Banking, credit cards and your credit score
In the US you only count with a credit score. It starts at zero, however creditworthy you were in the Netherlands. Here's how to build one in a year.
Before you leave: Wise
Open a Wise account in the Netherlands and activate a USD balance with US routing and account numbers. You can get paid and pay (rent, deposit) in the US before you have a US bank. Load a few thousand dollars: the first month is expensive (deposit = one month's rent, car, furniture).
Opening a bank account
Go in person to a Chase or Bank of America branch with passport, visa/I-94, proof of address and (if you have it) your SSN; without an SSN it often works with an ITIN or the SSA receipt letter. You'll get a checking and a savings account. Ask for an account without monthly fees (often free with payroll direct deposit). Enable Zelle: it's the Tikkie of the US.
Checks still exist. Your landlord may want one for the deposit. Ask for a checkbook when you open the account, or use 'bill pay' in the app.
Credit score: how it works
Your score (300–850) measures how reliably you borrow. It determines your interest rate, whether you get an apartment, sometimes even your phone plan. Factors: paying on time (35%), how much of your limit you use (30%, keep it under 30%), age of accounts, credit mix and new applications. Above 700 is 'good', above 750 'excellent'.
Your first credit card
Three routes: 1) Nova Credit translates your Dutch credit history for American Express and some banks; 2) American Express Global Card Transfer if you already had an Amex in NL; 3) a secured card (you deposit $500 as collateral) with Chase, Capital One or Discover. Use the card every month for groceries, auto-pay the full balance. After 6–12 months you'll be offered 'real' cards.
Always pay the full balance. US credit card interest is 20–30% a year.
Your Dutch account
Keep your Dutch account for pension, mortgage and DigiD matters, but tell your bank your new address: some banks close accounts of non-residents. Mind FBAR: if your foreign accounts total more than $10,000, you report that annually to the US government (see the tax guide).