Visa (V) Options Signal $350 Call Frenzy: Here’s How to Ride the Bullish Wave Before Earnings

• Visa’s stock surged 6% yesterday on a Bank of America upgrade and a landmark MDL settlement.
• Options data shows 3,382 open calls at $400 (next Friday expiry) vs. 3,055 puts at $305—hinting at aggressive bullish bets.
• A $321K block trade in V20251017C350 suggests big players are eyeing a breakout above $350.

Here’s the takeaway: Visa’s options market is pricing in a strong upside bias, with heavy call buying at key strikes and technicals aligning for a potential push above $350. But watch for short-term profit-taking risks as RSI hits 72.29 (overbought territory).

Bullish Pressure at $350–$355: Decoding the Options Imbalance

The options chain tells a clear story. For next Friday’s expiry (Dec 19), V20251219C350 and V20251219C355 dominate call open interest (2,363 and 2,505 contracts, respectively). That’s not just noise—it’s a vote of confidence from traders expecting a sustained rally. Meanwhile, puts at $342.5 (2,588 OI) act as a safety net for those hedging against a pullback.

The block trade in V20251017C350 (750 contracts, $321K turnover) adds intrigue. While the expiration is weeks away, it suggests institutional players are locking in exposure ahead of the Q4 earnings report (due Dec 19). Combine this with a 0.826 put/call ratio (calls dominate) and you’ve got a recipe for a short-term bullish bias.

News Flow: Why the Options Market Is Right to Be Bullish

The BofA upgrade isn’t just a headline—it’s a catalyst. The MDL settlement, stablecoin growth hitting $2.5B, and B2B expansion all validate Visa’s long-term moat. But here’s the kicker: investors are pricing in near-term momentum, not just fundamentals. The Vietnam and Syria expansions, while strategic, won’t move the needle until 2026. What matters now is the Fed’s rate-cut optimism and the market’s hunger for AI/digital payments plays.

That said, don’t ignore the risks. The RSI at 72.29 and Bollinger Bands (price near upper band at $340.52) suggest a short-term correction could follow. But with support at $343.39 (200D MA) and a 7-8% U.S. payment volume growth backdrop, the pullback might be a buying opportunity.

Actionable Trade Ideas: Calls, Stock, and the Perfect Exit

1. Options Play: Buy V20251219C350 (strike $350, expiry Dec 19). Why? The $350 level is a psychological hurdle and a key resistance from the 30D/200D MA. If Visa breaks above $349.84 (intraday high), this call could see 15–20% gains by expiry. Target exit: $355 (RSI retest zone).

1. Stock Play: Enter near $345 if price holds above the 30D support ($334.38–$334.87). A breakout above $349.84 would target $355–$360, aligning with the heavy call OI. Stop-loss: $343.39 (200D MA).

1. Bearish Hedge: For cautious bulls, buy V20251219P342.5 (2,588 OI) to protect against a 2–3% dip. This strike is close to the 20D support and offers 1:1 risk/reward if the stock stabilizes.

Volatility on the Horizon: What to Watch

The next 72 hours will test Visa’s resolve. A close above $349.84 would validate the bullish case, while a drop below $345.97 (intraday low) could trigger a test of $343.39. But with Q4 earnings on Dec 19 and the FIFA World Cup marketing push, the long-term trend remains intact. For now, the options market is pricing in a $350+ reality—and that’s a setup worth betting on.