How to add cron jobs to a Next.js app on Vercel (without upgrading to Pro)

If you've built a Next.js app on Vercel and needed a scheduled job — a digest email, a daily cleanup, a sync — you've probably hit the same wall: Vercel's cron jobs are Pro-only, and the free tier limits you to once per day. Here's how to get reliable cron jobs on any Vercel plan, including free. The problem with Vercel cron Vercel added native cron support, but with significant limitations: Pro plan required — not available on Hobby Once per day maximum on Hobby even if you upgrade No execution