Visa (V) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Block Trades Point to Potential Breakout Above $350

• Visa’s current price of $348.16 sits just above its 200-day moving average ($345.21), hinting at a potential breakout.
• Options open interest shows a 0.80 put/call skew, with heavy call buying at $355 and $400 strikes expiring this Friday.
• A $321,000 block trade in the V20251017C350 call suggests institutional confidence in near-term upside.

Here’s the core insight: Visa’s options market is pricing in a bullish bias, with heavy call open interest and technical indicators aligning for a potential push above key resistance. While the stock remains in a long-term range, short-term catalysts—including options-driven momentum—could tip the scales toward a breakout. Let’s break down what this means for traders.

Bullish Sentiment in Options: Calls at $355, Puts at $330, and a $350 Block Trade

The options chain tells a clear story. For Friday expiration, the $355 call (OI: 1,908) and $400 call (OI: 1,089) dominate open interest, while puts peak at the $330 strike (OI: 2,824). This isn’t random—high open interest at these levels means money is waiting to act. The put/call ratio of 0.80 (calls outweighing puts) suggests investors are hedging for downside but leaning into upside potential.

But here’s the twist: The V20251017C350 call—a block trade of 750 contracts totaling $321,000—adds intrigue. This strike is just $18 above the current price, yet someone is betting big on it. Why? If Visa cracks $350, this call becomes in-the-money, and the block trade could amplify buying pressure. Think of it like a magnet: once the stock approaches $350, the options market might pull it higher.

No Major News, But Options Are Telling a Story

Visa’s recent news flow is quiet—no major earnings surprises or regulatory shifts to fuel a move. But in a low-news environment, options activity often takes center stage. The heavy call buying at $355 and $400 implies traders are pricing in a scenario where Visa’s long-term ranging pattern breaks. It’s not about today’s headlines—it’s about positioning for a future where the stock reclaims its 2025 high or faces macroeconomic optimism.

That said, the $330 put open interest (OI: 2,824) isn’t negligible. If Visa dips below its 30-day support ($341.58), those puts could trigger a short-covering rally. But for now, the bias is clearly tilted toward the upside.

Actionable Trade Ideas: Calls for Friday, Stock for Breakouts

For options traders: The $355 call (V251017C355000) expiring Friday is a high-conviction play. With 1,908 contracts in open interest, liquidity is solid, and a move above $350 could create a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you want a longer-term angle, the $365 call (V251024C365000) next Friday offers a cheaper premium while targeting a level where Bollinger Bands suggest volatility could expand.

For stock traders: Consider entry near $345–$347 if Visa holds its 200-day moving average. A break above $350 would validate the block trade’s thesis, with initial targets at $355 (matching heavy call OI) and $360 (next resistance). Stop-loss placement below $341.58 (30-day support) would protect against a breakdown.

Volatility on the Horizon: A Bullish Setup with Caveats

Visa isn’t screaming for a breakout—it’s whispering. The technicals (MACD above signal line, RSI neutral at 48) and options flow both point to a stock primed for a directional move. But don’t ignore the risks: A failure to hold $345 could reignite bearish sentiment, especially with those $330 puts waiting in the wings.

The key takeaway? This is a stock at a crossroads. The options market is pricing in a bullish outcome, but execution matters. If Visa’s management can deliver on its long-term vision—whether through fintech innovation or fee growth—the current options-driven momentum could be the spark needed to break out of its range. For now, keep an eye on $350. If it falls, the bulls win. If it breaks, the bears might not stand a chance.