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For the front of a handwritten check, a black gel pen is a reasonable choice: U.S. Bank recommends it because the ink is more difficult to remove. Banks do not all give the same advice, though, so use dark, non-erasable ink and follow your own bank’s current instructions. No pen makes a check fraud-proof.
Which pen should you use to write a check?
A black gel pen is a practical choice for the date, payee, amount, and signature on the front of a check. U.S. Bank advises using black gel ink, explaining that it is more difficult to remove; check washing can involve chemicals used to change a check’s payee or amount. U.S. Bank’s check-fraud guidance presents this as a precaution, not a promise that gel ink cannot be altered.
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| 1 |
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uniball™ 207 Plus+ Gel Pens, Black Ink, 0.7mm Medium Point, 2 Count | $3.41 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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uniball™ 207 Gel Pens, Black Ink, 0.7mm Medium Point, Retractable, 4 Count | $6.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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5Forms 102184 Security Pens QTY 3 | $18.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Bank guidance differs. Commerce Bank recommends blue or black ballpoint ink and warns against pencil or erasable ink. Because a depositing bank may have its own instructions, choose a dark, non-erasable pen and check your bank’s current guidance if it specifies a type or color.
How the common pen choices compare
| Pen or ink | What the cited bank guidance says | Practical takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Black gel | U.S. Bank recommends it for writing checks, noting that its ink is more difficult to remove. Source | A reasonable choice for the front of a check when your bank has no conflicting instruction. |
| Blue or black ballpoint | Commerce Bank recommends these colors and advises against pencil or erasable ink. Source | Also a reasonable option; check your bank’s preference. |
| Pencil or erasable ink | Commerce Bank advises against them. Source | Avoid them for check fields. |
The cited guidance does not compare individual pen models or establish a fraud-proof winner. When choosing among suitable pens, consider whether the line is easy to read, whether you can write comfortably and clearly, and whether the ink smears for you in ordinary use. Those are practical selection factors, not evidence that one model performs best.
#1 Best Overall
- Fast-Drying Ink – Advanced Nano Fiber Gel Ink delivers smoother ink flow for faster-drying, smear-resistant writing
- uni Super Ink Plus+ – Faster-drying formula bonds with paper to help protect against check washing, water, fading, and document alteration
- Rich, Vibrant Lines – Dense, vibrant ink dries quickly while producing crisp, high-impact lines—even on glossy paper
- Soft Comfort Grip – Smooth, soft grip enhances control and writing comfort
- 0.7mm Medium Point – Versatile tip creates precise, easy-to-read lines for everyday writing, journaling, and office use
Use different guidance for endorsements and deposits
The endorsement area on the back of a check is not the same as the fields on its front. Chase advises using blue or black ink for endorsements, and U.S. Bank’s mobile-deposit instructions recommend black or blue ink for visibility. An excerpt from U.S. Bank’s deposit agreement warns that gel ink may not copy well in endorsement areas. Follow the instructions for your deposit method and bank rather than assuming the front-of-check recommendation applies to the back.
Does a check-writing pen need magnetic ink?
No. The Federal Reserve says magnetic ink is required for the MICR line—the machine-readable line printed along the bottom of a check. The date, payee, amount, and other handwritten information can be written with regular, nonmagnetic ink. The Federal Reserve’s Check 21 FAQ explains the distinction.
Rank #2
- uni Super Ink – Fraud-resistant ink bonds with paper to help protect against check washing, water, fading, and document alteration
- Reliable Gel Ink Performance – Delivers bold, smooth, skip-free, smear-resistant writing
- Comfort Grip – Textured rubber grip enhances control and helps reduce hand fatigue
- 0.7mm Medium Point – Versatile tip creates precise, easy-to-read lines for everyday writing, journaling, and office use
- Retractable Design with Clip – Sleek click mechanism with durable clip for easy, on-the-go use
What to look for in a check pen
- Bank compatibility: Use a color and ink type your bank accepts; bank recommendations can differ.
- Non-erasable ink: Avoid pencil and erasable ink for the front fields.
- Legibility: Write clearly so the information can be read in a scan or deposit image.
- Control: Pick a pen that lets you write your signature and numbers legibly and comfortably.
A product labeled a black gel pen for writing checks may fit U.S. Bank’s recommendation, but the label does not establish that a particular model has been tested against check alteration. A “permanent check pen” is not automatically compatible with every bank rule, either. Treat claims such as waterproof or fade-resistant as seller claims unless supported by independent testing.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Medium Point (.7mm)
- Black Ink Only - If you need blue ink check out our other listing B0GR1SXXXC Blue Security Pens 102186
- Security Pen uses special gel ink that binds to the fibers of checks or other important documents
- Ink is fade-resistant and water-resistant
- 'Security Pen' printed on barrel
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
