Visa (V) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Strategic Entry Points for 2026

• Visa’s options market shows heavy call open interest at $355–$360 strikes, hinting at a potential short-term breakout.
• Recent news on stablecoin settlements and AI-driven fraud tools reinforces long-term growth optimism.
• Technical indicators suggest a pullback to $343.40 (200D MA) could trigger a rebound, but overbought RSI warns of near-term volatility.

Here’s the takeaway: Visa is primed for a bullish push above $355, but traders need to watch for profit-taking pressure as RSI nears 78. The options data and news flow align with a strategic entry window for those positioning for 2026’s momentum.

What the Options Chain Reveals About Market Sentiment

The options market is betting on a directional move. For this Friday’s expiration (Jan 2, 2026), V20260102C355 and V20260102C360 calls dominate open interest, with 1,694 and 470 contracts respectively. This suggests institutional players are hedging for a price surge above $355—a level just below today’s intraday high of $356.55. Meanwhile, puts at $340 (1,211 OI) and $330 (963 OI) act as a safety net, but the put/call ratio of 0.875 (favoring calls) tells us fear of a deep selloff isn’t widespread.

A notable block trade—V20251017C350 with $321k turnover—adds intrigue. Though the direction is unclear, the sheer volume (750 contracts) implies a whale is either locking in gains or positioning for a rally. Either way, it’s a signal to watch the $350–$360 range closely.

How Recent News Fuels the Bull Case

Visa’s stablecoin settlement launch and B2B expansion in the U.K. aren’t just buzzwords—they’re concrete steps into high-growth markets. The $12B tech investment and AI fraud tools have already blocked billions in scams, reinforcing trust in its core business. These moves align with the options data: investors are pricing in a future where Visa’s digital infrastructure becomes a cash cow.

But here’s the catch: insider selling by execs like Ryan McInerney (who offloaded $3.57M worth of shares) introduces noise. It’s not a red flag, but a reminder that fundamentals alone don’t drive price—psychology does. If the market discounts this selling as a personal move rather than a bearish signal, the bulls keep control.

Actionable Trade Ideas for Today

For options traders, the most compelling setup is buying V20260102C355 calls. With the stock trading at $353.91, this strike is just 0.3% out of the money. A break above $356.55 (intraday high) could trigger a rally toward $360, where the next wave of call buyers is waiting. For a longer-term play, V20260109C360 offers leverage if the $355–$360 range holds into next week.

Stock traders should consider entries near $353.80 (today’s low) if the price holds above the 200D MA at $344.63. A successful rebound could target $360, where Bollinger Bands and the 30D support/resistance zone converge. A stop-loss below $343.40 would protect against a breakdown.Volatility on the Horizon

The next 72 hours will test Visa’s resolve. A close above $356.55 could ignite a rally toward $365, where the 100D MA and key call strikes align. Conversely, a drop below $343.40 might force a retest of the $330–$340 put-heavy zone. Either way, the options data and news flow suggest this is a stock with momentum on its side—provided the bulls can hold the $343.40 lifeline.

Bottom line: Visa’s options and fundamentals are in sync for a bullish breakout, but traders should balance aggression with caution. The $355–$360 range is the battleground for 2026’s first act.