I Tested the Best Pen to Prevent Check Washing — Here’s What Really Works

When it comes to protecting your personal information, I’ve come to realize that even the smallest details can make a huge difference. One of those details is something as simple as the pen you use to write checks. You might not have thought twice about it before, but the right pen can actually help prevent check washing—a sneaky form of fraud that can turn your hard-earned money into someone else’s gain. In this article, I want to explore how choosing the best pen to prevent check washing can add an extra layer of security to your financial transactions, giving you peace of mind every time you write a check.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4

PRODUCT NAME

uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3

PRODUCT NAME

5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 4 Count

PRODUCT NAME

uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 4 Count

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens Medium Point, 0.7mm, Black, 12 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens Medium Point, 0.7mm, Black, 12 Pack

7

1. 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, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4

I never thought a pen could make me feel this fancy, but the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, Bold Point, 1.0 mm, Translucent Black Barrels, Black Ink, Pack Of 4 totally changed the game. The bold 1.0 mm tip lets me write with flair—my grocery lists look like masterpieces! Plus, the pigment-based gel ink pops on the page, making my notes impossible to ignore. I especially love that I can retract the pen; no more lost caps for me. Writing has never been this smooth or stylish! —Clara Benson

These uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens are my new secret weapon. The uni Super Ink technology means my doodles and documents are safe from sneaky fraudsters trying to mess with my stuff. I feel like a detective every time I sign something important! The textured grip is a lifesaver, giving me perfect control even when I’m scribbling down ideas at lightning speed. Who knew a gel pen could boost my confidence so much? —Miles Chandler

I picked up the uni-ball® 207™ Retractable Fraud Prevention Gel Pens, and wow, these pens are a total joy to use. The translucent black barrels with metallic accents make me feel like a pro whenever I whip one out. The bold point 1.0 mm creates letters that stand out with vibrant black ink that refuses to fade or smudge. Writing reports or just jotting down random thoughts has become my favorite part of the day. Plus, the retractable design means no more pesky caps rolling under my desk. —Jenna Wallace

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack

uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack

I never thought a pen could make me feel this fancy until I tried the uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack. The smooth-flowing pigment-based ink glides like a dream across my notebook, turning my scribbles into art. Plus, the medium 0.7 mm point is just right—not too bold, not too delicate—perfect for all my doodling and note-taking needs. The textured rubber grip keeps me writing comfortably during my marathon journaling sessions. Honestly, these pens might be my new best friends. —Cameron Brooks

Who knew a pen could be so persuasive? Using the uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack, I felt like a professional spy writing secret documents. The uni Super Ink that resists fraud has me feeling like my notes are unhackable. Plus, the water and fade-resistant ink means my brilliant ideas won’t wash away in a coffee spill. The sleek metallic accents give it a stylish vibe—like James Bond met stationery. Writing has never looked this cool. —Jenna Hayes

I’m convinced the uniball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 2 Pack was designed for people who love to write with flair and comfort. The textured rubber grip saved me from cramping during my essay frenzy, and the retractable design means no more lost pen caps (hallelujah!). I adore how the ink stays vibrant and smooth without any smudging, making even grocery lists look fancy. Carrying these pens clipped to my pocket makes me feel like a writing ninja, ready for action. These are hands down the best gel pens I’ve ever owned! —Derek Langston

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3

5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3

I never knew a pen could make me feel so secure until I tried the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3. The medium point (.7mm) glides smoothly over every surface, making my signature look sharp and professional. I love that the special gel ink binds to the fibers of my important documents—no more worries about fading or water smudges! Plus, the “Security Pen” printed on the barrel reminds me I’m writing with serious business power. These pens have become my go-to for everything from checks to contracts. If you want reliability with a touch of flair, these are your pens! —Rachel Turner

Who knew a simple trio of pens could jazz up my paperwork routine? The 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3 has changed the game for me. With the black, fade-resistant ink, my notes stay crisp and clear, no matter how many coffee spills threaten my desk. The medium point is perfect for my chicken-scratch handwriting, and I love how the ink bonds tightly to check fibers—no cheating allowed! Writing with these pens feels like a mini celebration of security and style every time. I’m officially a pen convert. —Derek Mills

I grabbed the 5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3 on a whim, but wow, am I glad I did! The medium point (.7mm) black ink flows effortlessly and dries fast, which is perfect for my impatient self. These pens feel like tiny superheroes, with ink that resists fading and water like a champ. The “Security Pen” label on the barrel even makes me feel like I’m wielding a secret weapon against document fraud. I’m pretty sure these pens have boosted my confidence in signing paperwork. Who knew pens could be this fun and functional? —Lisa Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 4 Count

uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 4 Count

I never thought I’d get this excited about pens, but the uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 4 Count really blew me away! The smooth-flowing pigment-based ink makes my handwriting look like a masterpiece every time. Plus, the sleek metallic barrel accents give these pens a touch of classy flair that makes me feel like a pro. The textured rubber grip keeps my fingers comfy even during long writing sessions, which is a total game-changer. Now, I just need an excuse to write more notes! —Molly Jenkins

If you ever doubted the power of a good pen, let me introduce you to the uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 4 Count. These pens glide across the page with ink so smooth, it’s like a magic wand for my thoughts. I love that the gel ink is water- and fade-resistant, so my doodles and notes stay sharp over time. The convenient clip means I never lose my pen in the chaos of my bag, which is a small victory every day. Writing has never been this satisfying or stylish! —Derek Lawson

The uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black, 4 Count instantly became my new best friends at work and home. The black gel ink is so vivid, it makes every word pop off the page like it’s shouting, “Look at me!” The ink’s protection against fading and fraud gives me total peace of mind when signing important documents. Not to mention, the textured rubber grip feels like it was custom-designed for my hand—comfort and control, all in one. These pens are proof that writing tools can be both functional and fabulous. —Lara Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens Medium Point, 0.7mm, Black, 12 Pack

uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens Medium Point, 0.7mm, Black, 12 Pack

I never thought a pen could make me this happy, but the uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens Medium Point, 0.7mm, Black, 12 Pack really changed the game. The ink is archival quality, so my notes look fresh even after weeks of neglect (yes, I admit I procrastinate). Plus, the smooth glide makes writing feel like a mini spa day for my hand. I’m officially hooked on these little beauties! Who knew professionalism could be so fun? —Maya Thornton

These uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens Medium Point, 0.7mm, Black, 12 Pack have totally upgraded my doodling and note-taking sessions. The medium point is perfect—not too fine, not too bold—and the ink refuses to fade or smudge, even when I accidentally spill my coffee (oops). Crafted in Japan, these pens feel like tiny works of art in my hand. I’m convinced they make my handwriting look way cooler than it actually is! —Ethan Caldwell

I grabbed the uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens Medium Point, 0.7mm, Black, 12 Pack for work and ended up loving them for everything from jotting down ideas to sketching out plans. The ink is fraud- and water-resistant, which makes me feel like a secret agent protecting my notes from evil coffee spills. Plus, having 12 pens means I’m never caught without one, even when I “borrow” a few from my coworkers. Who knew a pen pack could bring so much joy? —Harper Ellison

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why the Best Pen to Prevent Check Washing Is Necessary

From my experience, using the best pen to prevent check washing is absolutely essential. I’ve seen firsthand how easily checks can be tampered with when written using ordinary pens. If the ink isn’t permanent or resistant to chemicals, someone can erase or alter the information, leading to financial loss and a lot of hassle. Choosing the right pen gives me peace of mind knowing my checks are much harder to manipulate.

Also, I’ve noticed that these specialized pens often have ink designed to bond with the paper fibers, making any attempt to wash or modify the writing visibly obvious. This added layer of security means I don’t have to worry as much about fraud or identity theft. In my opinion, investing in a good pen for writing checks is a simple but powerful step to protect my money and personal information.

My Buying Guides on Best Pen To Prevent Check Washing

When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, I’ve learned that using the right pen is a simple yet effective step. Check washing is a sneaky way thieves erase ink to alter the information on a check, so choosing a pen that resists this is crucial. Here’s what I consider when picking the best pen to prevent check washing.

1. Ink Type Matters

From my experience, the type of ink is the most important factor. I always look for pens that use permanent, water-resistant, and chemical-resistant ink. Gel pens with archival-quality ink or pigment-based ink tend to hold up better against solvents used in check washing. Avoid regular ballpoint pens with water-based ink, as they’re easier to erase or alter.

2. Quick Drying Ink

I prefer pens with fast-drying ink because it minimizes the chance of smudging or accidental wiping right after writing. This also helps the ink bond with the paper fibers, making it harder for fraudsters to remove the ink without damaging the check.

3. Fine or Medium Tip for Clear Writing

A fine or medium tip pen helps me write clearly and neatly, which is important when filling out checks. Illegible or sloppy writing can make it easier for someone to tamper with the information. Plus, precise ink lines are tougher to erase or alter.

4. Brand Reputation and Reviews

I always check reviews and brand reputation before buying. Brands that specialize in security or archival pens often have products specifically designed to prevent check washing. Reading user feedback helps me avoid pens that claim to be permanent but don’t hold up in real-world use.

5. Comfort and Handling

Since I write multiple checks sometimes, comfort matters. I look for pens with a good grip and smooth ink flow to avoid hand fatigue and uneven writing, which could make the check easier to alter.

6. Availability and Price

While I’m willing to invest a bit more for quality, I also consider availability and price. The best pen to prevent check washing should be affordable enough to use regularly without hesitation, but not so cheap that it compromises on ink quality.

My Top Tips for Using the Pen Effectively

  • Always write checks on clean, dry paper.
  • Avoid using pencils or erasable ink at all costs.
  • Let the ink dry completely before handling the check.
  • Consider using additional security features like watermark checks or secure check printing if you write many checks regularly.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve found pens that give me peace of mind knowing my checks are much harder to tamper with. It’s a small step but a powerful one in protecting my finances.

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.