Visa (V) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Trading Setups for Dec 19 Expiry

• Visa’s price dipped 0.74% to $345.25, trading below its 200D MA of $344.53 but above key support at $343.39.
• Options data shows a 24% call-heavy open interest bias, with heavy call volume at $350–$400 strikes and puts clustering at $330–$340.
• Goldman Sachs upgraded Visa to Overweight, citing strong cross-border growth and a $2.5B buyback boost.

Here’s the takeaway: The options market is pricing in a bullish bias for a near-term breakout above $344.69 resistance, but downside risks linger near $330 support. Let’s break it down.Bullish Call Pressure and Whale Moves at $350

Visa’s options chain is skewed bullish, with V20251219C350 (Dec 19 $350 call) and V20251219C355 (Dec 19 $355 call) dominating open interest. These strikes suggest traders are betting on a sharp rebound above $344.69 (200D MA) ahead of the expiry. Meanwhile, V20251219P340 (Dec 19 $340 put) has the most put open interest, hinting at a cautious hedge below $343.39 support.

A notable block trade of 750 contracts at V20251017C350 (Oct 17 $350 call) for $321K adds intrigue. While the trade direction is unclear, it could signal a whale hedging a long position or positioning for a late-December rally. Either way, the $350 level is a focal point.

News Flow: Cybersecurity and Buybacks Fuel Optimism

Visa’s $1.2B acquisition of SecurePay and $2.5B stock buyback program are major tailwinds. These moves align with the options market’s bullish tilt, as investors price in stronger fraud detection capabilities and EPS growth from share repurchases. The EU compliance costs and $180M DOJ settlement are already factored in—prices have stabilized post-announcement, so regulatory risks feel baked in.

However, the $330 support level (30D MA) remains fragile. If the stock breaks below $330.27 (middle Bollinger Band), the put-heavy $330–$320 strikes could trigger a cascade of stop-loss orders.

Actionable Trade Ideas for Dec 19 and BeyondFor options traders: Buy V20251219C350 (Dec 19 $350 call) if Visa closes above $344.69 today. The strike has 416 open interest and sits just 1.4% above current price—ideal for a short-term pop. Alternatively, a put spread using V20251219P340 and V20251219P330 could hedge downside risk if volatility spikes.For stock traders: Consider entry near $343.39 (200D MA support) with a target at $350. If the stock holds above $343.83 (intraday low), it could test $348.45 (intraday high) next. A breakdown below $330.27 would shift momentum to the puts.Volatility on the Horizon

Visa’s options activity and news flow paint a clear picture: bulls are stacking up at $350, while bears are bracing at $330. The coming days will test whether the $344.53 200D MA holds as support or turns into a pivot point for a deeper pullback. Either way, the $350 call strikes and $330 put strikes are your best bets to play both sides of this tight range.

Final note: This isn’t a one-way bet. Keep an eye on the RSI (71.1) and MACD (0.13) for early signs of exhaustion. If the stock gaps up above $348.45, the $355–$400 calls could run. But if it cracks $330, don’t ignore the puts—this market isn’t done surprising us yet.