Last updated: August 2026
After submitting an application, most of the waiting is not the credit decision — that is usually fast. It is document verification, or delivery. Knowing which stage you are at tells you whether to wait or to act.
What the stages mean
| Status | What is happening | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted / received | Application logged, not yet assessed | Wait — usually brief |
| In progress / under review | Verification and assessment running | Wait; check for document requests |
| Referred / pending | Moved to a human reviewer | Not a decline. Respond quickly to any request |
| Approved | Credit decision made | Await RICA and delivery |
| Declined | Assessment not passed | Ask the reason before doing anything else |
| Dispatched | Device with the courier | Track delivery |
Referred is not declined
This is the status people misread, and misreading it causes real harm. A referral means something needs checking by a person — unclear documents, a mismatched address, self-employment income needing manual assessment.
Treating it as a rejection and applying elsewhere is the worst response, because multiple applications in a short window are visible to providers and count against you. See cellphone contract declined, what now.
How to check
- The provider’s app or online account, usually the fastest route.
- The reference number from your confirmation — keep it, since every enquiry will ask for it.
- Customer service, quoting that reference.
- Your email and SMS, including spam, where document requests often land.
Unanswered document requests are the most common reason an application sits still. It is worth checking spam before assuming nothing is happening.
If it stalls
Contact the provider and ask specifically what is outstanding. “In progress” tells you nothing actionable; “we are waiting on proof of address” tells you everything.
See how long approval takes, what documents are needed and cellphone contract requirements.
Provider application pages: MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, Cell C. See also apply online.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my application status?
Through the provider’s app or online account, or by contacting them with your reference number.
What does referred mean?
A human is reviewing something. It is not a decline.
Why has nothing happened for days?
Most often an outstanding document request. Check your email and spam folder.
Should I apply elsewhere while waiting?
No. Multiple applications in a short period are visible and count against you.
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Application processes and timelines are set by each provider and change regularly.