-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
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 TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB
MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
 LncBMlbCyYAHSQfsWAEdWf4Ja4bmm6MJRrx8wGn5TPieZXc6Nu61xhdHoO+4Wnl/
 qDxaNxqIXEp58jkwqCHuXw==

<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000750556-04-000011.txt : 20040122
<SEC-HEADER>0000750556-04-000011.hdr.sgml : 20040122
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20040122165821
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000750556-04-000011
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	4
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20040121
FILED AS OF DATE:		20040122

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			HILL C T
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001181993

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-08918
		FILM NUMBER:		04538092

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O SUNTRUST BANKS INC
		STREET 2:		P O BOX 4418 MAIL CODE 643
		CITY:			ATLANTA
		STATE:			GA
		ZIP:			30302
		BUSINESS PHONE:		4045811678

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			SUNTRUST BANKS INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000750556
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021]
		IRS NUMBER:				581575035
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			GA
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		303 PEACHTREE ST N E
		CITY:			ATLANTA
		STATE:			GA
		ZIP:			30308
		BUSINESS PHONE:		4045887711

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		303 PEACHTREE ST N E
		CITY:			ATLANTA
		STATE:			GA
		ZIP:			30308
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>edgar.xml
<DESCRIPTION>PRIMARY DOCUMENT
<TEXT>
<XML>
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<ownershipDocument>
    <schemaVersion>X0201</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType><periodOfReport>2004-01-21</periodOfReport>
    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000750556</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>SUNTRUST BANKS INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>STI</issuerTradingSymbol></issuer><reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001181993</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>HILL C T</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>919 EAST MAIN STREET</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>RICHMOND</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>VA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>23219</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
            <reportingOwnerRelationship>
<isDirector>0</isDirector><isOfficer>1</isOfficer><isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner><isOther>0</isOther><officerTitle>Executive Vice President</officerTitle></reportingOwnerRelationship></reportingOwner><nonDerivativeTable><nonDerivativeTransaction><securityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></securityTitle><transactionDate><value>2004-01-21</value></transactionDate><transactionCoding><transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType><transactionCode>M</transactionCode><equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved></transactionCoding><transactionAmounts><transactionShares><value>2876</value></transactionShares><transactionPricePerShare><value>21.68</value></transactionPricePerShare><transactionAcquiredDisposedCode><value>A</value></transactionAcquiredDisposedCode></transactionAmounts><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>21757</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfO
wnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></nonDerivativeTransaction><nonDerivativeTransaction><securityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></securityTitle><transactionDate><value>2004-01-21</value></transactionDate><transactionCoding><transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType><transactionCode>F</transactionCode><equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved></transactionCoding><transactionAmounts><transactionShares><value>860</value></transactionShares><transactionPricePerShare><value>72.47</value></transactionPricePerShare><transactionAcquiredDisposedCode><value>D</value></transactionAcquiredDisposedCode></transactionAmounts><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>20897</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></nonDerivativeTransaction><nonDerivativeTransaction><securityTitle><value>Common Stock</valu
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ounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>I</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value>401(k)</value><footnoteId id="F1"/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></nonDerivativeHolding><nonDerivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></securityTitle><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>2210</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>I</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value>Restricted Stock</value><footnoteId id="F2"/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></nonDerivativeHolding></nonDerivativeTable><derivativeTable><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Phantom Stock Units</value><footnoteId id="F3"/></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><footnoteId id="F3"/></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><footnoteId id="F3"/></exerciseDate><expirationDate><footnoteId id="F3"/></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><val
ue>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>271.635</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>271.635</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Phantom Stock Units</value><footnoteId id="F4"/></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><footnoteId id="F4"/></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><footnoteId id="F4"/></exerciseDate><expirationDate><footnoteId id="F4"/></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>370.0041</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>370.0041</value></share
sOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeTransaction><securityTitle><value>Option</value><footnoteId id="F5"/></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>21.6800</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><transactionDate><value>2004-01-21</value></transactionDate><transactionCoding><transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType><transactionCode>M</transactionCode><equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved></transactionCoding><transactionAmounts><transactionShares><value>2876</value></transactionShares><transactionPricePerShare><value>21.68</value></transactionPricePerShare><transactionAcquiredDisposedCode><value>D</value></transactionAcquiredDisposedCode></transactionAmounts><exerciseDate><value>1994-01-27</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2004-01-27</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecuri
tyTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>2876</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>0</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeTransaction><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option</value><footnoteId id="F6"/></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>19.7000</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>1995-01-26</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2005-01-26</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>4524</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>4524</value></sharesOwne
dFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (6)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>28.1900</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>1996-01-25</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2006-01-25</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>5286</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>5286</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value
>Option (6)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>37.2700</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>1997-01-23</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2007-01-23</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>4326</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>4326</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (6)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>38.2800</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>1997-02-24</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2007-02-24</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecur
ityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>2640</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>2640</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (6)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>54.3900</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>1998-01-22</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2008-01-22</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>1838</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>1838</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransac
tion></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (6)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>54.3900</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>1998-01-22</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2008-01-22</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>6514</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>6514</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (6)</valu
e></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>65.1875</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>2000-12-31</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2009-02-08</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>1534</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>1534</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (6)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>73.0625</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>2002-11-09</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2009-11-09</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>C
ommon Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>1365</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>1365</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (6)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>73.0625</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>2002-11-09</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2009-11-09</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>4635</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>4635</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransa
ctionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option</value><footnoteId id="F7"/></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>51.125</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>2003-11-14</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2010-11-14</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>15000</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>15000</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (7)</val
ue></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>64.57</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>2004-11-13</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2011-11-13</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Common Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>15000</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>15000</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding><derivativeHolding><securityTitle><value>Option (7)</value></securityTitle><conversionOrExercisePrice><value>54.28</value></conversionOrExercisePrice><exerciseDate><value>2006-02-11</value></exerciseDate><expirationDate><value>2013-02-11</value></expirationDate><underlyingSecurity><underlyingSecurityTitle><value>Co
mmon Stock</value></underlyingSecurityTitle><underlyingSecurityShares><value>15000</value></underlyingSecurityShares></underlyingSecurity><postTransactionAmounts><sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction><value>15000</value></sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction></postTransactionAmounts><ownershipNature><directOrIndirectOwnership><value>D</value></directOrIndirectOwnership><natureOfOwnership><value/></natureOfOwnership></ownershipNature></derivativeHolding></derivativeTable><footnotes><footnote id="F1">Because the stock fund component of the 401(k) Plan is accounted for in unit accounting, the number of share equivalents varies based on the closing price of SunTrust stock on the applicable measurement date.</footnote><footnote id="F2">Restricted stock held under SunTrust Banks, Inc. 2000 Stock Plan.  Subject to certain vesting conditions.  Restricted stock agreement contains tax withholding features allowing stock to be withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations.  This plan is exempt under Rule 16(b)-3.</footnote><fo
otnote id="F3">The reported phantom stock units were acquired under SunTrust Banks, Inc.'s 401(k) excess benefit plan.  These securities convert to common stock on a one-for-one basis.</footnote><footnote id="F4">The reported phantom stock units were acquired under Crestar Bank's ANEX plan.  These securities convert to common stock on a one-for-one basis.</footnote><footnote id="F5">Granted pursuant to the SunTrust Banks, Inc. Executive Stock Plan.</footnote><footnote id="F6">Granted pursuant to the 1995 SunTrust Executive Stock Plan.</footnote><footnote id="F7">Granted pursuant to the SunTrust Banks, Inc. 2000 Stock Plan.</footnote></footnotes><remarks/><ownerSignature><signatureName>Margaret Hodgson, Attorney-in-Fact for Charles T. Hill</signatureName><signatureDate>2004-01-22</signatureDate></ownerSignature></ownershipDocument>

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</SEC-DOCUMENT>
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