A checkbook cover has an exterior cover, an interior check and register holder affixed adjacent to the cover, and a slot formed through the exterior cover. A writing instrument, preferably with a pocket clip thereon, passes partially through the exterior cover slot to a chamber between exterior cover and interior check and register holder. The pocket clip encompasses at least a part of the exterior cover. The checkbook cover is formed using standard sheet processing techniques, but includes the additional step of severing at a selected strategic internal location to form the slot. Additional force distributors, preferably in the form of circular cut-outs, may be formed at the terminations of the slot. Heat stamped reinforcements are provided in the preferred embodiment about the slot and force distributors, to further strengthen the cover.