Visa (V) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Crypto-Driven Opportunities

• Visa’s price dips slightly to $345.98, but options data shows heavy call open interest at strikes like $350 and $352.50.
• Put/call ratio of 0.79 (calls dominate) suggests a net bullish bias, with block trades hinting at strategic positioning.
• News highlights Visa’s crypto push and AI-driven fraud tools, aligning with options activity.

Here’s the thing: the market is pricing in a near-term upside breakout for Visa. The options data and technicals point to a high-probability trade setup, but there are risks if the stock stumbles below key levels. Let’s break it down.

Bullish Sentiment in Options: Calls Dominate at Key Strikes

Visa’s options chain is packed with action at specific strike levels. For Friday expiration, the top call open interest sits at $352.50 (2,019 contracts), $350 (1,369), and $355 (1,272). Puts are concentrated at $335 (1,355) and $330 (1,323). This isn’t random—the call skew suggests traders are betting on a push above $350, while puts act as a hedge against a drop below $335.

The block trade at $350 (V20251017C350) with 750 contracts is telling. It’s a big bet that Visa will clear $350 before October 17. Combine that with the heavy call OI at $350–$355, and you get a picture of institutional confidence in a short-term rally. But don’t ignore the puts: if the stock gaps down, those $335–$330 strikes could trigger panic selling.

Crypto and AI News Fuel the Bull Case

Visa’s recent headlines are all about crypto and AI. Analysts at Wells Fargo and KeyBanc highlight its stablecoin partnerships and B2B payment expansions. The company’s push into the $2 trillion stablecoin market—plus AI-driven fraud tools—positions it to outperform in a sector still finding its footing.

This isn’t just hype. The $345.98 price tag is already factoring in some of this optimism, but the options data shows traders are hedging their bets. If Visa’s crypto initiatives gain traction (and the news suggests they will), the stock could surge past $350. But if regulatory headwinds or market saturation hit, the puts at $335 could become a lifeline.

Actionable Trades: Calls for Friday, Puts for Next Week

For options traders, the V20251017C350 call is a standout. With 750 contracts traded and 1,369 open interest, it’s the most liquid strike for Friday. If Visa closes above $350, this call could see a 20%+ move. For a longer play, the $355 call expiring next Friday (1,482 OI) offers leverage if the stock breaks out.

On the stock side, here’s the plan:

• Entry near $344.50 (middle Bollinger Band) if support holds.
• Target $354.57 (upper Bollinger Band) if the $350 level is cleared.
• Stop-loss below $341.58 (30D support).

Puts at $335 (V20251017P335) are a safer bet for next week if the stock dips. They offer downside protection without tying up too much capital.

Volatility on the Horizon: Bullish Trends Ahead

Visa’s technicals and options data paint a clear picture: the market is pricing in a breakout. The RSI at 49.36 and MACD near zero suggest the stock is in a consolidation phase, but the heavy call OI and block trades imply a shift is coming.

The risks? If Visa can’t hold $344.50, the 200D support at $349.41 could crumble, dragging the stock toward $334.04 (lower Bollinger Band). But given the news flow and options activity, I’d lean bullish. The crypto and AI narratives are too strong to ignore—and the options market is already betting on it.

Bottom line: This is a high-conviction trade for the next two weeks. If Visa cracks $350, the rally could be explosive. But keep an eye on those support levels. In trading, as in life, you can’t chase a falling knife—or a rising star.