In today's digital age, the act of writing a physical check might seem like a relic from the past. Yet, for many individuals and businesses, checks remain an essential tool for financial transactions. Whether it's paying bills, settling debts, or managing accounts, the importance of a clear, legible, and secure check cannot be overstated. And one key element in ensuring the quality of your checks is the pen you use.
Choosing the Right Pen for Check Writing
The importance of choosing the right pen for check writing may not be immediately obvious. Any pen that can write legibly should do just fine on a check, right? While any pen may be perfectly suitable in that sense, it doesn’t guarantee the safety and security of your check. There is a right and wrong pen that can be used because the latter may make your check “washable.”
Check washing refers to a form of fraud where ink is removed from a check using chemicals so that it can be re-written. Unfortunately, most inks can be washed from a check using accessible solvents like acetone. The good news is that some inks are much more difficult to wash away.
Choosing the right pen for writing checks is more than just a matter of personal preference; it's about practicality, security, and professionalism. With countless options available on the market, selecting the best pen can be overwhelming. Here are some of the top contenders renowned for their reliability.
Micron Pigment Pen: Sakura Micron
Micron pens are favored by many for their fine, consistent lines and waterproof ink. These pens use archival pigment ink that dries quickly, preventing smudging and ensuring that your checks remain tamper-proof. Their precise tips allow for intricate detailing, making them ideal for writing small amounts and signatures with utmost clarity. The Sakura Micron Pigment Pen was designed for museum archivists, but it can also be used for many writing needs including writing out your checks.
Gel Pen: Uniball Signo 207
Gel pens are a popular choice for writing checks due to their smooth ink flow as well as excellent precision and control. This results in neat, clear writing that is easy to read and difficult to alter. Look for gel pens with archival-quality, acid-free ink to ensure longevity and resistance to fading over time, such as the Uniball Signo 207. This pen uses Uni Super Ink, which is a specially formulated pigment ink that bonds with paper fibers, making it resistant to fading that can happen from water and chemicals.
Fountain Pen Ink: Diamine Registrar’s
If you prefer using a fountain pen for your checks, the type of ink you use is very important. Using an ink with high permanence and water resistance, such as iron gall, ensures that your checks will remain safe and unaltered. Diamine Registrar’s Ink is a well-behaved iron gall fountain pen ink that writes blue when wet and dries down to a darker, deeper blue-black. The nib size you’ll use for your fountain pen when writing checks will depend entirely on your preferences, but we recommend using a finer nib to minimize bleed-through or ghosting and to ensure your writing is completely legible. You’ll also want to pair Diamine Registrar’s Ink with the best fountain pens for iron gall ink to ensure your pen’s functionality and longevity.
Ballpoint Pen: Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen
Ballpoint pens are not usually safe for check writing because they use alcohol-based ink that makes it easier for fraudsters to wash checks with easily attainable solvents. One of the few exceptions is the Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen. While it still blends when exposed to acetone and rubbing alcohol, you’ll find that its ink remains clear as day on paper. This is also a wonderful pen to write with, making your check writing easier and faster to do.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the pen you choose for writing checks can significantly impact the clarity, security, and professionalism of your financial documents. By opting for pens known for their reliability, durability, and fraud-resistant features, you can ensure that your checks are not only legible but also safeguarded against tampering and forgery. Whether you prefer gel pens, fountain pens, or ballpoint pens, investing in a quality writing instrument is an investment in the integrity of your financial transactions.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
