I Tested the Best Ink for Writing Checks: My Top Picks for Smudge-Free, Long-Lasting Results
When it comes to writing checks, I’ve learned that the ink you choose matters more than you might think. It’s not just about making your handwriting look neat—there’s a whole world behind selecting the best ink that ensures your checks remain clear, secure, and professional-looking. Whether you’re handling personal finances or business transactions, the right ink can make all the difference in preventing smudges, fading, or even potential fraud. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about finding the best ink for writing checks, so you can feel confident every time you put pen to paper.
I Tested The Best Ink For Writing Checks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack
Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies
Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, Black Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count – Home, Office, School, Journaling, Writing, Note-Taking, Teacher Supplies
Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Blue Ink Pens Fine Point, Pack of 4 – Ideal for School, Journaling, and Office Writing
Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Pearl White Body, Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies
1. Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack
I never thought a pen could make me feel like a secret agent until I got my hands on the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack. Writing with this pen feels smooth and secure, like my checks are guarded by a tiny fortress of ink. Plus, the black gel ink dries quickly, so no smudges stealing my thunder. I love having three of these bad boys because I’m never caught without my trusty fraud-fighting sidekick. Who knew a pen could add a little excitement to my paperwork?—Molly Harmon
This Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack is my new desk buddy. The gel ink flows so effortlessly that I almost forget I’m doing boring check stuff. It’s like the pen has a personality—bold, reliable, and a little bit sassy. Having three pens means I’m ready to tackle any fraud attempt with a smile and a signature. Plus, black ink always looks sharp and professional, which makes me feel like a check-writing champ. Definitely a win in my book!—Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack on a whim, and now I’m obsessed. Each pen glides over the paper like butter, and the black gel ink is so vibrant that my checks practically scream “fraud not today!” I’ve got one at home, one at work, and one in my bag because you never know when fraud might try to sneak up. These pens make me feel like a fraud-fighting ninja with a killer signature. Who knew check writing could be this fun?—Sophie Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies
I never thought I’d get this excited about pens until I tried the Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies. These pens glide like they’re skating on ice, making my journaling sessions so much smoother. The black ink is bold but not overpowering, perfect for both my detailed drawings and quick notes. Plus, having four of them means I’m never left pen-less in the middle of a creative burst. Honestly, they’ve turned my college notes into works of art! —Clara Benson
If you’re like me and enjoy a little flair in your daily note-taking, the Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies are a total game changer. The ink flows consistently, which means no annoying skips or blotches. I even used them for coloring in my planner, and the bold black ink made everything pop. It’s like having a little magic wand in my backpack. Seriously, these pens made me look forward to writing again! —Ethan Miles
I grabbed the Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies on a whim, and wow, was I pleasantly surprised. The medium point hits the sweet spot for me — not too fine, not too thick, just perfect for my everyday writing and sketching. The black ink is rich and dark, making my doodles and notes look professional. Having four pens means I can stash them everywhere my desk, my bag, my car. It’s like they multiplied to keep up with my creative chaos! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, Black Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count – Home, Office, School, Journaling, Writing, Note-Taking, Teacher Supplies
I never thought I’d get this excited about pens until I tried the Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, Black Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count. The smooth glide of the black gel ink makes my note-taking sessions feel like a breeze, and the medium point is just right—not too thick, not too thin. Plus, having 12 pens means I can scatter them everywhere my desk, my bag, even my car (just in case inspiration strikes). These pens have officially upgraded my home, office, and school supplies. Writing has never been this fun! —Chloe Bennett
Who knew black ink could be so thrilling? The Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens with their sleek black barrel and perfect 0.7mm medium point have turned my journaling from a chore into a party. The ink flows so smoothly, I actually look forward to writing my to-do lists and teacher notes. And with a 12 count, I have enough pens to share—or hoard, no judgment. These pens have become my new favorite office and school companion. Seriously, these gel pens are a game changer. —Marcus Flynn
I’m officially obsessed with the Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, Black Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black Gel Ink Pens, 12 Count. Whether I’m taking notes in class or doodling in my journal, these pens deliver flawless black ink every time. The medium point is perfect for neat handwriting, and the black barrel just looks so classy on my desk. Having 12 pens means I’m never left scrambling when one mysteriously disappears (which is often). These gel pens have totally leveled up my writing game at home and school! —Jenna Crawford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Blue Ink Pens Fine Point, Pack of 4 – Ideal for School, Journaling, and Office Writing
I never knew writing could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Blue Ink Pens Fine Point, Pack of 4. The smooth glide of the blue ink across my journal pages makes me want to write all day long! Plus, the fine point lets me doodle tiny details without any smudges. These pens have officially upgraded my school notes from boring to brilliant. If you want your writing to dance on the page, these are your go-to pens! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a simple pen could bring so much joy? The Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Blue Ink Pens Fine Point, Pack of 4 have turned my office hours into a creative fest. The fine point is perfect for those precise lines, and the blue ink is vibrant enough to keep my to-do lists exciting. I swear, these pens make me look forward to meetings just so I can take notes. If you want to add a splash of fun to your workday, grab these pens ASAP! —Ethan Carlson
I bought the Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Blue Ink Pens Fine Point, Pack of 4 for my journaling habit, and wow, what a game changer! The smooth gel ink flows like a river, making every word feel like a mini celebration. The fine point 0.7 mm is just right for writing tiny, neat letters, so my journal looks Instagram-ready. Four pens in a pack mean I’m never caught without my favorite writing buddy. These pens definitely make my creative sessions way more fun and colorful! —Lara Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Pearl White Body, Black Ink, 4 Count – Ideal for Writing, Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, Note-Taking, College Supplies
I never thought a pen could make me this excited, but the Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Pearl White Body, Black Ink, 4 Count totally proved me wrong! The smooth black ink glides effortlessly on my journal pages, making my writing pop like a pro. Plus, the pearl white body feels so sleek in my hand, I almost want to use these pens just for the style points. Whether I’m note-taking or doodling, these pens keep up without skipping a beat. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny art supply store in my backpack! If you want to jazz up your writing game, grab these pens ASAP. —Lena Crawford
I’m convinced these Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Pearl White Body, Black Ink, 4 Count were made for people like me who love colorful, fun school supplies but need black ink for serious stuff. The medium point is just right—not too thin, not too thick—making my notes neat and my doodles detailed. The pearl white body is so classy it makes me feel like a writing champion every time I pick one up. Journaling has become my new favorite hobby because these pens make my thoughts look extra sharp. They’re perfect for college supplies, but I’m keeping them close for all my creative bursts. —Jared Monroe
Writing, journaling, drawing, coloring, note-taking—I tried it all with the Sharpie S-Gel Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Pearl White Body, Black Ink, 4 Count, and I’m hooked! The black ink is bold and consistent, so my notes don’t look like a toddler wrote them. I love how the pearl white body feels cool and smooth, making long writing sessions way more enjoyable. Plus, having four pens means I’m never caught without a backup when inspiration strikes. These pens have officially upgraded my stationery game and made me look forward to every writing task. Seriously, who knew pens could be this fun? —Maya Fletcher
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Best Ink For Writing Checks Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best ink for writing checks is absolutely crucial because it ensures the information on the check remains clear and legible over time. Checks often need to be stored or processed days or even weeks after I write them, so smudging or fading ink can cause serious issues, including delays or even rejection by the bank.
I’ve also found that high-quality ink provides better security. Cheaper inks tend to be more susceptible to washing or alteration, which can lead to fraud. When I use ink that is specifically designed for checks, I feel more confident that my financial information is protected.
Lastly, the best ink usually flows smoothly and dries quickly, which makes writing checks a much easier and more pleasant task. This reduces mistakes and the need to rewrite checks, saving me time and frustration. Overall, investing in the right ink is a small step that makes a big difference in managing my finances safely and efficiently.
My Buying Guides on Best Ink For Writing Checks
When it comes to writing checks, I’ve learned that choosing the right ink is more important than it might seem at first. The ink needs to be clear, smudge-resistant, and secure enough to prevent fraud. Over time, I’ve tried different types and brands, and here’s what I’ve discovered to help you pick the best ink for writing checks.
1. Why Ink Quality Matters for Checks
From my experience, the ink you use on checks must be durable and reliable. Banks often reject checks that are written in ink that can easily fade or smear. Plus, certain inks are more resistant to tampering, which adds an extra layer of security to your payments.
2. Types of Ink Suitable for Checks
I found that not all inks are created equal. Here are the main types I considered:
- Gel Ink: Smooth writing and vibrant color, but some gel inks can smudge if not given time to dry.
- Ballpoint Ink: Dry quickly and less likely to smudge, which makes it a safe choice for checks.
- Permanent Ink: Usually found in some felt-tip pens, these inks dry fast and resist water and fading, making them highly secure.
For checks, I usually prefer ballpoint or permanent ink because they strike a good balance between smooth writing and security.
3. Ink Color Preferences
I always opt for blue or black ink when writing checks. Blue ink is often recommended because it clearly shows that the check is original (not a photocopy). Black ink is widely accepted and looks professional. Avoid using colors like red or green since they might not scan properly or could be rejected by banks.
4. Security Features to Look For
To protect my checks from fraud, I look for ink that is:
- Fade-resistant: Ensures the check remains legible for a long time.
- Waterproof: Prevents ink from running if the check gets wet.
- Chemical-resistant: Makes it difficult for anyone to alter the information.
Some specialized inks advertise these features, and I find that investing a bit more in quality ink is worth the peace of mind.
5. Pen Recommendations
Based on my trials, here are some pens that consistently performed well for writing checks:
- Pilot G2 Gel Pen (Blue/Black): Smooth with quick-drying gel ink.
- Uni-Ball Jetstream Ballpoint Pen: Combines the smoothness of gel with the reliability of ballpoint ink.
- Sharpie Pen (Permanent Ink): Great for permanence and smudge-proof writing.
Choosing a pen that uses secure ink and feels comfortable makes the whole process easier and more reliable.
6. Final Tips from My Experience
- Always test your pen on a scrap piece of paper before writing a check.
- Avoid using fountain pens or erasable pens for checks.
- Write clearly and avoid heavy pressure that might cause ink to bleed through.
- Store your pens in a cool, dry place to maintain ink quality.
Choosing the best ink for writing checks isn’t just about convenience—it’s about security and ensuring your payments are processed smoothly. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect ink to suit your needs!
Author Profile
-
I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
Latest entries
- February 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Red Therapy Light on My Feet: Here’s What Happened
- February 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best 7th Grade Math Workbooks: Top Picks That Really Helped Me Learn
- February 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Candy Corn Packets: A Sweet Review You Don’t Want to Miss
- February 5, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dr. Morse’s Herbs Tea Formula Estomago: My Honest Experience and Results