Re: Credit cards,
One option is to use AmEx Global Transfer, assuming you have an AmEx card in Canada with decent credit limit and history. https://www.americanexpress.com/global-card-transfers/united-states.html I did it the other way around when I first moved from US to Canada 5 years ago, they gave me a pretty decent credit limit. If you don't have an AmEx in Canada already, I don't think this would make sense, since you'd basically be transferring a blank Canadian history to US, and that doesn't help.
Another would be Discover It card, they have rotating 5% cash back categories quarterly, and approve people with no history (they did me when I first applied as an 18 years old international student, hopefully things haven't changed), you might have to start with $2000 credit limit or something. I am sure considering you'd have a job and some savings, it shouldn't be a problem. Here is a referral link if you do want to get it, we both get 100 bucks lol. https://refer.discover.com/s/CHI40
Re: Banking
I'd honestly get Chase, largest bank in the world, branches everywhere, and some really good (and free) products if you have Direct Deposits going in to the checking account and/or maintain a minimum. They are kinda similar to RBC, relationship based, and once you have been with them for a bit, they start sending you offers for credit products etc. And if you do end up opening a checking account with them, you can ask at the branch if they'd do a low limit card for you, I know they WILL do a secured card (against some CD) at the very least.
And just use Wise for money exchange and transfer, way cheaper and easier, especially if you deal in EUR, CAD, USD etc. Canadian banks are evil with their exchange rates and cross border fees etc. lol
