Visa (V) Options Signal Bullish Bias at $325–$340: Here’s How to Play the Breakout

• Visa’s Q4 revenue hit $6.5B, up 12% YoY, with a $1.2B cybersecurity acquisition to boost fraud detection.
• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $340 and $355, while puts dominate at $320 and $325.
• RSI at 26.74 and MACD below zero hint at oversold conditions but confirm a short-term bearish trend.
• Regulatory scrutiny in the EU and CEO transition add near-term uncertainty.

Here’s the core insight: Visa’s options market is pricing in a potential rebound above $325, but with a bearish undercurrent. The stock is trading at $325.61, down 0.23% from its open, and technical indicators suggest a short-term pullback. Yet, the options data tells a different story—call open interest is surging at strikes above $327.50, while puts dominate at $320 and $325. This mix of bearish momentum and bullish positioning creates a tightrope for traders today.

The Pressure Points in Options: Calls vs. Puts at Key Strikes

Let’s break down the OTM options data. For this Friday’s expiration, the V20260123C3275 call has 1,711 open contracts, and the V20260123C340 call has 2,584. That’s a clear signal that traders are betting on a rebound above $327.50. Meanwhile, puts at $320 (V20260123P320) and $325 (V20260123P325) have 2,417 and 1,698 open contracts, respectively. The put/call ratio for open interest is 0.88, meaning calls outweigh puts, but the heavy put activity at $325 suggests a floor many expect the stock to test.

Block trading data shows no whale moves today, so the action is driven by retail and institutional options players. The key takeaway? If Visa breaks above $325.92 (30D resistance), the $327.50–$340 calls could ignite. But if it dips below $324.97 (intraday low), the $320 puts might dominate.

News Flow: Catalysts and Headwinds

Visa’s recent news is a mixed bag. The $1.2B SecurePay acquisition and $2.5B share buyback are bullish, as is the 10% stock dividend and $500M sustainability push. These moves signal management’s confidence in the stock’s value. But the EU antitrust probe and CEO transition add near-term risks. Investors are likely hedging against regulatory headwinds (hence the $320–$325 put activity) while still betting on the company’s long-term growth in digital payments.

Actionable Trade Ideas: Calls, Puts, and Stock Entries

For options traders:

• This Friday: Buy the V20260123C3275 if Visa closes above $325.92. Target a $330–$340 move.
• Next Friday: Buy the V20260130C3425 if the stock holds above $325.28 (30D support). This gives time for the SecurePay deal to gain traction.

For stock traders:

• Entry near $325.28 if the price holds above that level. Target $343.59 (middle Bollinger Band) as a first resistance.
• Stop-loss below $324.97 to protect against a breakdown.

Volatility on the Horizon: Balancing Bullish Catalysts and Regulatory Risks

Visa’s fundamentals are strong—$6.5B revenue, expanding digital wallets, and a robust buyback. But the EU probe and leadership transition could create short-term noise. The options market is pricing in a $325–$340 battleground. If the stock holds above $325.28, the $340–$355 calls could become the next hotspot. If it cracks below $325, the $320 puts might see a rush. Either way, the coming days will test whether the market sees Visa’s growth story as a rebound or a correction.

Bottom line: This is a high-conviction trade for those comfortable with volatility. The key is to stay nimble—lock in profits if the stock breaks above $327.50, or tighten stops if it dips below $324.97. The next 72 hours could tell us whether Visa’s bull case is just getting started.