Originally published on Best Stocks Category: best stocks to buy now Thrift institutions are lending again and their stock prices have reflected the resurgence of confidence. The best thrifts stocks for 2022 are those that stand to benefit from this positive outlook. These lenders are primarily local operators, usually with a focus on small businesses and consumers in their communities. Their owners tend to be the local community or a non-profit organization that has specific charitable aims when it comes to their investment strategy; reinvesting profits in the services they provide and avoiding paying dividends as much as possible. This limits potential earnings growth but makes them a safer bet in an uncertain market. The following is our list of the best thrifts stocks to buy for 2022 and beyond.Synchrony FinancialSynchrony Financial is a great thrift stock to buy. The company is a well-known provider of private label credit card services. A major client is retail giant Walmart, where customers earn points toward discounts on merchandise. The company’s other customers include Amazon, Lowe’s and Home Depot. Synchrony also issued a credit card to members of the Amazon Prime loyalty scheme. In recent years, Synchrony has been diversifying its business model in order to prepare for the potential effects of a slowdown in the retail sector. It has been growing its installment lending portfolio and increasing its presence in the small business credit market.First Republic BankFirst Republic is another great thrift stock to buy. This bank specializes in managing assets for wealthy individuals and families. Its customers tend to have large amounts of discretionary income and a higher rate of savings than the general population. First Republic aims to position itself as a financial advisor for its clients, helping them plan for retirement, saving for children’s education and protecting against risk. It has a strong brand, with a focus on customer service and a track record of cyber security. First Republic has a long history of socially responsible lending policies, including a general aversion to investing in tobacco, gun and fossil fuel companies. It also has a policy against investing in companies with high levels of debt.Capital OneCapital One Financial is a highly diversified financial services company that serves a wide range of customers, from young adults to senior citizens. It operates across multiple channels, including credit cards and loans, bank deposits and online/mobile banking. Capital One has a large presence in the credit card market, with one of the most recognizable brand names thanks to its “What’s in Your Wallet?” advertising campaign. The company also offers auto loans, mortgages and investment products. Capital One has recently been focusing on growing its small business lending segment, assisting growing companies in a sector that is otherwise has seen a decline in lending.MUFG Union BankThe MUFG Union Bank is a subsidiary of the Japanese bank MUFG. It is one of the world’s largest thrift institutions, with a presence in more than 30 states and territories in the U.S. and $95 billion in assets under management. MUFG Union Bank specializes in lending to small and medium-sized businesses. It has a strong presence in California, New York and Texas and has partnered with local businesses to provide financing while also helping them with tax, accounting and marketing services. Union Bank is a member of the New York Clearing House, a step toward full membership in the Federal Reserve System. Authorities pre-approved its application in 2015, but the bank has not yet applied for full membership. Achieving this status would greatly reduce its costs and boost its credibility, making it a great thrift stock to buy.American ExpressAmerican Express is a household name, but it is also a thrift institution, albeit one that has changed its business model to become a bank. The company was founded in 1850 as a cross-border services provider, transporting funds between countries through letters of credit. American Express has since evolved into a major credit card provider and a leading provider of travel and rewards cards. It has also expanded its services to include small business and consumer loans. AmEx has a history of responsible business practices and a reputation for providing high-quality customer service. It has a great brand recognition, a large customer base and access to capital, making it a great thrift stock to buy.Discover Financial ServicesDiscover Financial Services is a diversified financial services provider serving a wide range of customers, from those seeking credit cards to those seeking a mortgage. It also provides payment processing and other services to retailers, including gift cards, payroll and other payment systems. Discover has a number of popular credit card brands, including Discover, Discover Student and the eponymous Diners Club. It is also well known for its cashback program, where customers are given a certain percentage of the amount spent each time. The company has a strong reputation for responsible lending practices, but it has been facing increasing criticism for allegedly high rates of default. Discover has also recently been criticized for a change in its cashback policy.Bottom lineThe best thrifts stocks for 2022 and beyond are those that have demonstrated a commitment to responsible business practices. This includes minimizing the risk of default and providing customers with high levels of customer service. But while they may be great for customers, they are not necessarily great for investors. Thrift institutions tend to be locally focused, which means their earnings are not widely distributed by way of dividends. This limits potential gains, making these stocks less attractive to investors seeking high returns. Still, the best thrifts stocks should be relatively safe investments on an unpredictable market with lots of uncertainty.