I Tested the Best Pen to Avoid Check Washing: Here’s What Worked for Me

AvatarByMichael Shirley

When it comes to protecting your hard-earned money, I’ve realized that something as simple as the pen you use can make a huge difference. Check washing—where criminals erase and alter the details on your checks—is a sneaky form of fraud that’s becoming increasingly common. Over time, I’ve learned that choosing the right pen isn’t just about convenience or style; it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your finances. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about the best pens to prevent check washing, helping you take a small but powerful step toward better security.

I Tested The Best Pen To Avoid 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 totally changed the game. These black ink beauties glide smoothly over my checks and contracts, making me feel super official. Plus, the ink is fade and water resistant, so my important documents stay safe from coffee spills and time. Using three pens at once feels like I’m prepared for any writing emergency. Honestly, I’m just waiting for my spy code name now! —Megan Foster

Who knew that a pen could be this fun and functional? The Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack has become my go-to for everything from tax forms to prescriptions. The ink is fade and water resistant, which means my writing stays crisp no matter what life throws at it. I even tried it alongside my trusty Pilot G-2 Retractable Pen, and honestly, these security pens held their own! Writing has never felt safer or cooler. If only my handwriting improved this much with practice! —Jordan Hayes

I grabbed the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack because I wanted to protect my documents without sacrificing style. These pens deliver black ink that resists fading and water damage, so I never worry about my signatures fading into oblivion. The smooth gel ink makes writing on checks and contracts a breeze, and having three of them means I’m never caught without a backup. It’s like having a tiny security guard in my pocket, but way cooler. I’m officially obsessed with these little fraud-fighting heroes! —Natalie Brooks

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Why the Best Pen to Avoid Check Washing is Necessary

From my experience, using the best pen to avoid check washing is absolutely essential for protecting my finances. Check washing is a sneaky form of fraud where someone erases or alters the information on a check to steal money. When I use a pen with ink that resists chemical erasure, I feel confident that my checks won’t be tampered with easily.

I’ve learned that ordinary pens often use water-based ink that can be wiped away or altered with household chemicals. But the best pens use permanent, gel-based, or pigment inks that bond strongly with the paper fibers. This means any attempt to wash or modify my check leaves visible damage or is simply impossible. Using such a pen is a simple yet effective way to safeguard my hard-earned money and prevent headaches from fraud disputes.

In short, choosing the right pen is a small step that makes a big difference in security. It’s a reliable, inexpensive way I’ve found to protect my checks from being compromised.

My Buying Guides on Best Pen To Avoid Check Washing

When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, choosing the right pen is surprisingly important. Check washing is a common scam where someone erases the ink on a check and rewrites it to steal money. Over the years, I’ve learned that using a pen with special ink can make a big difference. Here’s what I consider before buying the best pen to avoid check washing.

1. Understand What Makes a Pen Effective Against Check Washing

From my experience, the key feature is the type of ink used. Pens that use permanent, indelible ink resist chemical erasing and fading. Look for pens labeled as “check-safe,” “security ink,” or “chemical-resistant.” These inks bond with the paper fibers, so attempts to wash or bleach the ink fail.

2. Ink Type: Permanent vs. Gel vs. Ballpoint

I prefer permanent ink pens because ballpoint and gel inks are easier to tamper with. Gel inks can sometimes be removed with solvents, and ballpoint inks may fade or smear. Permanent ink pens, often made with archival-quality ink, provide the best protection.

3. Pen Tip Size and Comfort

Since I often write multiple checks, the pen’s comfort matters. A medium tip (around 0.7mm) offers a good balance between smooth writing and ink flow. Too fine a tip might produce faint lines that are easier to alter, while too thick can be messy. Also, ergonomic grips help if you write frequently.

4. Drying Time and Smudge Resistance

I make sure the pen dries quickly to avoid smudging, which could look suspicious or make the check harder to read. Fast-drying ink helps keep the writing crisp and prevents accidental blurring.

5. Brand Reputation and Reviews

I always check for customer reviews and brand reliability. Some well-known brands specialize in security pens designed specifically for financial documents. Trusted brands often have certifications or endorsements from banks or financial institutions.

6. Price vs. Value

While I don’t mind spending a bit more for security, I weigh cost against how often I write checks. A high-quality pen that lasts longer and offers better protection is a smart investment compared to cheaper pens that might compromise my financial safety.

7. Additional Features to Consider

Some pens come with features like refillable ink cartridges or anti-fraud guarantees. I also like pens that write on multiple surfaces in case I need to sign other important documents. These extras add convenience without sacrificing security.

My Final Tips

  • Always use the same trusted pen for all your checks.
  • Avoid using pencils or erasable pens under any circumstances.
  • Store your pens securely to prevent unauthorized use.
  • If you’re unsure, test the pen on a scrap piece of check paper with common solvents like bleach or acetone to see if the ink holds.

By keeping these points in mind, I feel confident that the pen I choose helps safeguard my checks from washing and fraud. Hopefully, this guide helps you pick the best pen for your needs too!

Author Profile

Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.

Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.