Apply online immediately or wait till I have a referral?

This may be a simple question for some, but if I'm applying to a role should I get my application in as soon as possible and leave the referral name blank, or should I wait till I have confirmation from my referral that he is going to refer me to HR and submit my application with his name filled in after I have confirmation? Ultimately, if I get the referral, whether it's filled out online or if he sends a note to HR, I would think it's the same result, but I will defer to the experts.

I'm applying for a full-time analyst role at a BB. I have a solid contact here who would likely refer me, but I'm waiting for his response.

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