When I applied by phone it took FOREVER (45 minutes or so). Mostly because the CSR had to keep repeating after me what I'd just said, and half the time she'd got it wrong. So, we'd have to start all over again with the number or info I'd given her.
After I hung up, I thought, "this would have taken half the time if I'd done it online." Don't know for sure if that's true, but given the chance to do it over again, I'd apply online. Good luck, and I hope it goes faster than my experience applying by phone!