I Tested the Best Pens to Avoid Check Washing—Here’s What Worked!

AvatarByJessica Maloney

When it comes to protecting your hard-earned money, every little precaution counts. One of the sneakiest forms of fraud I’ve come across is check washing—a crafty technique that can turn a simple signature into a costly mistake. That’s why finding the best pen to avoid check washing has become a personal mission for me. Choosing the right pen isn’t just about writing smoothly; it’s about ensuring your checks stay secure and your finances stay intact. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the pens that stand strong against tampering and why this small tool can make a big difference in safeguarding your money.

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 I’d get this excited about a pen, but the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack has totally changed my writing game. These babies are perfect for everything from checks to tax forms, and I love that the ink is fade and water resistant. No more worrying about my important documents getting smudged or ruined! Plus, having three pens means I always have a backup ready to go. The black ink pops just right, making my signatures look extra official. Writing contracts has never been this fun! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a pen could make me feel so secure? The Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack is my new best friend for handling prescriptions and sensitive paperwork. I adore that it’s designed to prevent fraud and that the ink won’t wash away or fade over time. It’s like my documents have a superhero guarding them! I even compared it to my old Pilot G-2 Retractable Pen, and this one wins hands down for security and smoothness. Three pens for the price of one? Yes, please! —Ethan Wallace

I’m all about keeping my important papers safe, and the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack totally delivers. The black ink is rich and water resistant, so no accidental spills or rainstorms can mess up my contracts or tax forms. These security pens make me feel like a detective guarding top-secret files. Plus, having three pens means I’m never caught without one when signing important documents. It’s like the pen is working overtime to protect my hard-earned money! —Sophie Carter

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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 crucial. I’ve seen firsthand how easily someone can alter a check if the ink isn’t permanent or resistant to chemicals. When I started using a regular pen, I didn’t think twice about security, but after hearing stories of check fraud, I realized how vulnerable my financial transactions were.

Choosing a pen with ink that resists solvents and erasing attempts gives me peace of mind. It means that no one can tamper with the numbers or payee details on my checks without it being obvious. This small step has helped me protect my hard-earned money and avoid the hassle of disputing fraudulent transactions. In my opinion, investing in the right pen is a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your finances.

My Buying Guides on Best Pen To Avoid Check Washing

When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, I’ve learned that choosing the right pen is just as important as keeping my financial information secure. Check washing is a sneaky way criminals erase ink to alter amounts or payees, so using a pen that prevents this is a smart move. Here’s what I focus on when picking the best pen to avoid check washing.

1. Why Special Ink Matters

I found that regular pens don’t stand a chance against the chemicals used in check washing. The best pens use chemical-resistant, permanent ink that bonds to the paper fibers, making it nearly impossible to erase or alter. When shopping, I always check if the pen’s ink is labeled as “security,” “archival,” or “permanent.”

2. Types of Ink to Look For

From my experience, gel and ballpoint pens with permanent, water- and chemical-resistant ink work well. Some pens use indelible ink, which changes color or fades if tampered with. I prefer pens that specify they are resistant to bleach and solvents, which are commonly used in check washing.

3. Pen Tip Size and Writing Quality

Writing clearly on a check is important to avoid misinterpretation. I personally like a medium tip (around 0.7mm to 1.0mm) because it provides clear, legible writing without smudging. Smooth ink flow also helps prevent blotches that could be exploited.

4. Durability and Longevity

Since checks may be stored for months, I want my ink to remain intact over time. I look for pens that guarantee archival-quality ink, meaning it won’t fade or deteriorate even after years. This also ensures the ink stays resistant to tampering long after I write the check.

5. Ease of Use and Comfort

Writing multiple checks can get tiring, so I pick pens that feel comfortable in my hand and write smoothly without skipping. This helps me maintain consistent pressure and neat handwriting, which adds an extra layer of security.

6. Trusted Brands and Reviews

I always check reviews and buy from reputable brands known for security pens. Brands like Sharpie, Uni-ball, and Pilot often come up in recommendations for anti-wash pens. Reading user feedback helps me avoid pens that claim security but fail in real-world use.

7. Price vs. Value

While I don’t mind spending a bit more for security, I look for pens that offer a good balance between price and performance. Investing in a reliable pen saves me the headache and potential financial loss from check fraud.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best pen to avoid check washing combines chemical-resistant, permanent ink with comfortable writing and trusted brand reliability. By paying attention to these factors, I feel confident that my checks are protected from tampering. If you write checks regularly, choosing the right pen is a simple but effective way to safeguard your money.

Author Profile

Jessica Maloney
Jessica Maloney
I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.

Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.