surface is helpful.
  • Longevity: Ink that remains visible and intact for years, which is important for record-keeping.

Brands and Products I Recommend

Based on my trials, I found a few reliable options:

  • Sharpie Pen (Fine Point): Known for permanent, water-resistant ink that dries quickly.
  • Uni-Ball Vision Elite: A pigment ink pen that is water- and fade-resistant, often recommended for official documents.
  • Pilot G2 Gel Ink Pen (Black): While gel ink, it is generally resistant to basic washing attempts.
  • Pentel EnerGel: Fast drying gel ink with some resistance to chemical washing.

Additional Tips From My Experience

  • Always write checks in black or dark blue ink, as banks prefer these colors for scanning and processing.
  • Avoid pencil or erasable pens entirely.
  • Consider using a secure check printing method or electronic payments if possible to reduce risk.
  • Test your chosen ink on a scrap piece of check paper with common household chemicals to see if it holds up.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ink is a simple but effective way I protect myself against check washing fraud. By selecting inks that resist chemical erasure and water damage, I gain peace of mind knowing my financial documents are safer. I encourage anyone writing checks regularly to invest in a good security ink pen—it’s a small step that can save a lot of trouble.

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.