Visa’s Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strikes and Block Trades Point to $350+ Upside Potential

• Visa’s price surged 1.25% to $342.47, breaking above its 30-day moving average of $343.94.
• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $350 and $370, with a 0.806 put/call ratio favoring bullish bets.
• A $750-block trade in the $350 call (V20251017C350) hints at institutional positioning for a near-term breakout.
• Visa’s Q4 revenue hit $10.7B, up 12% YoY, while its $38B swipe fee settlement could reshape merchant pricing dynamics.

Here’s the core insight: The options market is pricing in a high-probability scenario where Visa breaks above $344.26 (intraday high) and tests $350, driven by strong fundamentals and strategic partnerships. But watch for a breakdown below $337.40 (intraday low)—that could trigger a short-term selloff.The Options Imbalance: Why $350 Is the Magic Number

Let’s start with the numbers. The options chain for next Friday’s expiration shows 2,538 open calls at $350—the most of any strike. That’s not just noise. It’s a signal that traders are betting Visa will clear $350 before expiration. The next closest call is $370 with 2,285 OI, which suggests the market isn’t pricing in a moonshot but a measured rally.

On the put side, 2,532 open puts at $335 are the most striking. That’s a key support level. If Visa dips below $337.40 (intraday low), the $335 puts could see heavy action. But here’s the twist: the put/call ratio is skewed toward calls (0.806), meaning the market is more confident in the upside.

And then there’s that $750-block trade in the $350 call. Block trades are like whispers from big players. This one, worth $321,000, suggests someone with deep pockets is hedging or accumulating position. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a vote of confidence.

Company News: Fuel for the Bull Case

Visa’s recent news isn’t just background noise—it’s the engine. The $38B swipe fee settlement might seem like a regulatory drag, but it’s actually a win. By capping interchange fees at 1.25% for eight years, Visa is locking in long-term predictability for merchants. That’s good for adoption, which means more transactions and more revenue.

Then there’s the B2B embedded finance partnership with Transcard. This isn’t just another line item—it’s a strategic move into the $10T global logistics market. If Visa can digitize working capital for freight companies, it’s opening a new revenue stream. And the Klarna expansion in Europe? That’s a direct hit to Mastercard and PayPal’s dominance in the “buy now, pay later” space.

But don’t ignore the risks. The National Retail Federation’s opposition to the settlement could delay final approval. And while Q4 revenue is up 12%, the RSI at 40.47 suggests the stock is in oversold territory. That’s a double-edged sword—it could mean a rebound, or it could mean a deeper correction if earnings miss expectations.

Actionable Trade Ideas: Calls, Puts, and Price Levels

Let’s get practical. If you’re bullish, the V20251017C350 call (next Friday’s $350 strike) is your best bet. With 2,538 OI, it’s the most liquid and least volatile of the high-strike calls. Buy it if Visa breaks above $344.26 (intraday high). Your target? $350. Your stop? $337.40.

For the cautious, the V20251017P335 put offers downside protection. If Visa dips below $337.40, this put could gain value as the $335 support level is tested. But don’t overcommit—this is a defensive play, not a speculative one.

For stock traders, the $341.95 middle Bollinger Band is a key entry point. If Visa holds here, it’s a buy. Your target? $350. Your stop? $333.13 (lower Bollinger Band).

Volatility on the Horizon: What to Watch

The next two weeks are critical. Visa’s CFO and Group President will present at the KBW Fintech Payments Conference on Nov 12. That’s a chance to gauge investor sentiment. And don’t forget the $350 call block trade—if Visa hits that level, the options market will react.

But here’s the wildcard: the $38B settlement’s final approval. If the National Retail Federation’s objections stall the deal, Visa could face a short-term selloff. That’s where the $335 put comes in handy.

In the long term, Visa’s $40B revenue run rate and strategic bets in B2B and AI commerce suggest a floor of $330. But the options market is pricing in a ceiling of $370. That’s the sweet spot for traders who can stomach the volatility.

Final Takeaway

Visa is at a crossroads. The options market is bullish, the fundamentals are strong, but the technicals are mixed. If you’re in, play it smart: use the $350 call as a leveraged bet and the $335 put as insurance. If you’re out, watch the $344.26 level—it’s the key to unlocking the next phase of this trade.

And remember: the market isn’t always rational. But right now, the data says $350 is the next big number. Let’s see if it holds.