Visa (V) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Calls at $355 Dominate as Blockchain News Fuel Momentum

• Visa’s options market shows heavy call open interest at $355 and $400 strikes ahead of Friday’s expiry.
• Recent USDC settlement expansion and AI commerce partnerships validate long-term growth narratives.
• Technical indicators suggest a short-term breakout above $348 could trigger a rally toward $355.

Here’s the takeaway: Visa’s options activity and fundamentals align for a bullish bias, with key resistance levels and strategic options plays offering clear entry points for traders. Let’s break it down.

Bullish Imbalance in Options: Calls at $355 Signal Institutional Conviction

The options chain tells a story of cautious optimism. For Friday’s expiry (Dec 19), the V20251219C355 call has 5,079 open contracts—the highest among OTM strikes. This suggests institutional players are hedging for a potential pop above $355, likely tied to the recent blockchain-driven news. Meanwhile, puts at $305 ($3179 OI) and $330 ($3087 OI) hint at downside protection, but the put/call ratio of 0.859 (calls dominate) shows buyers are in control.

A notable block trade—V20251017C350 with 750 contracts—adds intrigue. Though the October expiry is expired, the size and strike price ($350) suggest a whale-sized bet on near-term upside. Combine this with the RSI at 62.25 (neutral to overbought) and a MACD crossing above the signal line, and the technicals lean toward a breakout.

Blockchain News: USDC Settlements and AI Partnerships Validate Long-Term Narrative

Visa’s recent moves into stablecoin settlements (via USDC on Solana) and AI-driven commerce security with Akamai aren’t just buzzwords—they’re strategic plays. By enabling 24/7 settlements and authenticating AI agents, Visa is positioning itself as a bridge between legacy finance and Web3. The $3.5B annualized settlement volume already achieved by November 2025? That’s not just a headline—it’s a proof of concept for institutional adoption.

The market’s reaction to these moves matters. Circle’s stock surged 10% post-USDC announcement, showing how interconnected Visa’s ecosystem is. If this momentum continues, the $355 call wall could become a self-fulfilling prophecy as more players bet on Visa’s blockchain leadership.

Actionable Trades: Calls at $355 and a Precision Entry at $343.39

For options traders, the V20251219C355 call (Friday expiry) offers a high-conviction play. If Visa breaks above $348 (Bollinger Upper Band at $348.30), this strike could see explosive gamma. For a safer bet, the V20251226C345 (next Friday expiry) allows more time for the stock to rally, with a lower cost of entry.

Stock traders should watch the $343.39–$344.69 resistance zone (200D MA range). If price holds above this, consider entries near $343.39 with a target at $355. A bullish call spread using V20251226C345 and V20251226C355 could cap risk while leveraging the call wall.

Volatility on the Horizon: Balancing Momentum and Caution

The setup isn’t without risks. If Visa fails to hold above $343.39, the 30D support at $329.18 could test patience. But with the 100D MA at $340.84 and the 200D MA at $344.36 converging, the path of least resistance is up. The key is to stay nimble—lock in profits if the stock hits $355, or adjust stops if it stalls near $348.

Bottom line: Visa’s options and fundamentals are in sync for a short-term rally. The blockchain and AI narratives give this trade legs, while technical levels and options flow provide a roadmap. Trade with discipline, and you might just ride the next leg higher.