A server storing a pool of unassigned access credentials selects an access credential from the pool, assigns it to an individual, identifies a mobile communication device associated with the individual, and pushes the access credential to the mobile communication device over a secure and authenticated channel such that the access credential is receivable by the mobile communication device. If the mobile communication device supports a proximity technology and is proximate to an access node that supports the proximity technology, the mobile communication device employs the proximity technology to present the access credential to the access node.