Canadian credit history when relocating to California

Since you are an AMEX client do as Reba said. You can start the process with them right away, they will be more than happy to help you and tell you what you need.

Going from a CAN to US branch is also easy for actual customers. You can start and open a US account right away. Your Canadian local branch will be more than happy to help you with the process. My bank's closest branch is 5 hours driving and I have yet to visit it (I don't plan to either), they have very good online, phone and mail services (free checks, pre-stamped envelop, online checks, 24h support everyday even the 4th of July). Just plan and let them know ahead what you are going to need (like the first few paychecks might come through the mail, before you get your accounting department to send it to the bank)

Bank of America helped to get us going when we first moved to California. If you have direct deposit from a job, no problem. Great way to establish credit in the US.

When we purchased our first car here, the credit histories in Canada did help a bit (they do look into it) but you don't get as good of a rate. Best to start establishing credit in the US.

We're also quite happy after joining the local credit union too.

Hope that helps.