Usher Gift Cards Introduced Just in Time for the Holidays

Usher Gift Cards Introduced Just in Time for the Holidays

Portion of Cards' Proceeds to Benefit Usher's New Look Foundation

ATLANTA, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE:STI) announced today the introduction of two new Visa Gift cards available exclusively at SunTrust. The new Usher "In the Mix" and "Truth Tour" Visa Gift cards are prepaid debit cards that can be used anywhere in the United States where Visa debit cards are accepted.

Featuring images of the Grammy-award winning artist in conjunction with the national release of Lions Gate Films "In the Mix" on November 23, 2005, and the "Truth Tour" DVD released nationally November 8, the cards can be ordered online at www.suntrust.com/usher or by calling SunTrust Gift Card Customer Service at 1-800-318-0210. Denominations are available in whole dollar increments from $25 up to $500, and each card is personalized with the cardholder's name embossed right on the card.

As part of a more comprehensive agreement, SunTrust and Usher plan to launch several event-specific gift cards and other related financial services products in the future. The latest details can be found by periodically checking online at www.suntrust.com/usher

While Usher fans will be able to easily identify with the new cards, they also offer the flexibility and opportunity to serve as a financial educational tool for parents to help teach younger fans financial responsibility, budgeting skills and management of a set amount of money. It also provides peace-of-mind since cardholders can have the independence to make purchases without having to carry lots of cash.

Given his rise to fame at an early age, Usher recognizes that the earlier in life individuals learn about financial empowerment and responsibility the better. Along those same lines, a portion of the card's proceeds will benefit Usher's New Look Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at giving aspiring yet disadvantaged youth a new outlook on life through education and real world experiences.

Regarding his foundation, Usher commented, "It is very important for me to give back... somebody has to look out for and protect our kids, and I feel blessed to be a blessing to someone else." To learn more about Usher's New Look Foundation visit, www.ushersnewlook.org.

"Giving the Usher Visa Gift card makes perfect sense for the person giving the gift and its recipient," said Tom Ayers, vice president, Product Management for SunTrust. "You don't have to guess what to buy and spend time and money running from store to store. The recipient can use their new Usher Visa Gift card to buy what they want, when they want. And it offers all the other protection and security features people have come to expect from Visa."

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of September 30, 2005, SunTrust had total assets of $172.4 billion and total deposits of $113.7 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high- growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides credit cards, mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, equipment leasing and capital markets services. SunTrust's Internet address is suntrust.com.

Source: SunTrust Banks, Inc.

CONTACT: Hugh Suhr of SunTrust Banks, Inc., +1-404-827-6813

Web site: http://www.suntrust.com/usher
http://www.ushersnewlook.org/
http://www.suntrust.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of gift cards available upon request.

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