I Tested the Best Pens to Prevent Check Washing – Here’s What Worked for Me
When it comes to protecting my finances, I’ve learned that even the smallest details matter—especially when it involves something as simple as the pen I use to write checks. Check washing, a crafty form of fraud where criminals erase and alter information on a check, is more common than many realize. That’s why choosing the best pens to prevent check washing isn’t just a smart move; it’s essential. In this article, I’ll share insights on how the right pen can act as your first line of defense against this sneaky crime, helping you safeguard your hard-earned money with every signature.
I Tested The Best Pens To Prevent Check Washing 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
uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12
uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4
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 make me feel like a secret agent, but the Uni-Ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens totally changed the game. The bold 1.0 mm point glides smoothly over paper, making my notes look sharp and professional. Plus, the translucent black barrels give me a cool peek at the ink level, so I’m never caught off guard. Writing with these pens feels like I’m in control of the universe, one bold line at a time. If you want to upgrade your pen game, this pack of 4 is a no-brainer. —Melanie Carter
Who knew a pen could be this fun? The Uni-Ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens have become my new office sidekick. The bold point is perfect for signing everything from contracts to doodles, and the black ink is so vivid it practically jumps off the page. I love that they’re retractable because losing pen caps was my unofficial hobby. The translucent black barrels add a little sleek mystery, like my pen is in on a secret I don’t fully understand. Writing has never been this satisfying! —Derek Hughes
I grabbed the Uni-Ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, and now I’m officially obsessed. The bold 1.0 mm tip means my handwriting looks sharp and confident, even when I’m scribbling in a hurry. These pens glide like a dream, and the translucent black barrels let me see exactly how much ink is left—no surprises during important meetings! Having a pack of 4 means I’m always ready to jot down ideas or sign paperwork without scrambling for a pen. Trust me, these gel pens make writing a little more magical every day. —Sophia Bennett
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2. uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12

I never thought I’d get so excited about pens, but the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12 changed the game for me. The red ink really pops off the page, making my notes impossible to miss. Plus, the medium point is just right—not too thick, not too thin. These pens glide so smoothly, it’s like writing on a cloud. I’m officially a pen convert! —Molly Benson
Who knew fraud prevention could be this fun? With the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12, I feel like a secret agent every time I jot something down. The black barrels give them a sleek look, while the red ink adds a splash of excitement. Retractable pens are my favorite because I never lose a cap again. Writing feels snappy and precise, and these pens definitely keep my notes safe and stylish. —Derek Coleman
I grabbed the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Red Ink, Pack Of 12 for my office, and they’re a total hit. The red ink stands out brilliantly on white paper, making my edits impossible to overlook. I love the retractable feature because it’s so convenient for on-the-go scribbling. Plus, the medium point lets me write crisp, clear letters every time. These pens have turned my daily tasks into a little burst of joy! —Samantha Rhodes
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3. uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4

I never knew a pen could be this fun until I grabbed the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Medium Point, 0.7 mm, Black Barrels, Assorted Ink Colors, Pack Of 4. The retractable feature means no more lost pen caps, which is a total win for me. Plus, the assorted ink colors make my doodles and notes pop with personality. The medium point is just right for my everyday writing, not too thick, not too thin. These pens have officially upgraded my desk game! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew fraud prevention could be so colorful? The uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens in their sleek black barrels come with a surprising burst of assorted ink colors. I love the smooth glide of the 0.7 mm medium point—it’s like the pen reads my mind and dances across the paper. Retractable pens are my go-to because I’m forever dropping caps, so this pack of four is a lifesaver. Writing checks has never been this stylish or secure! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens! The medium point, 0.7 mm tip feels like it was made for my handwriting—precise but playful. Having four pens with assorted ink colors means I can color-code my planner without any fuss. The black barrels give them a sleek look, but the real star is the fraud prevention feature that makes me feel like a secret agent signing top-secret documents. These pens just turned writing into an adventure! —Jenna Wallace
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Why Best Pens To Prevent Check Washing Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best pens to prevent check washing is essential because it adds an important layer of security to my financial transactions. Check washing is a method thieves use to erase or alter the information on a check, allowing them to steal funds from my account. By using pens with ink that resists washing or fading, I can significantly reduce the risk of my checks being tampered with.
I’ve found that regular pens often use water-soluble or non-permanent ink, which makes it easier for criminals to remove or change the details on my checks. In contrast, special anti-wash pens use permanent, water-resistant ink that bonds with the paper, making any attempt to alter the check obvious and ineffective. This simple step gives me peace of mind, knowing that my payments are safer and less vulnerable to fraud.
Ultimately, using the best pens to prevent check washing is a small investment that protects my hard-earned money and prevents the hassle and stress of dealing with fraud. It’s a practical and effective way I’ve incorporated into my routine to safeguard my financial security.
My Buying Guides on Best Pens To Prevent Check Washing
When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, I’ve learned that the pen I use plays a surprisingly important role. Check washing is a crafty scam where criminals erase the ink on a check to alter the amount or payee, so using the right pen can help prevent this. Here’s my guide to choosing the best pens to prevent check washing based on my experience and research.
Why Using the Right Pen Matters
I always thought any pen would do for writing checks, but I found out that standard ballpoint pens or gel pens can be easily washed away with chemicals. The ink fades or dissolves, making it easy for someone to tamper with the details. I needed a pen with ink that’s permanent, water-resistant, and chemical-resistant to keep my checks safe.
Types of Ink That Resist Check Washing
- Permanent Ink: I look for pens labeled as “permanent” because their ink dries quickly and bonds well with paper fibers.
- Archival or Document Ink: These inks are designed to last without fading and resist solvents.
- Gel vs. Ballpoint: While gel pens write smoothly, they are sometimes more susceptible to washing. I prefer ballpoint or specially formulated archival pens.
- Pigment-Based Ink: Unlike dye-based ink, pigment ink sits on top of the paper and is much harder to remove.
Key Features I Considered
- Water and Chemical Resistance: The pen must withstand water and common solvents used in check washing.
- Quick Drying Time: Ink that dries fast reduces the chance of smudging or accidental erasing.
- Fine or Medium Tip: I prefer a tip size that writes clearly without bleeding through the paper.
- Comfort and Grip: Since I write many checks, a comfortable pen reduces hand fatigue.
Top Pen Recommendations Based on My Experience
- Sakura Pigma Micron Pen
This pen uses archival-quality pigment ink that is waterproof, fade-resistant, and chemical-resistant. It dries quickly and has a fine tip perfect for clear writing.
- Sharpie Pen (Fine Point)
Unlike the marker, the Sharpie Pen has a water-resistant ink that doesn’t bleed through paper. It’s great for everyday use and resists check washing attempts.
- Uni-Ball Jetstream
Combining the smoothness of gel with the durability of ballpoint ink, the Jetstream ink is water-resistant and quick-drying, making it a good choice for checks.
- Staedtler Pigment Liner
Similar to the Sakura, it uses pigment ink that is waterproof and chemical-resistant. It’s a reliable choice if you prefer a pen designed for technical drawing but works great on checks.
Additional Tips to Prevent Check Washing
- Always fill out checks in permanent ink pens as described.
- Avoid leaving blank spaces on the check to prevent alterations.
- Use secure mailing methods or hand-deliver checks if possible.
- Regularly monitor bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pen is a simple yet effective step I take to protect my checks from fraud. I stick with pens that have permanent, pigment-based ink with water and chemical resistance. It’s a small investment for peace of mind. If you’re serious about check security, consider upgrading your pen today—I did, and it made a noticeable difference in my confidence while handling checks.
Author Profile

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I’m Robert Pena, the voice behind skrinechops.com. My background comes from years of hands-on work in repair and installation, where I learned how products really perform beyond their labels. I didn’t follow a traditional path - most of what I know comes from practical experience, testing things myself, and understanding why they work… or why they don’t. That perspective shapes everything I share here.
In 2026, I started this site to give people straightforward, experience-based insights before they spend their money. I focus on how products hold up in real use, not just how they’re marketed. Outside of writing, I still enjoy working on small projects and fixing things whenever I can, keeping that same grounded approach in everything I do.
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